What do you think?
Rate this book
The Love Match #3
The Love Dare
He’s the most eligible bachelor in professional hockey.
She’s his best friend’s little sister—aka, completely off-limits.
Until now...
Winnie Rusu is obsessed with romance—which is good when considering her budding career as a book cover designer, but not so good when considering the massive crush she’s harboring on her brother’s grumpy best friend. Not that she’d ever admit it to him, of course. The man is a hockey superstar who can get any woman he wants, and clearly, that’s not her. But when she discovers he’s the new lead of the hit dating show, The Love Match, Winnie is forced to make a decision—finally embrace her main character energy and tell him exactly how she feels, or watch him fall in love with someone else.
When she steps out of a limo on night one of filming, Tyler Briggs is sure he must be dreaming. She’s the one girl he’s always wanted, and the one girl he can never have—because her father saved his life, her brother is like blood, and he promised himself he would never cross that line. But when she says those three little words he’s always longed to hear, Tyler doesn’t have the strength to say no.
On the set of a show designed to produce love, falling is easy. But for a man who’s never felt wanted and a woman who’s never felt worthy, staying there is something else entirely.
THE LOVE DARE is a brother’s best friend hockey romance perfect for fans of grumpy/sunshine, it’s always been you, and dual POV. It’s the standalone, third installment of The Love Match series.
She’s his best friend’s little sister—aka, completely off-limits.
Until now...
Winnie Rusu is obsessed with romance—which is good when considering her budding career as a book cover designer, but not so good when considering the massive crush she’s harboring on her brother’s grumpy best friend. Not that she’d ever admit it to him, of course. The man is a hockey superstar who can get any woman he wants, and clearly, that’s not her. But when she discovers he’s the new lead of the hit dating show, The Love Match, Winnie is forced to make a decision—finally embrace her main character energy and tell him exactly how she feels, or watch him fall in love with someone else.
When she steps out of a limo on night one of filming, Tyler Briggs is sure he must be dreaming. She’s the one girl he’s always wanted, and the one girl he can never have—because her father saved his life, her brother is like blood, and he promised himself he would never cross that line. But when she says those three little words he’s always longed to hear, Tyler doesn’t have the strength to say no.
On the set of a show designed to produce love, falling is easy. But for a man who’s never felt wanted and a woman who’s never felt worthy, staying there is something else entirely.
THE LOVE DARE is a brother’s best friend hockey romance perfect for fans of grumpy/sunshine, it’s always been you, and dual POV. It’s the standalone, third installment of The Love Match series.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2025
18 people are currently reading
4834 people want to read
About the author
Kay Marie
11 books460 followersKay Marie writes sweet romantic comedies with a touch of spice. Her books are full of humor and heartache with lots of swoony moments and, of course, a HEA! Under the name Kaitlyn Davis, she also publishes YA fantasy. Publishers Weekly has said, "Davis writes with confidence and poise," while USA Today has recommended her work as "must-read romance."
Find more on her website: www.KayMarieBooks.com
Sign up for her newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of her new releases, to receive exclusive subscriber bonus content, and more: www.kaymariebooks.com/my-newsletters
Or find her on social media:
Instagram: @KayMarieBooks
TikTok: @KayMarieBooks
Facebook - Facebook.com/KaitlynDavisBooks/
Twitter - @DavisKaitlyn
To learn more about her young adult novels, visit her Goodreads author page for Kaitlyn Davis here: https://www.goodreads.com/Kaitlyn_Davis
Find more on her website: www.KayMarieBooks.com
Sign up for her newsletter to stay up-to-date with all of her new releases, to receive exclusive subscriber bonus content, and more: www.kaymariebooks.com/my-newsletters
Or find her on social media:
Instagram: @KayMarieBooks
TikTok: @KayMarieBooks
Facebook - Facebook.com/KaitlynDavisBooks/
Twitter - @DavisKaitlyn
To learn more about her young adult novels, visit her Goodreads author page for Kaitlyn Davis here: https://www.goodreads.com/Kaitlyn_Davis
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 22, 2025
I thought using the miscommunication trope during a third act breakup was bad, but including it for half of the story was honestly worst. It drove me crazy. The leads Winnie and Tyler are basically already in love with each other. And so, the whole book is just the reality TV show producers preventing them from having a simple conversation and confessing their feelings for each other. Once they do say ILYs, the book was just full of petty drama and nothing of substance. Also, the lengthy inner monologues dragged the story even more. So yeah this book was an absolute miss for me and I was skimming those last couple of chapters.
October 15, 2025
The Love Dare was a grumpy sunshine, brother’s best friend, hockey romance that went straight onto my favorites list! I binged this book in under 24 hours, and I don’t even remember the last time I’ve done that. And while technically yes, it’s the third in the series of standalones, start here! It’s so easy to love and effortless to start with this book. I promise you won’t be missing anything besides wanting to go back and read the others once you finish this one!
The prologue had me cackling, and from there we are taken to the past. The first third of this story took place with moments from their past, and each chapter got us closer to the present. The way it unfolded had me completely hooked! How her dad took him under his wing for hockey. How we got to watch their friendship form and when Tyler stood up and protected her. And even how they both liked each other, but neither of them would make a move not knowing how the other felt. The bracelet, the jersey, the movies, the studying in college …. oh my gosh, those moments were everything!
When we caught up to the show, I was beyond invested. Not only did I want Winnie as my bestie, but Tyler was a book boyfriend I was obsessed about. I loved how he tried his best to not play by the rules. But with stuff hanging over him, he had to go along with the show’s games. And while the drama was a lot of fun to read about, what made my heart race were their moments together. The looks. The touches. The handing out the necklace after each elimination. I was on bated breath waiting to see what happened next!
This story was a ton of fun! I laughed so much and even screamed quite a few times too. These characters easily stole a piece of my heart and I was rooting every step of the way for their happily ever after. Watching Winnie grow up and find her voice made me so happy. And Tyler’s past, ugh, it hurt my heart. But when they were together, everything felt right. The tension between them was simmering and those moments when they did cross the line were fabulously steamy.
The Love Dare is my new favorite hockey romance! Their confessions, their kisses, and their dates swept me away. Every moment of them together was always my new favorite! And I even cried happy tears too! Plus, there’s an epilogue that looks into the future and it will make you so happy. So if you love sports romance, found family, and brother’s best friend, you need this book in your life! It was fun, flirty and emotional too. It’s my new favorite and I can’t wait to see what Kay Marie writes next!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
She was Alex’s sister.
She was Alexandru’s daughter.
She was completely off limits.
And she was devastatingly perfect.
The prologue had me cackling, and from there we are taken to the past. The first third of this story took place with moments from their past, and each chapter got us closer to the present. The way it unfolded had me completely hooked! How her dad took him under his wing for hockey. How we got to watch their friendship form and when Tyler stood up and protected her. And even how they both liked each other, but neither of them would make a move not knowing how the other felt. The bracelet, the jersey, the movies, the studying in college …. oh my gosh, those moments were everything!
“I know how they think. And they would absolutely live for the drama of Tyler’s childhood friend coming on the show as a surprise guest to confess her undying love for him.”
“What?” Winnie gasps, her heart launching like a rocket into space.
When we caught up to the show, I was beyond invested. Not only did I want Winnie as my bestie, but Tyler was a book boyfriend I was obsessed about. I loved how he tried his best to not play by the rules. But with stuff hanging over him, he had to go along with the show’s games. And while the drama was a lot of fun to read about, what made my heart race were their moments together. The looks. The touches. The handing out the necklace after each elimination. I was on bated breath waiting to see what happened next!
He leans closer.
“You’re sexy when you’re angry,” he whispers. “I’ve always thought so.”
“Always?” she asks, searching his gaze.
This story was a ton of fun! I laughed so much and even screamed quite a few times too. These characters easily stole a piece of my heart and I was rooting every step of the way for their happily ever after. Watching Winnie grow up and find her voice made me so happy. And Tyler’s past, ugh, it hurt my heart. But when they were together, everything felt right. The tension between them was simmering and those moments when they did cross the line were fabulously steamy.
“It was never about the bracelet.”
The Love Dare is my new favorite hockey romance! Their confessions, their kisses, and their dates swept me away. Every moment of them together was always my new favorite! And I even cried happy tears too! Plus, there’s an epilogue that looks into the future and it will make you so happy. So if you love sports romance, found family, and brother’s best friend, you need this book in your life! It was fun, flirty and emotional too. It’s my new favorite and I can’t wait to see what Kay Marie writes next!
“So, what now?”
“You’re the reader.” He shrugs.
“Isn’t it obvious?”
“Isn’t what obvious?”
He presses his lips to her ear. “We live happily ever after.”
