Dare To Kiss You: A secret crush, neighbours to lovers, small town romance

The Donnellys of Dogwood Cove #1

by Julia Jarrett

I assumed my secret crush on my next door neighbour would stay just that - a secret.

Until my best friend dared me to ask him out.

I never turn down a dare…

It started as a way for me to learn to trust men again, after having that trust broken by my ex. But it quickly turned into something more.

I knew Hunter was an amazing man, full of energy and light. What I wasn’t prepared for were the deep emotions he hides from the world. And it’s that vulnerable, soft side of him that I’m falling for, just as much as the golden retriever energy everyone else sees.

Being with Hunter is a dream come true. Until my meddling brothers start to pull at the seams of what we’re building.

Now I’m terrified the man I’m falling for will ignore what’s in his heart, and push me away.

Our relationship began because of a dare, but now I know it could be the start of forever. I just have to get Hunter to believe that too.

Genres: Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Small Town Romance, Ebooks, Amazon, Contemporary Romance

189 pages, Paperback

Published October 7, 2024

Reviews

[dia · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 56%
This was painful

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Dare To Kiss You
Author: Julia Jarrett
Hero/Heroine: Hunter & Kat
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, Neighbours, Small Town,

TW/CW: On page anxiety attack, mention of generalised anxiety disorder, infidelity, learning disability,

THE GOOD 😀

After reading Lovestruck, the Christmas novella based around Hunter and Kat, I knew that I wanted to read more about this wonderful couple. A continuation of the Dogwood Cove series, this is the first book about the Donnelly family.

After an unfortunate video call where she finds out what her long distance boyfriend gets up to in his spare time, our heroine Kat is given a dare by her best friend Lily to finally ask out her neighbour, Hunter.

I loved the dynamic between these two characters; Hunter, a golden retriever personality with some serious BDE, has been hiding his feelings for Kat since he moved in next door to her. Kat, knowing nothing could happen seeing as she was with her jackass boyfriend, thought that they’d only ever be just friends. That got shot to shit pretty quickly after a pretty intense hike in the snow (IYKYK).

I have to say that Hunter is one of my favourite Dogwood Cove heroes. Apart from the fact that he’s an absolute sort that knows his way around the bedroom (and has some interesting uses for a mirror *insert exaggerated wink here*), he was just an all round loveable character. Constantly feeling like he’s not good enough for Kat or his job as a policeman, Hunter keeps his struggles a secret for fear that people will think he’s weak. Honestly, I spent most of this book feeling like I just wanted to give him the biggest hug ever. And Kat was an absolute queen, helping Hunter to realise that he didn’t have to fight his battles alone, and that she would always be there to support him.

Dare To Kiss You was an addictive, fast paced read that brought the humour and the steam. A fabulous way to kick off the Donnelly Family series, I’m looking forward to finding out what happens with Kat’s over protective brothers.

THE BAD ☹️

Why don’t I live next door to a hot policeman with golden retriever/BDE?

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: A steamy friends to lovers romance that gave me a serious case of heart eye emoji
STEAM LEVEL: 🔥🔥🔥
STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
This book had me with a permanent smile on my face, even with discussions of heavier topics! Kat and Hunter had me smiling and giddy with their crushes on each other! I loved that they couldn’t quite gauge each other feelings. It made me so excited to see them figure it out!
Hunter was my favorite character in this book! I felt for him so much and the anxiety representation in this book felt so real and raw! And I loved that it was the hero who was dealing with these things! I think it’s so important to show that men are not always “strong” that they are also allowed to have emotions! I think that is such an wonderful representation! Hunter was sweet and caring and most importantly a dirty talker 😉🥵 That man delivered! And we get an applause for a man owning his stuff and going to therapy when it is greatly affecting his and others lives! 🙌🏻
Kat was a strong and selfless! She stands her ground with her sometimes overbearing ,albeit they were trying to protect her, brothers. She didn’t let them run her life! She offered support to Hunter instead of making him rely on her and I think that was wonderful!
Overall I loved this story a lot! I loved the fun chemistry between Hunter and Kat! I loved the side characters and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dogwood Cove and anytime I can come back to this small Canadian town, I jump at the chance. This town reminds me so much of my own hometown. This is a story that was easy for me to connect with. I love that she chose to include a character like Hunter - a police officer with anxiety. I personally deal with anxiety and felt that the auther did an incredible job of putting anxiety into words. The second guessing and not feeling enough are so accurate. I thought that Kat was the perfect partner for Hunter. She was sweet, patient and understanding. The steam is at just the right level and the protective brothers add some great entertainment and laughs to the story.