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
Blog * Instagram * Facebook * Bloglovin * Feedly
September 23, 2025
Thank you to Kay Marie for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
Winnie Rusu is obsessed with romance—which is good when considering her budding career as a book cover designer, but not so good when considering the massive crush she’s harboring on her brother’s grumpy best friend. Not that she’d ever admit it to him, of course. The man is a hockey superstar who can get any woman he wants, and clearly, that’s not her. But when she discovers he’s the new lead of the hit dating show, The Love Match, Winnie is forced to make a decision—finally embrace her main character energy and tell him exactly how she feels, or watch him fall in love with someone else. When she steps out of a limo on night one of filming, Tyler Briggs is sure he must be dreaming. She’s the one girl he’s always wanted, and the one girl he can never have—because her father saved his life, her brother is like blood, and he promised himself he would never cross that line. But when she says those three little words he’s always longed to hear, Tyler doesn’t have the strength to say no. On the set of a show designed to produce love, falling is easy. But for a man who’s never felt wanted and a woman who’s never felt worthy, staying there is something else entirely.
Winnie is incredibly talented and creative. I really enjoyed seeing her drive and her ambition for her career translated into also wanting what she’s dreamt of for so long. She’s so sassy and witty you can’t help but adore her from the first page. I think what I liked most about Winnie though is her heart and inner self. She’s so scared of not being enough, of being rejected, but not only does she not let that stop her (after a panic or two… or twenty) but she also offers support to others despite the situation they’re in. What an amazing person to be around!
Tyler is such a sweetheart. I loved that there was this openness about his dyslexia and how it impacts him day to day. It would have been very easy to say he has it and then brush it off down the line and I was so thrilled that this wasn’t the case! We get to see him have accommodations made which I think was fantastic, but also his perseverance to do something special for the one he loves - who is very literary minded! I perhaps would have liked to have seen more regarding his hockey career but I think I can forgive him for his singular focus throughout the book…
Having enjoyed the first two books in this series, I knew I needed to read the third as well. And what a doozy this one is! I’ve never been a huge fan of the “brother’s best friend” trope but I do enjoy a good friends to lovers moment - and this book does both of them great! I think the plot is great. I really loved getting to see their history before we saw them on the show together. It helped set up everything perfectly in my eyes and I much preferred this over the other option of jumping back and forth - sometimes, that can just be too much. Character wise, it generally felt like there was a smaller cast of people here. Despite the show having a lot of “potential love interests” we don’t actually get to know the vast majority of them. As someone who has read the other books, it didn’t bother me so much since I know how the show typically runs. But for a newbie who perhaps picks up this book first, they may feel a bit bereft with the lack of actual show presence. The romance though, I must say, was stellar. I would gladly sacrifice a kidney to have a partner who seems big and bad but is actually a literal teddy bear who just wants to look after me! There is some tension between them but after what happened when they were younger, I’m not at all surprised! The softness and eagerness between them was just amazing. We, of course, got our fair amount of spicy scenes. I do feel like they could have been hotter, a bit more detailed (I wanted it H O T) but what we did get worked so well for our duo. And that ending? Oh my goodness I was not ready and I absolutely adored it. Bravo Marie!
Overall, The Love Dare is another fantastic book in this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to Kay Marie for an advanced copy of this book.
Winnie Rusu is obsessed with romance—which is good when considering her budding career as a book cover designer, but not so good when considering the massive crush she’s harboring on her brother’s grumpy best friend. Not that she’d ever admit it to him, of course. The man is a hockey superstar who can get any woman he wants, and clearly, that’s not her. But when she discovers he’s the new lead of the hit dating show, The Love Match, Winnie is forced to make a decision—finally embrace her main character energy and tell him exactly how she feels, or watch him fall in love with someone else. When she steps out of a limo on night one of filming, Tyler Briggs is sure he must be dreaming. She’s the one girl he’s always wanted, and the one girl he can never have—because her father saved his life, her brother is like blood, and he promised himself he would never cross that line. But when she says those three little words he’s always longed to hear, Tyler doesn’t have the strength to say no. On the set of a show designed to produce love, falling is easy. But for a man who’s never felt wanted and a woman who’s never felt worthy, staying there is something else entirely.
Winnie is incredibly talented and creative. I really enjoyed seeing her drive and her ambition for her career translated into also wanting what she’s dreamt of for so long. She’s so sassy and witty you can’t help but adore her from the first page. I think what I liked most about Winnie though is her heart and inner self. She’s so scared of not being enough, of being rejected, but not only does she not let that stop her (after a panic or two… or twenty) but she also offers support to others despite the situation they’re in. What an amazing person to be around!
Tyler is such a sweetheart. I loved that there was this openness about his dyslexia and how it impacts him day to day. It would have been very easy to say he has it and then brush it off down the line and I was so thrilled that this wasn’t the case! We get to see him have accommodations made which I think was fantastic, but also his perseverance to do something special for the one he loves - who is very literary minded! I perhaps would have liked to have seen more regarding his hockey career but I think I can forgive him for his singular focus throughout the book…
Having enjoyed the first two books in this series, I knew I needed to read the third as well. And what a doozy this one is! I’ve never been a huge fan of the “brother’s best friend” trope but I do enjoy a good friends to lovers moment - and this book does both of them great! I think the plot is great. I really loved getting to see their history before we saw them on the show together. It helped set up everything perfectly in my eyes and I much preferred this over the other option of jumping back and forth - sometimes, that can just be too much. Character wise, it generally felt like there was a smaller cast of people here. Despite the show having a lot of “potential love interests” we don’t actually get to know the vast majority of them. As someone who has read the other books, it didn’t bother me so much since I know how the show typically runs. But for a newbie who perhaps picks up this book first, they may feel a bit bereft with the lack of actual show presence. The romance though, I must say, was stellar. I would gladly sacrifice a kidney to have a partner who seems big and bad but is actually a literal teddy bear who just wants to look after me! There is some tension between them but after what happened when they were younger, I’m not at all surprised! The softness and eagerness between them was just amazing. We, of course, got our fair amount of spicy scenes. I do feel like they could have been hotter, a bit more detailed (I wanted it H O T) but what we did get worked so well for our duo. And that ending? Oh my goodness I was not ready and I absolutely adored it. Bravo Marie!
Overall, The Love Dare is another fantastic book in this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Thank you again to Kay Marie for an advanced copy of this book.
October 14, 2025
Quick Summary: A brother’s best friend hockey romance
My Review: The Love Dare by Kay Marie is book #3 in the Love Match series. It is scheduled for release on 10/14/25.
About the Book: "He’s the most eligible bachelor in professional hockey.
She’s his best friend’s little sister—aka, completely off-limits.
Until now..."
In My Own Words: The time is finally right for true love's kiss and heartfelt confessions between two people who have secretly had feelings for each other over the years.
My Final Say: Winnie Rusu and Tyler Briggs belonged together. Their unconventional path to forever was highly entertaining, that's for sure. I loved every aspect of this story, from the crush and cuddles to the stolen kisses and stargazing, and all the way to the HEA plus.
There were so many scenes that had me cracking up. The two that had me giggling hard were the bush scene and the face masks scene. I won't say more than that, but I totally could.
This novel was a fast and fun read. It has easily earned a spot on my read on repeat shelf.
Other: Readers who enjoy hockey romances, brother's BFF love stories, reality dating show themes, "You're the One That I Want" scenarios, and Shakespearean quotes should like this book.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Heat/Chemistry: 🔥
Slow Burn: Yes
Romance: ❤️
Note: This story does contain SA and DV issues.
Appreciation is extended to the author and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure to read. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
My Review: The Love Dare by Kay Marie is book #3 in the Love Match series. It is scheduled for release on 10/14/25.
About the Book: "He’s the most eligible bachelor in professional hockey.
She’s his best friend’s little sister—aka, completely off-limits.
Until now..."
In My Own Words: The time is finally right for true love's kiss and heartfelt confessions between two people who have secretly had feelings for each other over the years.
My Final Say: Winnie Rusu and Tyler Briggs belonged together. Their unconventional path to forever was highly entertaining, that's for sure. I loved every aspect of this story, from the crush and cuddles to the stolen kisses and stargazing, and all the way to the HEA plus.
There were so many scenes that had me cracking up. The two that had me giggling hard were the bush scene and the face masks scene. I won't say more than that, but I totally could.
This novel was a fast and fun read. It has easily earned a spot on my read on repeat shelf.
Other: Readers who enjoy hockey romances, brother's BFF love stories, reality dating show themes, "You're the One That I Want" scenarios, and Shakespearean quotes should like this book.
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Heat/Chemistry: 🔥
Slow Burn: Yes
Romance: ❤️
Note: This story does contain SA and DV issues.
Appreciation is extended to the author and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review. It was a pleasure to read. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
October 11, 2025
4,25 ⭐
I don't know what was is this book but I couldn't put it down. I am a sucker for a childhood bestfriend romance and I also really enjoyed the concept of the TV show. I love that we get pieces of their past beforehand, so we can understand the depth of their friendship before getting to the "now".
I honestly loved Winnie and Tyler from the beginning. Their friendship was so pure and so caring. And the yearning for each other? You could feel it from the first couple of pages. And I loved Tyler's growth throughout the book.