I love this place, these characters and this author. If you haven't read this author check her out.

Thank you to the author for my gifted copy!

[Heather Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of a new small town romance series about the Donnolly's of Dogwood Cove. The first book is Kat Donnolly and Hunter's story.

If you love:

~Friends to Lovers
~Small Town
~He Falls First
~Dual POV

Wow, I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting. I love the Donnolly family and I'm so glad we got Kat's book first! I loved Kat and Hunter's romance. I enjoyed how Kat could not refuse to do something whenever someone told her "I dare you". After her best friend mentioned those three little words, Kat finally talked to her neighbor, Hunter, who she has had a crush on for awhile.
Hunter is a cop in Dogwood Cove and has also had feelings for Kat but didn't act on them because of it being the wrong time kinda thing. Now that Kat is single, he sees his chance and decides to act on it not realizing Kat is thinking the same thing.

I love their interactions and the way their relationship grows even despite their struggles and insecurities. I think it was amazing to see how Kat stood by Hunter's side when he struggled with his anxiety and when he tried to push her away, she still wanted to be there for him. It was a beautiful story. I also enjoyed the spice and intimate scenes between the two.

I can't wait for the next book! I definitely recommend!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for your next friends to lovers book look no further!! I really enjoyed this book! Julia Jarrett has quickly become a must read author. While this was a sweet love story it does deal with a very important subject…anxiety. I was also impressed that it was the hero that struggled with it. As someone that suffers from anxiety, I could relate big time to all the thoughts that Hunter had. I really enjoyed both of these characters. Now while there was some heavy there was also some spice! This was a great start to a new series!

Received a arc for a honest review.

[jessicakaitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

If this book is any indication of how the series will go, IM SO EXCITED!!

A bit of what to expect in this book:
- GREAT anxiety representation
- A dare that starts it all
- neighbours
- boy obsessed
- he falls first
- small town
- cozy vibes

Hunter and Kat were a really cute couple that gave all the fluff, swoon and spice. But it also focused on important topics surrounding mental health. I appreciate the time and love that Julia put into making the anxiety representation accurate and true. Hunter is a cinnamon roll hero who deserves the world. Kat is so kind and so resilient.

And maxs book? IM SO EXCITED FOR IT!! That teaser tho 😏😭😭😭

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this one has it all. Seemingly unrequited love, lust, friendship, some misery, and a clear case of adulting up to handle the repercussions of rash actions taken in panic. Though Hunter and Kat have what they think is a once sided crush on each other, Kat’s family keeps him away, while her last horrible breakup keeps her away. So once they decide to give some time together as more than friends a chance, Hunter and Kat took me on a bit of a ride and I can’t say I was upset by any of it. I mean, when someone let their fears of inadequacy rule the words coming out of their mouth, I was SO upset. But then when the truth came out to everyone present for said fear-blurting, I had to forgive with the rest.

This story brings two sort-of friends closer because of the brave words of a celebrity, and also makes a point to remind us that anxiety comes in all shapes and sizes. The fear. The wall-clawing worries of not being enough. The rush to mollify anyone who has unkind words or views. And the damage that can come with not following simple rules learned to cope. But this also brings the proof that anxiety is a beast that can be tamed with the right tools, and Christmas is looking to bestow some of those tools and gifts on this couple because they’re clearly meant to be!

Thanks to these two, and Kat’s brothers and their meddling, I can’t wait to spend more time with this family and in this town.