I was scared that it would go to fast or that I would get bored, but Nina and her twists kept me on my toes. I still don't know if I like her or hate her. The ending was a bit too much but that's on personal preference. Putting the other books from this series on my tbr right away!
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
I don't know what was is this book but I couldn't put it down. I am a sucker for a childhood bestfriend romance and I also really enjoyed the concept of the TV show. I love that we get pieces of their past beforehand, so we can understand the depth of their friendship before getting to the "now".
I honestly loved Winnie and Tyler from the beginning. Their friendship was so pure and so caring. And the yearning for each other? You could feel it from the first couple of pages. And I loved Tyler's growth throughout the book.
I was scared that it would go to fast or that I would get bored, but Nina and her twists kept me on my toes. I still don't know if I like her or hate her. The ending was a bit too much but that's on personal preference. Putting the other books from this series on my tbr right away!
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
Read
December 29, 2025Go my jasmin cross red line
make chao at card
take what yr mine
dare the love
creat yr dance
make all the land green
why spring was lonp to wait
throw all yr carat face of winter
make gd jobe to yr summer volcano
make all yallow leaf fall at atumn
and dare love at all the season
take what yr mine
job to dar maybe hard at corner
read yr karma daily
game yr breath yoga
make war with minute
dare the love
y wine alwayes my jasmin
cross red line wildy
make yr revelution
fall in love
make chao at card
take what yr mine
dare the love
creat yr dance
make all the land green
why spring was lonp to wait
throw all yr carat face of winter
make gd jobe to yr summer volcano
make all yallow leaf fall at atumn
and dare love at all the season
take what yr mine
job to dar maybe hard at corner
read yr karma daily
game yr breath yoga
make war with minute
dare the love
y wine alwayes my jasmin
cross red line wildy
make yr revelution
fall in love
September 19, 2025
This was super cute!
I’ve really enjoyed the other books in this series, so I was excited to get a chance to read this one early.
If you’re a fan of The Bachelor, check these out for sure.
What you can expect:
-grumpy/sunshine
-brother’s best friend
-dual pov
-forced proximity
-it’s always been you
Thank you to Kay Marie for the e-arc!
I’ve really enjoyed the other books in this series, so I was excited to get a chance to read this one early.
If you’re a fan of The Bachelor, check these out for sure.
What you can expect:
-grumpy/sunshine
-brother’s best friend
-dual pov
-forced proximity
-it’s always been you
Thank you to Kay Marie for the e-arc!
October 21, 2025
My first book by Kay Marie and I hate that it has taken me this long to read one of her books! It was so good I had to break my star rating and award it 5+ stars- not something I do very often but that is how good this book was!
Winnie and Tyler have been secretly in love with each other since they were teenagers but neither ever let the other know. Tyler finally got the courage up to tell Winnie one night to find her kissing another boy and the moment was gone. Later Winne decided to tell Tyler how she felt only to hear him saying that they could be nothing more than friends as she was his best friend’s little sister. So, they both pushed their feelings down for years. However, this all changes after Winnie’s best friend, Sam, goes on a dating show, The Love Match, and meets her husband to be. Tyler is now a famous and talented hockey player and has his hand forced by the TV shows director to be lined up for the next bachelor on the show. Sam who is Winnie’s best friend from university refuses to let Winnie shy away from her true feelings for Tyler any longer and convinces Winne to go on the show…. after all a childhood crush would make for great tv for the dating show and Winne and Tyler will be able to finally come clean to each other about their feelings. However, trying to find out how they both truly feel about each other in front of an audience of 10 million viewers, a group of thirty other woman whose main aim is to bag Tyler themselves and the producers that are constantly trying to keep Winne and Tyler apart and all the drama alive, is extremely challenging…... there’s mini dates, group dates and the dreaded puzzle ceremony where Tyler has to send women home. Will Winne and Tyler at last be able to confess their true feelings to each other and if so, will they be able to navigate the tricky course of the “The Love Dare” and come out the other side and into reality unscathed?!
What a book this was but boy did it put me through the emotional wringer! I laughed and cackled out loud at some bits (eye drops, ghost faces at the window and diving off the stoop into a bush, are some examples), I swooned over Tylers tattoo (sorry this is a little cryptic but my reviews are always spoiler free) and then at other parts of the story my heart felt like it was breaking (chapter 26 in particular!), what amazing writing from Kay Marie to elicit such a response from me about fictional characters! I absolutely adored Winnie from page one, obviously being a reader, she resonated with me, but I also loved her pure and beautiful heart. I loved hearing about Winne and Tylers love story over the years previous to the show and also all the references to Shakespeare were brilliant and I especially loved the Romeo and Juliet vibes- star crossed lovers destined to be together. The story made me feel so good whilst reading it and at times I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to read faster as I wanted to know how things would work out or slow my reading as I wanted to savour the story…. I did end up slowing down as I wasn’t ready for the story and feelings to end. However it did, but this book is definitely going on my favourite reads list and also my comfort reads list, and I look forward to reading it again and again and falling in love with Winne and Tyler again and again!
Ultimately a brilliant story that I highly recommend for any contemporary romance lovers, this book will make you laugh and make you cry but eventually will warm your heart and become a favourite on your shelves. I am making sure that Kay Marie’s other two books are high on my TBR list, and I can’t wait to see what else she writes. A star rating breaker at 5+ stars, I can’t recommend this book enough!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Kay Marie and BookFunnel for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
Winnie and Tyler have been secretly in love with each other since they were teenagers but neither ever let the other know. Tyler finally got the courage up to tell Winnie one night to find her kissing another boy and the moment was gone. Later Winne decided to tell Tyler how she felt only to hear him saying that they could be nothing more than friends as she was his best friend’s little sister. So, they both pushed their feelings down for years. However, this all changes after Winnie’s best friend, Sam, goes on a dating show, The Love Match, and meets her husband to be. Tyler is now a famous and talented hockey player and has his hand forced by the TV shows director to be lined up for the next bachelor on the show. Sam who is Winnie’s best friend from university refuses to let Winnie shy away from her true feelings for Tyler any longer and convinces Winne to go on the show…. after all a childhood crush would make for great tv for the dating show and Winne and Tyler will be able to finally come clean to each other about their feelings. However, trying to find out how they both truly feel about each other in front of an audience of 10 million viewers, a group of thirty other woman whose main aim is to bag Tyler themselves and the producers that are constantly trying to keep Winne and Tyler apart and all the drama alive, is extremely challenging…... there’s mini dates, group dates and the dreaded puzzle ceremony where Tyler has to send women home. Will Winne and Tyler at last be able to confess their true feelings to each other and if so, will they be able to navigate the tricky course of the “The Love Dare” and come out the other side and into reality unscathed?!
What a book this was but boy did it put me through the emotional wringer! I laughed and cackled out loud at some bits (eye drops, ghost faces at the window and diving off the stoop into a bush, are some examples), I swooned over Tylers tattoo (sorry this is a little cryptic but my reviews are always spoiler free) and then at other parts of the story my heart felt like it was breaking (chapter 26 in particular!), what amazing writing from Kay Marie to elicit such a response from me about fictional characters! I absolutely adored Winnie from page one, obviously being a reader, she resonated with me, but I also loved her pure and beautiful heart. I loved hearing about Winne and Tylers love story over the years previous to the show and also all the references to Shakespeare were brilliant and I especially loved the Romeo and Juliet vibes- star crossed lovers destined to be together. The story made me feel so good whilst reading it and at times I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to read faster as I wanted to know how things would work out or slow my reading as I wanted to savour the story…. I did end up slowing down as I wasn’t ready for the story and feelings to end. However it did, but this book is definitely going on my favourite reads list and also my comfort reads list, and I look forward to reading it again and again and falling in love with Winne and Tyler again and again!
Ultimately a brilliant story that I highly recommend for any contemporary romance lovers, this book will make you laugh and make you cry but eventually will warm your heart and become a favourite on your shelves. I am making sure that Kay Marie’s other two books are high on my TBR list, and I can’t wait to see what else she writes. A star rating breaker at 5+ stars, I can’t recommend this book enough!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Kay Marie and BookFunnel for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
October 22, 2025
The Love Dare is the swoony third book in the Love Match series that follows Winnie, a sunshiney book cover designer, who joins a reality dating show to win the heart of the one man she’s always loved - her brother’s broody, off-limits best friend, NHL star, Tyler Briggs. He’s the most eligible bachelor in hockey and she’s completely off-limits. Until she steps out of the limo on night one…
Full of charm, tension, wit, and soooo much pining, The Love Dare (and the entire Love Match series tbh) will have you smiling and doing little feet kicks the entire read. I absolutely adored this entire series and am so honored to help share Kay’s incredible storytelling 🥹 Available now on KU!
Full of charm, tension, wit, and soooo much pining, The Love Dare (and the entire Love Match series tbh) will have you smiling and doing little feet kicks the entire read. I absolutely adored this entire series and am so honored to help share Kay’s incredible storytelling 🥹 Available now on KU!
November 1, 2025
“Make out with me for the rest if this ride, and I promise one day I will fly you back here and we will spare at least thirty whole seconds for the view.”
Winne & Tyler have been in love with each other since they were in high school. Only Tyler is Winnie’s older brother’s best friend, and Winnie is the daughter of the closest thing to a father Tyler’s ever had. Neither of them have made a move, fearing the other doesn’t feel the same, and if they do, that it would ruin the dynamics between the Rusu family. So instead of torturing herself with watching Tyler fall in love with 30-or-so women on national TV as the newest lead in The Love Match, Winnie does the only sane thing a woman in her position can do: she decides to be one of the 30 women, and finally get closure…even if it’s in the form of a rejection in front of the whole country. Tyler isn’t expecting Winnie to step out of the last limousine, but once he sees her, he’s determined that she’s the only woman worth wooing on this TV show. But the producers of The Love Match aren’t about to let something as silly as true love get in the way of good TV.
I wanted to love this, I really did, and it was a solid book, but sadly, not my favourite in the series.
The first 30-or-so% of the book is getting the reader up to speed with a series of flashbacks to Winnie and Tyler throughout high school and college. The flashbacks are full of teenage angst and missed opportunities and pining, so by the time it gets to present day and the first night of filming The Love Match, you feel like you know who Winnie and Tyler are and that they’re meant to be together.
And by halfway you have a mutual declaration of love…
And somehow still half a book to go?
So I kinda finished this book wondering why it was so long. I’m not sure what exactly could have been cut – except for all the miscommunication between the main two characters, that wasn’t even Nina’s doing – but I did unfortunately find myself checking my progress through the book often and wondering if I was just reading slowly.
Winnie and Tyler both have really good character depth, so I enjoyed reading about them. And if Tyler said this to me, I would simply become a puddle:
“Good girl,” he purrs.
The tension between the pair was *palpable* once they realised they both wanted each other. They went from puppies with hearts in their eyes to smouldering seduction and I was here for it. And the fact that they couldn’t act on anything because they had cameras in their faces the whole time, made it all the more delicious .
I also appreciated that both Winnie and Tyler had their own internal battles to fight and demons to overcome so that when they would inevitably get their happily ever after, they would be able to just enjoy it, instead of second guessing and doubting everything. The character develop throughout the weeks of filming was done really well and I’m so happy for them.
The secondary characters were great just like in the other books in the series. I’d happily read books about Alex, Harper or Charlotte
And the secondary plotline was well executed:
Their happily ever after was *chef’s kiss* The ice rink? With Sam? AND THEN COOPER SHOWED UP AND I WAS READY TO GIVE THIS 5 STARS BASED ON THAT CAMEO ALONE haha
So while this isn’t my favourite instalment to the series, I still loved Winnie and Tyler and their story and the people we met along the way and I had a lot of fun being back in the world of The Love Match!
Also, can someone please tell me I’m being crazy, but this is 100% Six of Crows…right?
“It’s this fantasy book about six outcasts who have to work together to free this prisoner from an ice fortress.”
Right??!
Thank you to the author for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 26, 2025
📚The Love Dare
✍🏻Kay Marie
Blurb:
He’s the most eligible bachelor in professional hockey.
She’s his best friend’s little sister—aka, completely off-limits.
Until now...
Winnie Rusu is obsessed with romance—which is good when considering her budding career as a book cover designer, but not so good when considering the massive crush she’s harboring on her brother’s grumpy best friend. Not that she’d ever admit it to him, of course. The man is a hockey superstar who can get any woman he wants, and clearly, that’s not her. But when she discovers he’s the new lead of the hit dating show, The Love Match, Winnie is forced to make a decision—finally embrace her main character energy and tell him exactly how she feels, or watch him fall in love with someone else.
When she steps out of a limo on night one of filming, Tyler Briggs is sure he must be dreaming. She’s the one girl he’s always wanted, and the one girl he can never have—because her father saved his life, her brother is like blood, and he promised himself he would never cross that line. But when she says those three little words he’s always longed to hear, Tyler doesn’t have the strength to say no.
On the set of a show designed to produce love, falling is easy. But for a man who’s never felt wanted and a woman who’s never felt worthy, staying there is something else entirely.
THE LOVE DARE is a brother’s best friend hockey romance perfect for fans of grumpy/sunshine, it’s always been you, and dual POV. It’s the standalone, third installment of The Love Match series.
My Thoughts:
Winnie and Tyler have been secretly in love with each other for years—but neither ever dared to say it out loud. Now, Tyler’s a famous hockey player and the new star of The Love Match, a dating reality show with thirty contestants vying for his heart. Determined to finally confess her feelings, Winnie does the unthinkable—she becomes one of the contestants.
This story hooked me right from the epilogue! The flashbacks added just the right amount of depth and sweetness, giving us a glimpse into their shared past and the foundation of their bond. The pacing slowed a little during those moments, but I didn’t mind once I saw how well they tied into their present-day story.
The show’s producer, though? Absolutely infuriating. Manipulative, conniving, and so good at causing chaos that I was fuming while reading—but I have to admit, it made sense for the plot.
The ending, though, was pure payoff. So satisfying and heartwarming. The spice level was minimal, but the yearning more than made up for it. I was grinning like an idiot by the last page.
Tyler was such a sweetheart—even with his communication struggles, he still showed up for Winnie and made his feelings known in his own quiet, heartfelt way. Their chemistry felt natural, their connection believable, and their story left me with a full heart.
A light, romantic, easy read that delivers charm, longing, and just the right amount of drama.
Thanks NetGalley, Author and Publisher Kay Marie for the advanced copy of "The Love Dare" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KayMarie
#KayMariePublishing
#TheLoveDare
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Kay Marie
Blurb:
He’s the most eligible bachelor in professional hockey.
She’s his best friend’s little sister—aka, completely off-limits.
Until now...
Winnie Rusu is obsessed with romance—which is good when considering her budding career as a book cover designer, but not so good when considering the massive crush she’s harboring on her brother’s grumpy best friend. Not that she’d ever admit it to him, of course. The man is a hockey superstar who can get any woman he wants, and clearly, that’s not her. But when she discovers he’s the new lead of the hit dating show, The Love Match, Winnie is forced to make a decision—finally embrace her main character energy and tell him exactly how she feels, or watch him fall in love with someone else.
When she steps out of a limo on night one of filming, Tyler Briggs is sure he must be dreaming. She’s the one girl he’s always wanted, and the one girl he can never have—because her father saved his life, her brother is like blood, and he promised himself he would never cross that line. But when she says those three little words he’s always longed to hear, Tyler doesn’t have the strength to say no.
On the set of a show designed to produce love, falling is easy. But for a man who’s never felt wanted and a woman who’s never felt worthy, staying there is something else entirely.
THE LOVE DARE is a brother’s best friend hockey romance perfect for fans of grumpy/sunshine, it’s always been you, and dual POV. It’s the standalone, third installment of The Love Match series.
My Thoughts:
Winnie and Tyler have been secretly in love with each other for years—but neither ever dared to say it out loud. Now, Tyler’s a famous hockey player and the new star of The Love Match, a dating reality show with thirty contestants vying for his heart. Determined to finally confess her feelings, Winnie does the unthinkable—she becomes one of the contestants.
This story hooked me right from the epilogue! The flashbacks added just the right amount of depth and sweetness, giving us a glimpse into their shared past and the foundation of their bond. The pacing slowed a little during those moments, but I didn’t mind once I saw how well they tied into their present-day story.
The show’s producer, though? Absolutely infuriating. Manipulative, conniving, and so good at causing chaos that I was fuming while reading—but I have to admit, it made sense for the plot.
The ending, though, was pure payoff. So satisfying and heartwarming. The spice level was minimal, but the yearning more than made up for it. I was grinning like an idiot by the last page.
Tyler was such a sweetheart—even with his communication struggles, he still showed up for Winnie and made his feelings known in his own quiet, heartfelt way. Their chemistry felt natural, their connection believable, and their story left me with a full heart.
A light, romantic, easy read that delivers charm, longing, and just the right amount of drama.
Thanks NetGalley, Author and Publisher Kay Marie for the advanced copy of "The Love Dare" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#KayMarie
#KayMariePublishing
#TheLoveDare
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 10, 2025
When your brother’s best friend becomes the star of a dating show… there’s only one thing left to do—join it. 🎬💘
📖 The Love Dare by Kay Marie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️.5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes:
🏒 Ice hockey player MMC
💰 Rich, famous MMC
💞 Brother’s best friend
🏠 Forced proximity
❤️🔥 “It’s always been you”
💫 Yearning
🚫 No third-act breakup
💍 HEA
Winnie and Tyler have been secretly in love with each other for years—but neither ever dared to say it out loud. Now, Tyler’s a famous hockey player and the new star of The Love Match, a dating reality show with thirty contestants vying for his heart. Determined to finally confess her feelings, Winnie does the unthinkable—she becomes one of the contestants.