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

He called her Kitty Kat throughout the whole book!! 🤮

It was also poorly written and the characters were so generic. So, it wasn't just the creepy nickname.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first Julia Jarrett book, but it will not be my last! This was a wonderful next door neighbour/friends to lovers romance that takes place in a small town. While this was a sweet story, it also focussed on some very real subjects like anxiety and learning disabilities. I thought the author did a good job managing this in a kind, but honest way.

I thought the dynamic between Kat and Hunter was awesome. Hunter was such a nice guy, and that is exactly what Kat needed and deserved after having been cheated on by her ex. I felt bad that Hunter really struggled with himself and being good enough for Kat, when the reader could see that he was perfect for her. I also like how, once Kat knew about Hunter's anxiety, she was so patient and calm with him. Willing to understand that things happen with anxiety that may not always be easy.

This book had some good humour, some real subjects and some good steam, leading to a wonderful story about two who loved each other. I will check out more in this (and other) series!

[Rachel McMahon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only was this a perfect start to the series, but it’s the perfect book to read this Christmas season. I love that the MMC lives with severe anxiety and we get to see him work through his struggles. I feel like it’s usually the FMC who deals with mental health issues and in reality there’s just as many men dealing with them too. The representation was really accurate and tastefully done. I could really connect to Hunter because of this and it made the story that much more impactful for me. I love that Kat sticks with Hunter and really loves and supports every part of him. We should all be so lucky to have that kind of support in a partner.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Are Adorable!

Kat and Hunter have been not so secretly (apparently lol) dancing around each other for a couple of years. They each finally get up the courage to ask each other out.

After their first date it really became no holds barred between them with the expectation of his near crippling anxiety that he has a hard time talking to her about.

That’s what ends up cracking them just a little. His “grand gesture” is adorable, sweet and very appropriate for them.

I absolutely love and devoured their story!

[Jill (readinginpjs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, quick read and a sweet intro to the Donnelly family 🥰

📖 Dare to Kiss You
📝 Julia Jarrett
🗓️ 03/01/2023
💙 Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

This was such a sweet story, with strong mental health rep. It is especially nice to read about it with a male character, to break down some toxic masculinity.

Both Kat & Hunter were adorable with their mutual crushing, and their insecurities.

Love all the tropes in this one too!

Tropes & topics:
💙 Neighbors
💙 Secret dating
💙 Cop mmc
💙 Nursing student fmc
💙 Mutual pining
💙 Mental health rep (anxiety)
💙 Small coastal town
💙 Novella (<200 pages)
💙 Dual POV/first person
🇨🇦 Canadian author + setting

Thank you so much to the author, Julia Jarrett, for a complimentary copy 🥰 all opinions are my own!

[S. A. Shreve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a cute, quick read. It's a shorter book, probably closer to a novella in length, but it was worth the read. It had some...

• Neighbor romance
• Long time crush
• Golden Retriever MMC

Since this is a shorter book, the relationship does happen pretty quickly, but it is still completely adorable. I loved all the awkward yet cute encounters between Kat and Hunter as they navigated the beginning of their relationship. They were so endearing!

This is the start of a series of stand alones. Honestly, I do wish it had been a little longer with a little more relationship development. But I still definitely enjoyed it and plan on reading more in the series.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, wholesome romance. Neighbors to lovers is a trope I'm beginning to really love (it reminds me of friends to lovers kinda). I loved how Kat helped Hunter with his anxiety and how understanding they were of each other's struggles. Very cute. I found the main conflict towards the end super relatable. Like Hunter, my anxiety has sometimes made me say things that I don't really mean; I was just on the spot, and it just came out. I read it and was like, "hits a little too close to home" haha.

[Mick C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good story of neighbors who became friends who could become more if the timing were right. But when one gets burned by love and the other feels inadequate, will they miss their chance at a HEA...

[Kelly Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off I loved that Julia did a flip and made the Hero more vulnerable then the heroine. Hunter suffers from anixety disorder and a learning disability which he hides by cracking jokes, working out and avoidance. Hunter is a cop who has a huge crush on his best friends sister Kat, who is also harboring feelings for Hunter.

Kat who is dared by her friend to ask out Hunter does it because who can turn down a dare? Once Hunter and Kat get over the first hump of nerves, sparks to fly. They were so adorable together, their attraction and chemistry is felt.