This story hooked me right from the epilogue! The flashbacks added just the right amount of depth and sweetness, giving us a glimpse into their shared past and the foundation of their bond. The pacing slowed a little during those moments, but I didn’t mind once I saw how well they tied into their present-day story.
The show’s producer, though? Absolutely infuriating. Manipulative, conniving, and so good at causing chaos that I was fuming while reading—but I have to admit, it made sense for the plot.
The ending, though, was pure payoff. So satisfying and heartwarming. The spice level was minimal, but the yearning more than made up for it. I was grinning like an idiot by the last page.
Tyler was such a sweetheart—even with his communication struggles, he still showed up for Winnie and made his feelings known in his own quiet, heartfelt way. Their chemistry felt natural, their connection believable, and their story left me with a full heart.
A light, romantic, easy read that delivers charm, longing, and just the right amount of drama.
Thank you NetGalley and Kay Marie for this ARC! 💕
📖 The Love Dare by Kay Marie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️.5
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes:
🏒 Ice hockey player MMC
💰 Rich, famous MMC
💞 Brother’s best friend
🏠 Forced proximity
❤️🔥 “It’s always been you”
💫 Yearning
🚫 No third-act breakup
💍 HEA
Winnie and Tyler have been secretly in love with each other for years—but neither ever dared to say it out loud. Now, Tyler’s a famous hockey player and the new star of The Love Match, a dating reality show with thirty contestants vying for his heart. Determined to finally confess her feelings, Winnie does the unthinkable—she becomes one of the contestants.
This story hooked me right from the epilogue! The flashbacks added just the right amount of depth and sweetness, giving us a glimpse into their shared past and the foundation of their bond. The pacing slowed a little during those moments, but I didn’t mind once I saw how well they tied into their present-day story.
The show’s producer, though? Absolutely infuriating. Manipulative, conniving, and so good at causing chaos that I was fuming while reading—but I have to admit, it made sense for the plot.
The ending, though, was pure payoff. So satisfying and heartwarming. The spice level was minimal, but the yearning more than made up for it. I was grinning like an idiot by the last page.
Tyler was such a sweetheart—even with his communication struggles, he still showed up for Winnie and made his feelings known in his own quiet, heartfelt way. Their chemistry felt natural, their connection believable, and their story left me with a full heart.
A light, romantic, easy read that delivers charm, longing, and just the right amount of drama.
Thank you NetGalley and Kay Marie for this ARC! 💕
September 7, 2025
The ever-popular brother’s-best-friend trope meets The Bachelor-style reality dating show is pretty much what ’The Love Dare’ is all about.
Winnie’s most impulsive decision—pushed along by a daring friend—is finally taking the leap for the man she’s always loved. What complicates matters is that her feelings aren’t entirely unrequited; Tyler has always wanted her too. But years of fear, silence, and mistaken assumptions have kept them apart when a difficult, honest conversation could have spared them all that misery.
But then, I guess, where would the story be?
At its core, this is all about the laser-focused pining because the heart never gives up, though the reality-tv portion of the book is as cringey as ever—a part that I couldn’t wait to get over and be done with and for the real burn to begin. Maybe I went into this with wide-eyed optimism and had hoped that this whole reality show angle wasn’t going to play a major part of the story—unfortunately it was and that frustrated me.
Still, Kay Marie’s writing, however, has a natural, flowing style that carries the drama along smoothly, even if it leans more toward telling than showing. And past the pining, much of the tension thereafter comes from Winnie/Tyler navigating cameras and schemers with their HEA pretty much guaranteed, only because both are equally devoted to each other.
In the end, The Love Dare is a quick, easy read but I couldn’t help wishing that Winnie and Tyler had found their footing away from the whole reality-circus much earlier. My rating is just me showing my disappointment with that, because that prolonged glitz and sleaze from the lights-camera-action moments just didn’t appeal at all.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
Winnie’s most impulsive decision—pushed along by a daring friend—is finally taking the leap for the man she’s always loved. What complicates matters is that her feelings aren’t entirely unrequited; Tyler has always wanted her too. But years of fear, silence, and mistaken assumptions have kept them apart when a difficult, honest conversation could have spared them all that misery.
But then, I guess, where would the story be?
At its core, this is all about the laser-focused pining because the heart never gives up, though the reality-tv portion of the book is as cringey as ever—a part that I couldn’t wait to get over and be done with and for the real burn to begin. Maybe I went into this with wide-eyed optimism and had hoped that this whole reality show angle wasn’t going to play a major part of the story—unfortunately it was and that frustrated me.
Still, Kay Marie’s writing, however, has a natural, flowing style that carries the drama along smoothly, even if it leans more toward telling than showing. And past the pining, much of the tension thereafter comes from Winnie/Tyler navigating cameras and schemers with their HEA pretty much guaranteed, only because both are equally devoted to each other.
In the end, The Love Dare is a quick, easy read but I couldn’t help wishing that Winnie and Tyler had found their footing away from the whole reality-circus much earlier. My rating is just me showing my disappointment with that, because that prolonged glitz and sleaze from the lights-camera-action moments just didn’t appeal at all.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
September 15, 2025
Firstly thank you Kay Marie for the arc of The Love Dare, book three of the love match series and I just think it might be my favorite one of all. !
‘The Love Dare’ focus on Winne & Tyler, Tyler a hockey god and Winne’s brother Alex’s bestfriend since childhood! Winnie is an illustrator who is diving into the world of book illustration when the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself.
Winnie and Tyler have been apart for a number of years but are brought back together in the most unique and fun way! If you’ve read the previous books you’ll understand where this is going… yes it’s another series of ‘the love match’ where a handsome bachelor (Tyler) and a last minute surprise woman (Winnie) reunite!
I loved going back in time and reading about young Winnie and Tyler, having both of their pov’s to the same situations they found themselves in but two different angles was so fun and creative!
The relationship Tyler has with Winnie’s family is such a nice element to the book. Tyler’s moms struggles are evident but the support he has from Winnie’s family really brings this story together, their worries, doubts and all their fears about the situation they find themselves in really gave me the depth and emotion to their story I was looking for too. It wasn’t just about sweet love but also family and finding the confidence within to make those big life decisions you never usually would.
On the other hand Cynthia can go and…..I wont say anymore 👀😠
As for the spicy scenes. Wow. They were the perfect amount of spice, not too much but just enough to still give romance and not just another spicy scene. 🔥
Overall a great read! I absolutely love this series, it’s so fun and such a great concept. I look forward to reading more from Kay Marie.
‘The Love Dare’ focus on Winne & Tyler, Tyler a hockey god and Winne’s brother Alex’s bestfriend since childhood! Winnie is an illustrator who is diving into the world of book illustration when the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself.
Winnie and Tyler have been apart for a number of years but are brought back together in the most unique and fun way! If you’ve read the previous books you’ll understand where this is going… yes it’s another series of ‘the love match’ where a handsome bachelor (Tyler) and a last minute surprise woman (Winnie) reunite!
I loved going back in time and reading about young Winnie and Tyler, having both of their pov’s to the same situations they found themselves in but two different angles was so fun and creative!
The relationship Tyler has with Winnie’s family is such a nice element to the book. Tyler’s moms struggles are evident but the support he has from Winnie’s family really brings this story together, their worries, doubts and all their fears about the situation they find themselves in really gave me the depth and emotion to their story I was looking for too. It wasn’t just about sweet love but also family and finding the confidence within to make those big life decisions you never usually would.
On the other hand Cynthia can go and…..I wont say anymore 👀😠
As for the spicy scenes. Wow. They were the perfect amount of spice, not too much but just enough to still give romance and not just another spicy scene. 🔥
Overall a great read! I absolutely love this series, it’s so fun and such a great concept. I look forward to reading more from Kay Marie.
September 23, 2025
I have been a book lover for as long as I can remember, and romance has always been the genre that feels like home to me. Over time, my tastes have shifted a bit, and lately I have fallen head over heels for sports romances, especially hockey ones. So when I picked this book up, it felt like it was made just for me, combining my favorite comfort genre with a trope I cannot get enough of.
From the very beginning, this story pulled me in. I especially loved how the flashbacks were used to build up the relationship between the two main characters. By the time the present-day story took over, I was already fully invested in them as a couple and rooting for them to get their happy ending. On top of that, the setting added such a fun twist. As someone who has watched both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, as well as the scripted show Unreal, I found it fascinating to see how a romance could play out in that type of world. It gave the book a unique edge that kept things fresh and entertaining.
What really stood out to me, though, was the way the story balanced all of these elements. The romance felt heartfelt, the behind-the-scenes drama of the reality show world was exciting, and the characters themselves had depth that made them feel real. By the time I reached the end, I was smiling from ear to ear.
All in all, I truly adored this book and am honestly a little sad to be done with it. It has one of the most satisfying endings I have read in a long time, and it left me wanting more. I am definitely planning to check out the other books in this series, because if they are anything like this one, I know I will enjoy them just as much.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
From the very beginning, this story pulled me in. I especially loved how the flashbacks were used to build up the relationship between the two main characters. By the time the present-day story took over, I was already fully invested in them as a couple and rooting for them to get their happy ending. On top of that, the setting added such a fun twist. As someone who has watched both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, as well as the scripted show Unreal, I found it fascinating to see how a romance could play out in that type of world. It gave the book a unique edge that kept things fresh and entertaining.
What really stood out to me, though, was the way the story balanced all of these elements. The romance felt heartfelt, the behind-the-scenes drama of the reality show world was exciting, and the characters themselves had depth that made them feel real. By the time I reached the end, I was smiling from ear to ear.
All in all, I truly adored this book and am honestly a little sad to be done with it. It has one of the most satisfying endings I have read in a long time, and it left me wanting more. I am definitely planning to check out the other books in this series, because if they are anything like this one, I know I will enjoy them just as much.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
October 23, 2025
Funest Romcom I've read in a while!
Gotta be honest i has hooked from the first lines this book was filled with the bit a pieces of the MC's love all over and even while using my worst enemy the miscommunication trope I loved it because it was used in a clever way, having the producer characters mess everything gives the perfect atmosphere for miscommunication without making it cliche, their romance develops on the program, but they must confront insecurities, including Tyler's feelings of never being wanted and Winnie's self-doubt.
Getting to imagine all of this happening in a reality show I would watch made it even better, I would definitely have been on twitter posting about team Tyler and Win!
Their banter was top tier, and honestly some of my favorite parts of the book were due to it.
This exchange had me in tears:
-“Come on. We’ve gotta do the thing.”
-“The thing?”
-“The Titanic thing.”
-“Sink?”
also no third act breakup? I love it here.
~Blurb~
Winnie Rusu is a romance book cover designer, and sehs been in love with Tyler Briggs the star hockey player since they were kids,when Winnie learns Tyler will star in a dating reality show, she must decide whether to confess her feelings or watch him fall for someone else. Tyler, who has always desired Winnie but saw her as off-limits due to his friendship with her brother, is surprised when she appears on the show, and declare her feelings for him.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Brother's Best Friend
Hockey Romance
Forced Proximity
Found Family
The Love Dare by Kay Marie is out now and available on KU, make sure to check it out!
Thanks to Kay Marie and NetGalley for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
Gotta be honest i has hooked from the first lines this book was filled with the bit a pieces of the MC's love all over and even while using my worst enemy the miscommunication trope I loved it because it was used in a clever way, having the producer characters mess everything gives the perfect atmosphere for miscommunication without making it cliche, their romance develops on the program, but they must confront insecurities, including Tyler's feelings of never being wanted and Winnie's self-doubt.
Getting to imagine all of this happening in a reality show I would watch made it even better, I would definitely have been on twitter posting about team Tyler and Win!
Their banter was top tier, and honestly some of my favorite parts of the book were due to it.
This exchange had me in tears:
-“Come on. We’ve gotta do the thing.”
-“The thing?”
-“The Titanic thing.”
-“Sink?”
also no third act breakup? I love it here.
~Blurb~
Winnie Rusu is a romance book cover designer, and sehs been in love with Tyler Briggs the star hockey player since they were kids,when Winnie learns Tyler will star in a dating reality show, she must decide whether to confess her feelings or watch him fall for someone else. Tyler, who has always desired Winnie but saw her as off-limits due to his friendship with her brother, is surprised when she appears on the show, and declare her feelings for him.
Tropes:
Forced Proximity
Brother's Best Friend
Hockey Romance
Forced Proximity
Found Family
The Love Dare by Kay Marie is out now and available on KU, make sure to check it out!
Thanks to Kay Marie and NetGalley for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
October 12, 2025
This is Book 3 of The Love Match series!
I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰
Kay Marie scores big with The Love Dare — a swoony, emotional, and heartwarming sports romance that blends humor, longing, and all the butterflies of a love that’s always been there.
Winnie Rusu has spent her life dreaming of grand gestures and happily-ever-afters — not that she’s ever expected to get one with Tyler Briggs, her brother’s best friend and one of the biggest stars in professional hockey. But when Tyler signs on to star in a televised dating show, Winnie decides she’s done waiting for her story to start — and crashes the set to finally tell him how she feels.
Tyler’s life has always been about control — control on the ice, control over his emotions, control over the one promise he swore he’d never break: staying away from Winnie. But when she shows up as a contestant, all his rules start to fall apart.
With cameras rolling, secrets unraveling, and chemistry that refuses to stay hidden, The Love Dare becomes the perfect mix of tension, tenderness, and emotional depth.
🏒 Tropes:
* Brother’s best friend 💥
* Grumpy x sunshine ☀️
* “It’s always been you” ❤️
* Forbidden / off-limits romance 🚫
* Reality TV dating show 🎥
* Hockey romance with heart 🏒
The Love Dare is pure comfort-read magic — sweet, steamy, and beautifully written. Kay Marie captures the ache of wanting someone you shouldn’t, the courage it takes to chase your own happy ending, and the kind of love that makes you believe in fate again.
I was lucky enough to receive as an ARC 🥰
Kay Marie scores big with The Love Dare — a swoony, emotional, and heartwarming sports romance that blends humor, longing, and all the butterflies of a love that’s always been there.
Winnie Rusu has spent her life dreaming of grand gestures and happily-ever-afters — not that she’s ever expected to get one with Tyler Briggs, her brother’s best friend and one of the biggest stars in professional hockey. But when Tyler signs on to star in a televised dating show, Winnie decides she’s done waiting for her story to start — and crashes the set to finally tell him how she feels.
Tyler’s life has always been about control — control on the ice, control over his emotions, control over the one promise he swore he’d never break: staying away from Winnie. But when she shows up as a contestant, all his rules start to fall apart.
With cameras rolling, secrets unraveling, and chemistry that refuses to stay hidden, The Love Dare becomes the perfect mix of tension, tenderness, and emotional depth.
🏒 Tropes:
* Brother’s best friend 💥
* Grumpy x sunshine ☀️
* “It’s always been you” ❤️
* Forbidden / off-limits romance 🚫
* Reality TV dating show 🎥
* Hockey romance with heart 🏒
The Love Dare is pure comfort-read magic — sweet, steamy, and beautifully written. Kay Marie captures the ache of wanting someone you shouldn’t, the courage it takes to chase your own happy ending, and the kind of love that makes you believe in fate again.
September 25, 2025
4.5⭐️
Okay, so The Love Dare is a brother’s best friend romance… but with the twist of it all going down on a dating show. And honestly? The whole “we’ve secretly liked each other for years but somehow didn’t realize it” thing drove me insane. Like, how did Winnie and Tyler not know? It was glaringly obvious to literally everyone around them.
Also, it’s written in third person, which isn’t usually my fave. I just connect more with first person, so it took me a minute to settle into the style.
But let’s be real—Alex completely stole the show. His reaction to finding out about Winnie and Tyler? Comedy gold. The man had me wheezing. He better be getting his own book, because he might actually be my favorite character.
What I really liked, though, was that even when the show tried to stir up drama, Winnie and Tyler never bought into it. You could just feel that trust between them, like they were solid no matter what production threw at them. It gave the romance such a grounded, wholesome vibe even in all the chaos.
And the twist at the end (no spoilers here, don’t worry)… listen, it was good, but it was over too quickly. It felt like a single page of drama when it could’ve been drawn out more, really milked for the tension. Still, it kept me hooked, and I didn’t want to put the book down.
If you love brother’s best friend romances, reality TV drama, and a couple you know were meant for each other, this one’s going to hit the spot.
Okay, so The Love Dare is a brother’s best friend romance… but with the twist of it all going down on a dating show. And honestly? The whole “we’ve secretly liked each other for years but somehow didn’t realize it” thing drove me insane. Like, how did Winnie and Tyler not know? It was glaringly obvious to literally everyone around them.
Also, it’s written in third person, which isn’t usually my fave. I just connect more with first person, so it took me a minute to settle into the style.
But let’s be real—Alex completely stole the show. His reaction to finding out about Winnie and Tyler? Comedy gold. The man had me wheezing. He better be getting his own book, because he might actually be my favorite character.
What I really liked, though, was that even when the show tried to stir up drama, Winnie and Tyler never bought into it. You could just feel that trust between them, like they were solid no matter what production threw at them. It gave the romance such a grounded, wholesome vibe even in all the chaos.
And the twist at the end (no spoilers here, don’t worry)… listen, it was good, but it was over too quickly. It felt like a single page of drama when it could’ve been drawn out more, really milked for the tension. Still, it kept me hooked, and I didn’t want to put the book down.
If you love brother’s best friend romances, reality TV drama, and a couple you know were meant for each other, this one’s going to hit the spot.