At times all i wanted to do was hug Hunter. Reading how they both over come their vulnerabilities and trust issues because they know this a once in a life time feeling is beautiful.

Julia steps up the steam in this new small town romance, it’s great start to what is sure to be an amazing series.

[Opal The Gem Book Reviews ✨ .... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare To Kiss You (The Donnellys of Dogwood Cove #1)
By Julia Jarrett.

5 Stars!!

An attractive and teasing story: Dare to Kiss You is the first romance book in Julia Jarrett's The Donnellys of Dogwood Cove.

Hunter is the "golden retriever energy" boy next door (literally) to Kat Donnelly, both of them have had a deep crush on each other since the day Hunter moved in next door. Interference from Kat's brothers stand in the way of Hunter ever making a move, however, Kat's not one to step away from a good dare when it's about pursuing her secret crush on Hunter.

Dare to Kiss You is the first romance book I've read that delves into anxiety and insecurity in its truest form within a relationship. What I loved about Dare to Kiss You is the ability Kat and Hunter had in communicating and building a safe place in each other that allowed their relationship to grow not just to the end of the book but seems as if it will further develop throughout the rest of the series.

If you like:

Dirty Talk
Proper Representation of Anxiety
Swoony Romance Couples

Dare to Kiss You is the perfect read.

[Toni Benton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a 4.5 star read

Kat is a small town girl who is just trying to make it through her masters program to become a nurse practitioner. She’s just a girl working in the local diner who is harboring a crush on a newer to town hot cop who is a co-worker/ friend of her brother’s and a subordinate of her cousin. The same cop who happens to be her sexy next door neighbor. And we’ll just say that she’s taken notice.
Hunter is just trying to make it day by day to get over his personal hurdles and to prove his worth at the local police station. But first, he has to convince himself of his worth. He’s a small town cop who couldn’t help but notice the beautiful next door neighbor who is a waitress at the local diner…which might be his favorite place to eat now. But, when that beautiful neighbor/waitress is the sister & cousin of fellow officers, that makes her incredibly off limits.

I loved the way that Kat took the courage to ask Hunter to the fundraiser, even though she was sure he would never see her as more. I loved the way that Hunter took the opportunity to ask for more from Kat, even though he felt that he wasn’t worthy of her. Even with his diminished self worth, he doesn’t find ways to sabotage himself and his relationships…that always irks me when characters do this. Instead, he worked on himself to find himself worthy.
The way that these two hit it off, sparks flew. The seemingly unrequited love from both sides made their connection so much more intense. The hurdle of her brothers caused a little heartache, but I also loved how it was evident that these two were meant to be…at least by those willing to look.
The extended epilogue definitely makes me want to dive headfirst into this world & watch all of those Donnelly men fall hard.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a really cute book! Perfect to get out of a slump (not a reading slump just a life/hormonal slump lol).

Loved the neighbors to lovers trope, they were both feeling each out right from the git go. But once the fmc had a bf, mmc was respectful and didn't do anything to disturb fmc's relationship.

But once fmc's bf cheated on her mmc still didn't jump in a ask her out. He dealt with a lot of anxiety and felt unworthy of fmc. Thankfully fmc stepped up once she got her bearings about her ex! (ALSO LOVED that there was a time hop after the break up and before fmc and mmc got together. I personally really enjoy when authors do time hops in romance books, make it feel a bit more realistic)

Jarrett did a really good job of showing what it's like living with an anxiety disorder and learning disability (not spoiling that because she has a disclaimer at the beginning of the book, fyi). I know everyone who deal with that deals with it differently, but I think she did a great job making us FEEL what they go through.

Overall I thought it was a great read! A good book to end July with.

Happy August y'all!

Things to take note of
Spice: 3.5-4 / 5 peps
Overbearing brothers
Cheating (not with mcs)
Christmas vibes, but not too Christmasy for July LOL

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I've met a Julia Jarrett book I haven't liked.
Set on Vancouver Island which is local to me, this book also has some anxiety rep. When you also have crippling anxiety is good to see it represented and represented well in what your reading.
The book also has some spice (aka open door scenes between consenting adults), a great plot and well thought out characters

[Lauren Feeley · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn’t great. The author did a lot of telling rather than showing. I’m also just not a fan of insta-love so I was probably not the best audience for this book.

Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[drea :) · Rating 2 out of 5]

unfortunately, i was right.

[Valentina · Rating 1 out of 5]

worse than a wattpad book

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare To Kiss You is the first book in Ms. Jarrett's new series, The Donnelly's orf Dogwood, and if the series is anything like this book, it is going to be outstanding. Ms. Jarrett delivers a riveting story about two people who are friends but they both want more. I love books where he falls first and there is a connection that intensifies. Hunter is one of the town's officers but he suffers from mental health issues however it does not interfere with his job, only his personal life. He has always had feelings for Kat but while her brothers are always being protective of her and scaring all the guys away he has never made a move. She also has a boyfriend. He also feels that he is not good enough for her because of his mental health. He also lives with a past that keeps haunting him. Kat secretly has also always had feelings for Hunter. Kat's boyfriend and she are trying the long-distance relationship thing but that was until she heard his cheating voice during a situation that she wish she had never heard. The problem is that they have kept their feelings hidden. Will they ever be able to get past all the things that are holding them back? Can or will Hunter let Kat in and see that he is worthy of her love?

Ms. Jarrett did a wonderful job of writing about Hunter's mental health issues and how he dealt with them and the help that he had. This topic is one that is touchy to write about but she did it in a way that had you wanting to jump right into the book and tell Hunter that he is someone that is loved and worthy of all the good things in life.
I cannot wait for the next installment in this series. I highly recommend picking up Dare To Kiss You.

[Leslie || original book nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dare to Kiss You ARC Review

Couple: Kat & Hunter

Author: Julia Jarrett

Tropes: friends to lover, neighbor romance, anxiety/mental health awareness

Review: Dare To Kiss You is a short and sweet romance of a small town cop and sweetheart. Kat is the ultimate good girl heroine who has a large family and overly loud brothers. She is set up at the beginning with a heartbreak that diminished her trust in men and makes it hard for her to admit her feelings towards her neighbor Hunter.

Hunter its the small town cop who works with Kat’s brothers and has been warned off many times. He is a sweetheart and soft hero who suffers from severe anxiety which is the main arc in this romance. I felt like Hunter’s character was written very well to bring light to how someone with anxiety struggles with daily activities and life moments. He is developed well but at times I found myself wanting to shake him and tell him to get over it.

Kat and Hunter are a sweet couple who had a lot of downs and not as many ups in this read. Kat’s biggest hurdle was learning how to accept Hunter’s anxiety and coping mechanisms. The couple struggled with a lot of themes that are common in small town romance reads or reads with over protective brothers. I enjoyed it but wanted more backstory and conflict. I felt like the end was a bit rushed and did not allow them to work through the big fight and disagreement towards the middle-end of the book.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a quick and light hearted read.

Rating: 3.75/5, short and sweet but could use more character development

[Sue Slade · Rating 3 out of 5]

With Valentines’ fast approaching I thought it would be nice to pick a romance to read for my next pick for The Miramichi Reader’s 2024 Read Across Canada Reading Challenge.

Dare to Kiss You is the first book in British Columbia’s Julia Jerrett’s The Donnelly’s of Dogwood Cove series. Set during a blustery winter on Vancouver Island, Hunter Callaghan of the Dogwood Cove Police Department has a secret crush on his neighbour, but feels that he does not deserve someone as smart as Kat Donnelly because of his anxiety attacks and learning disability.

Kat Donnelly has 4 overprotective older brothers and is studying to get her Master’s Degree in Nursing to become a nurse practitioner. She volunteers at the animal shelter and works at Camille’s cafe and she too has a secret crush on her neighbour, but she has been recently burned. She caught her last boyfriend with his pants down, cheating on her and now is reluctant to trust again. But on a dare from her best friend Lily, she asks Hunter to the animal shelter’s fundraiser Gala.

First, it was nice reading about the opposite coast having the same heavy snowfalls we have had in the past week (even when I know in reality they are not). “Winter has hit Vancouver Island hard this year, and another heavy snowfall started in the last hour.” pg 52

Another positive in this charming small-town romance is the fact that Hunter is not the perfect man; he has a mental illness that he takes medication and sees a therapist for. It’s a daily battle for him and it’s not sugarcoated in the story.

I also loved the name of Kat’s mother’s walking group The Walkie Talkies and I am looking forward to reading the others in this series.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The characters are true-to-life, multifaceted and so relatable.The hero, Hunter, is a well-respected and well-liked police officer who has had a crush on the heroine for a while. No one would know to look at him that he has anxiety issues that can be crippling at times. When Kat asks him out he is more than happy to accept. Her over protective brothers make their presence known, but Hunter still wants his chance at a future with Kat. Getting to know her is easy, but hiding his anxiety is hard and revealing it to the woman he loves almost impossible.

Kat has had a bad breakup in the past and is really not looking for anyone right now. When her friend issues a dare though, Kat doesn’t back down. She asks the man she has a secret crush on for a date. The time the spend together is more than she could have hoped for and so is Hunter. He is thoughtful, kind and generous as well as sexy, especially when he is talking dirty to her. The fact that he has a vulnerable side makes him even more endearing and she is more than willing to offer him support and understanding when he needs it. Their story is not without a few hiccups and missteps, but it does have a wonderful and memorable conclusion.

This book includes the topic of mental illness. It is handled with compassion and insight. It in no way detracts from Hunter and Kat’s sweet and endearing love story. His anxiety issues do not make Hunter any less worthy of love or admiration. He and Kat make a great couple.

I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost I want to say thank you to @juliajarrettauthor and @talkspicy2me for providing me with an arc of this book. This book comes out March 1. Aaah how exciting. ☺️ I had a really good time reading this book, is lighthearted, funny, emotional, hopeful. I truly loved getting to know Hunter and Kat and seeing them both grow and seeing their journey not only together but individually too was lovely to see. I loved that we got to see Hunter grow into himself and we got to see him managing his anxiety and learning to cope and learning to open up and that he is worth it and more, I love that Lat was there for him through and through. It was just a lovely story that definitely got me teared up and tugged at my heartstrings, and is safe to say as someone with anxiety I appreciate it the representation a lot. Kat was wonderful too, she truly was kind and caring and understanding and smart, she truly had the biggest heart and I loved how she stood for herself but was also compassionate and understanding. Hunter and Kat were wonderful and I’m so happy I got to read their story. Now when it comes to Kat’s brothers I cannot wait to read their books and know more about them. So yeah please pick up this book if you’re looking for:
- friends to lovers
- small town romance
- neighbors
- anxiety rep
- they both pine for each other
// TW: Graphic: Anxiety, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content. Minor: Infidelity

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kat Donnelly and Hunter Callaghan have been secretly attracted to each other ever since he moved into the house next door, but for several reasons, neither has acted on their crush. Kat recently went through a tough breakup, but her best friend Lily is convinced that it's time for her to get back out there. Knowing that she can't say no to a dare, Lily dares Kat to ask Hunter to be her date for the annual charity gala benefiting the town's animal shelter. He happily accepts, but as the event draws closer, Hunter finds himself overwhelmed with anxiety, convinced that he will never be good enough for Kat. Can he overcome his fears - as well as the objections of Kat's four overprotective older brothers - to build a future with the girl of his dreams?

Having struggled with anxiety myself, I couldn't help both relating to and being heartbroken by much of what Hunter went through in this story. I can't count the number of times I've had similar thoughts of not being good enough go through my head! Kat was in a unique position to understand his anxiety because of her medical background, and I really appreciated that she applied her knowledge to the situation rather than jumping to conclusions. That's just one of the reasons that she and Hunter made such a great couple, and I loved cheering them on to their HEA.

Overall, "Dare to Kiss You" was a sweet yet perfectly steamy introduction to Jarrett's new series, and I highly recommend it for all contemporary/small town romance fans. I can't wait to find out what's to come in the next book of the series.

*Review copy provided by the author via Literally Yours PR. All opinions expressed are my own.