October 15, 2025
This was a cute and spicy brother's best friend trope, and make it hockey romance plus reality tv dating show. I enjoyed the first few chapters where we got a glimpse of how their love grew from their childhood days. They were each other's first loves--- it just took forever for them to admit it to each other.
He thinks she only sees him as her brother's best friend, and doesn't want to cross that line as it may lead him to losing them, and they're like family to him. She thinks that he only sees her as Alex's little sister, and that's why he's nice to her. Talk about yearning on both ends.
One time, he finally gets the nerve to tell her, and she drops a bomb. Cue a passage of time. Flash forward to present day, and he's a famous hockey star about to be the lead on a tv show much like The Bachelor. Winnie is dying at the fact she's going to have to watch him date 30 women, and marry one at the end-- except her best friend works some magic and she gets cast. Now she has the chance to profess her love. Which she does rather quickly, but that wouldn't leave much of a show would it? So the producer keeps them apart, builds up the anticipation, and boy does it pay off.
These two were electric and a great match for each other. A sweet happily ever after. There were quite a few funny moments too-- my favorite was the Titanic reenactment lol
Thank you to the author for a copy of the book for review!
He thinks she only sees him as her brother's best friend, and doesn't want to cross that line as it may lead him to losing them, and they're like family to him. She thinks that he only sees her as Alex's little sister, and that's why he's nice to her. Talk about yearning on both ends.
One time, he finally gets the nerve to tell her, and she drops a bomb. Cue a passage of time. Flash forward to present day, and he's a famous hockey star about to be the lead on a tv show much like The Bachelor. Winnie is dying at the fact she's going to have to watch him date 30 women, and marry one at the end-- except her best friend works some magic and she gets cast. Now she has the chance to profess her love. Which she does rather quickly, but that wouldn't leave much of a show would it? So the producer keeps them apart, builds up the anticipation, and boy does it pay off.
These two were electric and a great match for each other. A sweet happily ever after. There were quite a few funny moments too-- my favorite was the Titanic reenactment lol
Thank you to the author for a copy of the book for review!
November 15, 2025
I read this book right after I finished the second book in this series because of the preview from book 2. While I liked book 2, I really enjoyed this book. I think the pacing of this book was better than the second book, and I really enjoyed that we got to see the series of events of Winnie and Tyler growing up and pining for each other.
I understand that the whole premise of this series is the dating show that the characters are on; however, I feel like this book would have been better if it would have handled some of it differently. Like its evident from the first interaction of the show that the producers are going to try and create unnecessary drama but Tyler, our MMC, is a famous hockey player. To think that his agent would have allowed a contract to be written where he is completely off the grid and unable to access his entire team for six weeks just seems.... Unrealistic. I realize that's kind of the point to this but I feel like it would have been great for them to have had this slight drama bit and then leave the show early as they try and figure out life together outside of the dating show but still in their own bubble?
Overall in terms of romcoms, I was really into this one. I would definitely recommend. Its a lighthearted book with fun banter and a very easy read.
I understand that the whole premise of this series is the dating show that the characters are on; however, I feel like this book would have been better if it would have handled some of it differently. Like its evident from the first interaction of the show that the producers are going to try and create unnecessary drama but Tyler, our MMC, is a famous hockey player. To think that his agent would have allowed a contract to be written where he is completely off the grid and unable to access his entire team for six weeks just seems.... Unrealistic. I realize that's kind of the point to this but I feel like it would have been great for them to have had this slight drama bit and then leave the show early as they try and figure out life together outside of the dating show but still in their own bubble?
Overall in terms of romcoms, I was really into this one. I would definitely recommend. Its a lighthearted book with fun banter and a very easy read.
October 4, 2025
3.5⭐️
Winnie has been in love with her brother’s best friend, Tyler, for as long as she can remember—feelings she’s always believed were unrequited. Tyler, now a famous pro hockey player, has always loved her too, but respect for her family and fear have kept them apart for years. When Tyler is cast on a Bachelor-style reality show, Winnie’s friend convinces her to finally lay her feelings on the line.
The premise of the Love Dare was intriguing, and the story delivered plenty of yearning and pining before the pair finally come together. The flashback scenes showing Winnie and Tyler growing up were the highlight for me. They beautifully illustrated their connection over the years and provided great insight into both perspectives, and why they never really got together earlier on.
That said, once they are on the reality show, the drama and behind-the-scenes scheming started to feel repetitive and made the story drag in parts. I would have loved to see more focus on how their relationship evolved beyond the show itself.
Overall, this was a quick, easy read filled with swoon and humor. Fans of the brother’s best friend trope, unrequited love, and years-long pining will likely enjoy this one!
Thank you to Kay Marie and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Winnie has been in love with her brother’s best friend, Tyler, for as long as she can remember—feelings she’s always believed were unrequited. Tyler, now a famous pro hockey player, has always loved her too, but respect for her family and fear have kept them apart for years. When Tyler is cast on a Bachelor-style reality show, Winnie’s friend convinces her to finally lay her feelings on the line.
The premise of the Love Dare was intriguing, and the story delivered plenty of yearning and pining before the pair finally come together. The flashback scenes showing Winnie and Tyler growing up were the highlight for me. They beautifully illustrated their connection over the years and provided great insight into both perspectives, and why they never really got together earlier on.
That said, once they are on the reality show, the drama and behind-the-scenes scheming started to feel repetitive and made the story drag in parts. I would have loved to see more focus on how their relationship evolved beyond the show itself.
Overall, this was a quick, easy read filled with swoon and humor. Fans of the brother’s best friend trope, unrequited love, and years-long pining will likely enjoy this one!
Thank you to Kay Marie and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
September 22, 2025
The Love Dare by Kay Marie is the first novel I’ve read by this author, and it won’t be the last! This book follows Winnie and Tyler, who have known each other since they were nine years old. Winnie’s family took Tyler in and treated him like one of their own since he came from a troubled home with no structure.
Tyler grew up to become a professional — and very talented — hockey player, but there was always something undeniable between him and Winnie. The catch? Winnie was off-limits because she was his best friend’s sister.
Fast forward to adulthood: Tyler stars on a dating show where he must choose one of thirty women as his love match. By a twist of fate, Winnie is one of the contestants! As someone who watches The Bachelor franchise, I absolutely loved this plot.
This is a heartwarming story about true love, the courage to share your feelings, and living bravely. I adored this book and how warm it made me feel as I witnessed these two characters mature and finally go after what they’ve always wanted and always missed.
Thank you to Kay Marie and NetGalley for the ARC!
Tyler grew up to become a professional — and very talented — hockey player, but there was always something undeniable between him and Winnie. The catch? Winnie was off-limits because she was his best friend’s sister.
Fast forward to adulthood: Tyler stars on a dating show where he must choose one of thirty women as his love match. By a twist of fate, Winnie is one of the contestants! As someone who watches The Bachelor franchise, I absolutely loved this plot.
This is a heartwarming story about true love, the courage to share your feelings, and living bravely. I adored this book and how warm it made me feel as I witnessed these two characters mature and finally go after what they’ve always wanted and always missed.
Thank you to Kay Marie and NetGalley for the ARC!
October 13, 2025
LISTEN YOU NEED TO READ THIS ASAP!!!
Who wouldn't want to read a "he's my brother's best friend, and also a professional hockey player, that I've been crushing on for my entire life, but obviously i never said anything and i moved to another city to be away from him now he is going on a reality tv show to find his future wife and I end up going because this is my last shot" ??
I'm telling you this book is amazing. The tension and angst that I felt at times because those two are stubborn, but also have to face some difficulties, but also the soft moments in between gave this book the perfect combination.
Also, this book not only has dual POV, but also dual timeline, so you can see the beginning of their story and what let to their "downfall" and how important they are to each other.
Kay Marie knows how to have you gripping the book and not wanting to let go of it. You go through the emotions with them, it's a full rollercoaster filled with everything. It's cute, it's sad, it's spicy, it's fun, it's inspiring.
Who wouldn't want to read a "he's my brother's best friend, and also a professional hockey player, that I've been crushing on for my entire life, but obviously i never said anything and i moved to another city to be away from him now he is going on a reality tv show to find his future wife and I end up going because this is my last shot" ??
I'm telling you this book is amazing. The tension and angst that I felt at times because those two are stubborn, but also have to face some difficulties, but also the soft moments in between gave this book the perfect combination.
Also, this book not only has dual POV, but also dual timeline, so you can see the beginning of their story and what let to their "downfall" and how important they are to each other.
Kay Marie knows how to have you gripping the book and not wanting to let go of it. You go through the emotions with them, it's a full rollercoaster filled with everything. It's cute, it's sad, it's spicy, it's fun, it's inspiring.
October 19, 2025
Hockey Romance? Brother’s Best Friend? Childhood friends who both secretly love each other AND the third book in a series that I loved?? I couldn't read this fast enough! Please say there is a fourth!
Winnie Rusu has always believed in love stories, she even designs romance book covers for a living. But her own story feels hopeless, thanks to her secret (and unrequited) crush on her brother’s best friend, hockey star Tyler Briggs. When she finds out he’s the lead on a reality dating show, Winnie decides to finally faced her fears, join the cast, and tell him how she feels. Tyler can’t believe the girl he’s always wanted just stepped out of the limo…but between family loyalties, binding contracts with the show and cameras capturing every moment, falling for each other might be the easy part. Staying in love and surviving this crazy reality TV show (and Nina IYKYK)? That’s the real test.
Thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Kay Marie for allowing me access to this book. All opinions are my own.
Winnie Rusu has always believed in love stories, she even designs romance book covers for a living. But her own story feels hopeless, thanks to her secret (and unrequited) crush on her brother’s best friend, hockey star Tyler Briggs. When she finds out he’s the lead on a reality dating show, Winnie decides to finally faced her fears, join the cast, and tell him how she feels. Tyler can’t believe the girl he’s always wanted just stepped out of the limo…but between family loyalties, binding contracts with the show and cameras capturing every moment, falling for each other might be the easy part. Staying in love and surviving this crazy reality TV show (and Nina IYKYK)? That’s the real test.
Thanks to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Kay Marie for allowing me access to this book. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2026
While I'd separately flagged the other books in the series for my TBR through a social media ad, when selecting this one I didn't realize it was part of a series, but that didn't stop me from diving in with #3.
This book was definitely a little bit chaotic, as one could expect from a book with a bachelor style dating show (which I'm proud to day I've never actually watched!), a side of brother's best friend and the it's always been you trope. While this was a fine read, and I want to go back and read the rest of the series, even with the flashbacks, the characters didn't actually have chemistry and it didn't five the reader much in terms of wanting to root for them, the dual POV was too similar, the characters didn't really have different voices and the writing style was a little too informal and messy. Here's to trying books 1 & 2!
Thank you Netgalley and the Author for the ARC in exchange for my review!
This book was definitely a little bit chaotic, as one could expect from a book with a bachelor style dating show (which I'm proud to day I've never actually watched!), a side of brother's best friend and the it's always been you trope. While this was a fine read, and I want to go back and read the rest of the series, even with the flashbacks, the characters didn't actually have chemistry and it didn't five the reader much in terms of wanting to root for them, the dual POV was too similar, the characters didn't really have different voices and the writing style was a little too informal and messy. Here's to trying books 1 & 2!
Thank you Netgalley and the Author for the ARC in exchange for my review!
September 5, 2025
Oh Kay Marie. Delivering again. Thank you SO much for the chance to read this.
I really enjoyed The Love Rematch. I adored The Love Lie. But this might be next level from her.
As her other books, this is set in a fictionalized version of The Bachelor, my absolute guilty pleasure show, and once again I really loved seeing the portrayal of production and its impact on the show. I loved seeing the manipulation, especially with a setup where the leads were already SO much in love.
And let's talk about that.
This is a second chance, friends to lovers, childhood love story between Winnie and Ty and UGH IT JUST WORKS. The internal monologues from both PoV's, the emotionality, the quickness with which these two figure out what they want? LOVE it. The navigation was fun in this aspect. I LOVE the lack of a third act break up, how these two just KNEW each other, the interactions with Sam and their family: check check check.
I also really liked the little bit of insight into female friendship and fakeness: it was so well done.
Overall, just a knock out of the park book and I really hope we're not done in this loosely connected universe
I really enjoyed The Love Rematch. I adored The Love Lie. But this might be next level from her.
As her other books, this is set in a fictionalized version of The Bachelor, my absolute guilty pleasure show, and once again I really loved seeing the portrayal of production and its impact on the show. I loved seeing the manipulation, especially with a setup where the leads were already SO much in love.
And let's talk about that.
This is a second chance, friends to lovers, childhood love story between Winnie and Ty and UGH IT JUST WORKS. The internal monologues from both PoV's, the emotionality, the quickness with which these two figure out what they want? LOVE it. The navigation was fun in this aspect. I LOVE the lack of a third act break up, how these two just KNEW each other, the interactions with Sam and their family: check check check.
I also really liked the little bit of insight into female friendship and fakeness: it was so well done.
Overall, just a knock out of the park book and I really hope we're not done in this loosely connected universe
September 24, 2025
This book pulled me in right from the start—I was immediately hooked by the premise. The banter between the characters was sharp and entertaining, and I really enjoyed the dual POV along with the flashbacks, which added depth to the story.
While the book wasn’t overly spicy, my only critique is that the intimate scenes felt a little rushed. I wish there had been more elaboration and detail in those moments, as they seemed to be missing the same spark found in the rest of the book.
That said, I loved the unique twist of having the main characters star in a reality TV show. The behind-the-scenes look was such a fun addition and added another layer to the development of their relationship. The ending was also a wonderful surprise that I didn’t see coming—it left me smiling.
Overall, this was an engaging and enjoyable read with a fresh concept and memorable characters.
While the book wasn’t overly spicy, my only critique is that the intimate scenes felt a little rushed. I wish there had been more elaboration and detail in those moments, as they seemed to be missing the same spark found in the rest of the book.
That said, I loved the unique twist of having the main characters star in a reality TV show. The behind-the-scenes look was such a fun addition and added another layer to the development of their relationship. The ending was also a wonderful surprise that I didn’t see coming—it left me smiling.
Overall, this was an engaging and enjoyable read with a fresh concept and memorable characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2025
A perfect way to continue this series! The Love Dare picks up with the next season of the show kicking off and Sam and Cooper having shocked the world (where The Love Lie ended). Winnie and Tyler have known each other since they were kids (and unknowingly in love with each other since that time) but he’s about to start dating 30 other women. Sam (being Winnie’s best friend) encourages Winnie to reach out to the producers and get on the show because it’s time to finally put it on the line with Tyler. Of course it’s not that easy as the producers put twists and turns in their path but overall, these two find the epic happily ever after they deserve!
For lovers of sports or childhood friends to lovers romances or lovers of dating shows this is for you!
Thank you Kay and NetGalley for the ARC!
For lovers of sports or childhood friends to lovers romances or lovers of dating shows this is for you!
Thank you Kay and NetGalley for the ARC!
October 5, 2025
"One chance, and I dare you not to fall in love with me, too." I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.
If you are a fan of these tropes this book is for you:
-Brother's Best Friend
-First Love
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Forced Proximity
I had never read a book by Kay Marie before this, but I am really excited to read more from this author. I was skeptical of the whole reality tv-show "Bachelor" vibe, but the author wrote it really well. I liked that we got to see the two MC's tackle some serious insecurities within themselves. I appreciated the healthy growth the MC's made through this story. I enjoyed the banter between the characters that our girl Winnie also loves in her romance novels. The side characters in this book were also really great, especially the sibling dynamic between Alex & Winnie.
Overall, this book had great chemistry, the proper amount of spice, girl gang & an adorable HEA.
If you are a fan of these tropes this book is for you:
-Brother's Best Friend
-First Love
-Grumpy x Sunshine
-Forced Proximity
I had never read a book by Kay Marie before this, but I am really excited to read more from this author. I was skeptical of the whole reality tv-show "Bachelor" vibe, but the author wrote it really well. I liked that we got to see the two MC's tackle some serious insecurities within themselves. I appreciated the healthy growth the MC's made through this story. I enjoyed the banter between the characters that our girl Winnie also loves in her romance novels. The side characters in this book were also really great, especially the sibling dynamic between Alex & Winnie.
Overall, this book had great chemistry, the proper amount of spice, girl gang & an adorable HEA.
October 13, 2025
ARC Review
The Love Dare by Kay Marie
5/5 stars
Kay Marie has done it again with another installment of the series with this book! I don't like dating shows in real life, but the way Kay Marie writes them, I can't get enough of this series.
Winnie!! I loved her character and her creativeness. Her overall character shined and I related to her in a way I can't describe.
TYLER! I am wary of Tylers from real life, but this one has my heart. His dyslexia and his acceptance of it, endeared me to his character and just his drive to go after what he wants until he gets it. I loved how he matched with Winnie in that aspect.
The show, their history to now forever, and the romance had me reading to a late night and worth the read!
Catch this book out on Oct.14!
Thank you to @kaymariebooks and her team for the eARC copy of the book.
The Love Dare by Kay Marie
5/5 stars
Kay Marie has done it again with another installment of the series with this book! I don't like dating shows in real life, but the way Kay Marie writes them, I can't get enough of this series.
Winnie!! I loved her character and her creativeness. Her overall character shined and I related to her in a way I can't describe.
TYLER! I am wary of Tylers from real life, but this one has my heart. His dyslexia and his acceptance of it, endeared me to his character and just his drive to go after what he wants until he gets it. I loved how he matched with Winnie in that aspect.
The show, their history to now forever, and the romance had me reading to a late night and worth the read!
Catch this book out on Oct.14!
Thank you to @kaymariebooks and her team for the eARC copy of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews