I Dare You: A Small Town Romance

by Isla Stelmark

I never expected to find myself back in my hometown of Calla Bay. Not after I was humiliated and made a fool of by my brother’s best friend. Sebastian Devereux made me feel things I had never felt. I gave him everything, only to find out it was all part of a dare.

Eleven years later, now my life that I had been so proud of in New York City was crumbling. I had lost my job and my friends. Worst of all, I had lost my sense of self. Taken from me by the person I thought was supposed to love me.

Being back in my childhood bedroom, jobless and alone, was not on my life’s bingo card, so when my brother Luke gets me a job working for none other than Sebastian Devereux, I’m in no position to say no. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it. He can keep his dimpled smile and charming words. They don’t affect me like they did when I was a naive eighteen-year-old.

If I have to keep repeating that to myself every day like a mantra, reminding me not to let him get too close, then that’s what I’ll do. I fell for his charm once already; it would be stupid to do it again.

So why do I find my heart opening up to the one person it never should?

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 4, 2025

About the author

Isla Stelmark, a contemporary romance author, grew up in a coastal Massachusetts town that she continues to call home. Isla is a lifelong book enthusiast, and dedicates her days to writing untamed love stories with authentic, relatable characters. When not writing, Isla enjoys immersing herself in a good book with a cup of coffee and cuddling with her two cats.

Reviews

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in this amazing series, and this is Sebastian and Lydia’s story.
Sebastian is Lydia’s brother’s best friend, and after he humiliated her, she was glad to escape town, and now 11-years later she is back in her hometown after her life imploded, and her brother gets her a job working for Sebastian.
This is a well written easy to read story which has family, friendships, emotions, close proximity, second chances, humour, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and unpredictable, small-town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Sole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla Stelmark has completely stolen this romance reader’s heart all over again with I Dare You!!
Set once more in the addictive small-town world of the Wilder siblings, this fourth book feels like coming home and getting your heart wrecked in the best possible way.
Lydia’s story grabbed hold from page one. After everything falls apart in New York, she’s forced back to Calla Bay, a place loaded with memories, expectations, and the one man she absolutely does not want to face. That man is Sebastian Devereux—her brother’s best friend (best trope ever!!), all tattoos and broody energy, with a soft center he tries (and fails) to hide. The “I cannot believe I’m working for you” setup is delicious, and the tension between them hums through every scene.
As someone who’s loved watching the Wilder crew fall in love since “I Found You” seeing Lydia finally get her turn is incredibly satisfying.
The brother’s-best-friend angle, the long-time pining, the slow-burn second chance—it all feels like the payoff readers have been waiting for.
Their banter made me grin, their chemistry had me fully invested, and the quiet, vulnerable moments genuinely squeezed my heart.
What really stands out is how real their journey feels. Lydia isn’t magically “fixed”: she rebuilds herself piece by piece, and Seb has to show—over and over—that he’s not the reckless guy from their past.
The romance is messy, tender, and full of hope, with that perfect blend of heat and emotion that Stelmark has nailed throughout this series.
By the time I finished, I wasn’t just rooting for their happily ever after—I was already wishing I could reread it for the first time again. I Dare You is an easy 5-star read and a must-recommend for romance lovers, especially anyone already obsessed with the Wilder family and their small coastal town.

[Ehva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am incredibly in love with this couple and their story! What a journey 🥹 Isla, your writing is absolutely magnificent and magical 😩🥹 The chemistry, angst, tension, yearning, and depth of emotions had me on my knees! And that little Easter egg in the epilogue, Girl you had me literally shouting in my room 😂😈 Thank you so much for the ARC ❤️

Sebastian Devereux 🧎‍♀️ He has me eating out the palm of his hand! And I love it 🤭 Tattoed, hot, handsome, charming, golden retriever, protective, intelligent, tattoo artist and owner of SD Ink, shy, a flirt with her, artistic, loves to grovel, intense, loves to banter with her, supportive, tall, and utterly obsessed with the woman who stole his heart when he was 20 😍 Sebastian hides a lot of his struggles from everyone. There is only person he wants to share everything with, but she won't give him the time of day 😩😂 His best friend's little sister 😈 His character is incredibly written, and I fell for him immediately!

Lydia Wilder 😏 She is an incredibly brave fmc and even more so inspiring! Sassy, feisty, intelligent, beautiful, protective, banterful, an art curator, social media manager for SD Ink, shy, brave, supportive, kind, black cat energy, hides her trauma, and falling again for the boy who "broke" her heart at 18 😏 Lydia is one of most fierce and kickass fmc's I have read about! She had me cackling in almost every chapter, with how much she made this man beg on his kneees! She had this man eating out the palm of her hands and I know she loved it 😏😈

The spicy scenes 🥵🧎‍♀️ Hawt Dayum, Isla! You had blushing and fanning myself through every single one. And smirking through that slow burn! I can't wait for the next book because that man has me frickin intrigued 🥹🥵

[Jin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a simple dare that changed everything for Lydia and Sebastian.
Lydia never wanted to be back in her hometown of Calla Bay and back in her dad's house. She wasn't ready to be back but she didn't have any money and nowhere else to stay. All of her brothers were either married or almost on the way. She was the only one who didn't have anyone. She needed a job and never imagined she will be working for her brother's best friend Sebastian. They have history together and she abruptly left Calla Bay right after high school. She never forgave him and now he will be her boss. She will try everything to get away but for now she will stay.
Sebastian and Lydia's brothers are close and all of them are pairing up even his best friend is married and expecting. When he asks a favor to hire Lydia, he owes them so much so he decides to hire. Something was different about Lydia, she seems closed off and skittish.
When Lydia has to move into Sebastian's house, things are changing quick and secret of one night that changed everything for both is revealed and that changes their relationship. However, her ex won't stay away and it will threaten both.
This book deals with domestic violence so content warning is a must.
Lydia has dual time (past and present) and how her relationship changed her. As the story goes, she does open up more and finally finds her HEA. It was darker than I expected but I did enjoy reading it.
This is new author for me and I do love siblings stories and I would love to read her brothers stories.
Thanks Isla Stelmark and Grey promotions for ARC

[Cortney Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Greys Promotions and Isla Stelmark for the arc.
This book along with the other 3 in this series has the sweetest men, the best family (and found family), all the small town feels that make you want to jump into this world of Calla Bay.
I Dare you is about Lydia Wilder and Sebastian Devereux.
Lydia is the only girl in the family of Wilders with two older brothers and one younger. They’ve alway been protective over her (which I love).
Sebastian is the bad boy, charismatic tattoo artist.
After an amazing night with Sebastian on Lydia’s 18th birthday she finds out something that shakes her world. Lydia ends up leaving Calla Bay and moving to New York and hardly ever coming back home to visit.
Until she finds herself in a terrible situation she returns home and due to these terrible situations she finds herself working at the tattoo shop that belongs to Sebastian.
This book was everything and more to me. Lydia goes through this life altering situation and the aftermath leaves her having to find herself again, her strength, her self worth and so much more.
I loved this book just like I have loved the rest of this series and I am so excited that we finally got Lydia’s book. She was actually like a ghost haunting the narrative in the last 3 books so to read about her was so worth the wait in my opinion.
Check the content warnings as some of these themes are on the heavier side

[jenswhitenoise · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I’ll carry that load with you. Let me shoulder some of that weight.” - Sebastian

“Just waiting for the right one to come along, little wild.” He pulled back, and I went to take a step toward the happy couple so I could get in line to congratulate them. Seb stepped in front of me, far enough away that I could step around him but still blocking my path forward. “Maybe I’ll just have to get in her way though.” He winked. - Sebastian (SWOON)

Lydia & Sebastian. We start with a miscommunication and then we catch up 11 years later. This second chance romance knocked it out of the park for me. I loved these two characters so much. I want to start with - check the TW/CW. The story takes place in the past (11 years ago), present day, and the past (14 months ago and counts down to present day). I loved the back and forth which revealed what Lydia had gone through the led her to go back home. This had me on the edge of my seat, just waiting for the inevitable drama that was coming her way. I am so enamored with this family - The Wilders - and absolutely love catching up on their lives in the next books. Speaking of "Wilder," Sebs nickname for Lydia - Little Wild - is one of my favorites of all time. The banter in this one is top notch. There's a lot of sniping at each other as well. Seb is a patient man and it pays off big time. Lydia's brothers are just perfect and I feel a Wes story coming soon!

tropes include:
*second chance romance
*brother's best friend
*small town romance
*trauma/healing

I received a complimentary eARC and my review is voluntary. Thank you to the author and Grey's Promotions.

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Dare You By Isla Stelmark ARC Review

I would firstly like say I will this is my first time reading a book by this author and I will be adding the rest of the series to my TBR because I was so impressed and this story was extremely the kind of book that I would love to recommend to anyone who loves brothers best friend trope and also to check triggers before diving into reading this story. Lastly I rated this book 5 stars due to the amount of times the writing was so much better than I expected.

Sebastian was a man who humiliated Lydia, in the past and I really liked the close proximity and second chance trope trope that really connected to me because these characters because it was a small town trope which I enjoyed and couldn’t stop thinking about.

I really liked how he redeemed himself for Lydia and the way the second chance trope was written was excellently executed and I got really excited by the blurb it made me want to sign up and this didn’t disappoint it was just perfect.

Lydia, was a strong woman who made Sebastian grovel and the romance between them was fabulous and I couldn’t stop devouring the feelings they had for each other and how they shaped up to be in their own world and relationship it was a really satisfying ending to the series.

Also, the best thing about this story was how they communicated their needs to each other and how they came together made me fall in love with their relationship but I couldn’t stop loving how they both paid attention to each other’s needs.

[Alexia Gauthier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dare that never died, and neither did the chemistry 🥰

5 ⭐️ | 3.75 🌶️

Isla Stelmark has done it again. I Dare You, the fourth instalment in the Wilder Series, is a delicious cocktail of heartbreak, heat, humour, and that raw emotional honesty Stelmark continues to perfect with every book.

We follow Lydia: smart, bruised, stubborn, and newly directionless after life in New York implodes spectacularly, back to Calla Bay, the hometown she swore she’d never return to. And honestly? Watching her navigate that heartbreak-meets-homecoming moment is one of the most relatable and tender parts of the entire novel. Then there’s Sebastian Devereux: tattooed, brooding, maddeningly charming, and absolutely the last man she ever wants to work for… which of course means he’s exactly who she ends up working for.

The brother’s best friend tension?
The second-chance slow burn?
The grumpy-but-soft-at-the-core MMC who has been pining for over a decade?
It’s all here and it’s glorious.

Stelmark keeps things spoiler-free but emotionally loaded. The way Lydia slowly rebuilds her sense of self while Seb steps up, finally ready to prove he’s not the careless boy he once was, makes their connection feel earned, magnetic, and deeply satisfying. Their banter snaps. Their chemistry sizzles. And the quiet, vulnerable moments between them? Those are the ones that linger long after the final page.

This book is touching, loving, unexpectedly funny, and beautifully raw. The romance grows in a way that feels real: messy, hesitant, hopeful. You can practically feel Lydia’s walls splintering and Seb’s long-held regret and longing simmering just beneath the surface.

A gorgeous 5-star read and absolutely one I’ll be recommending to every romance lover when it releases. Huge thanks to Grey’s Promotions for the e-ARC, and major congratulations to Isla Stelmark on her upcoming December 4th release. Calla Bay has never been so tempting.

[Becky Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author and I fell in love with the writing, the town, the found family and friends, and the MMC Seb and FMC Lydia.

Thank you so much for this captivating and very steamy arc read @islastelmark_author and @greyspromo

This follows MMC Sebastian who ends up becoming one of the reasons that the FMC Lydia leaves her hometown and family. She decided that she hates him after this and chooses to leave early for school in NY. She ends up finding herself in a very bad relationship that has her returning home to her family in Calla Bay to regroup and heal.

Circumstances put her and her brother's closest friend back in each other's orbit and in the same house. I love how Lydia and Seb are able to overcome their past and he helps her heal and grow. I also loved how they wouldn't let her brothers (mainly Luke) come between them and their new relationship!

I cannot wait to go back and start from the beginning in Book 1.

Quotes:
“How are you doing? You seem awfully quiet,” he whispered in my ear.
“I’m perfect. Just thinking about how much family matters and that I might just have the best family there is.”

“A dare, Lydia? Really?” My voice was husky and low. “You know how serious I take a dare.”
“That was kind of the point,”

“You were wasted in New York, Lyds. This is where you belong. With family and friends,” he said. “You make a difference in the lives of everyone you meet,”

Story: 5⭐️
Characters: 5⭐️
Character Growth: 5⭐️
Spice: 3.5🌶️

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this book. I Dare You is Book 4 in the Wilder Series and features Lydia, the only girl in the Wilder siblings, and her brother’s best friend, Sebastian. Lydia has come home to heal and find stable ground after a horrible relationship. In need of work, her brothers convince her to work with Seb to promote his tattoo shop. Things had turned frosty between Lydia and Seb right before she left for school in New York and the two of them take a while to work through their past, heal, and find their HEA.

Lydia is a spitfire and I loved the banter between her and Seb. The author does an amazing job conveying the emotions and fears in what they experience. For me this was a double edged sword. The writing felt very real and brought up a lot of emotions that I still struggle remembering. But even with all this, the plot moved well and story didn’t stall or dwell on these emotions. I would recommend reading the author’s note if you think there could be possible triggers.

Overall it was easy to read and the characters were engaging. The plot was well balanced between the past and present in the story. This is a new author for me and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Check out if you love:
🖤 Second Chance
🖤 Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Trauma/Healing
🖤 Brother’s Best Friend
🖤 Best Friend’s Sister

[Haley Bockius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Isla Stelmark and Grey’s Promotions for the opportunity to read an eARC of I Dare You, the fourth book in the Wilder series.

Stelmark has drawn me in once again; it was so easy to fall back into the world she’s created, and I absolutely loved Lydia and Seb’s story! The plot of this book unfolded in a way that felt so natural. Lydia’s flashbacks were one of my favorite elements. Each one drew me in and answered questions at just the right moments.

Lydia and Seb have become my favorite couple in the series so far. Their banter was elite, their chemistry undeniable, and their quieter moments carried so much weight. I especially appreciated how Seb supported Lydia when she was at her most vulnerable. Those moments were thoughtful and highlighted just how much Seb has grown, showing that he’s emotionally aware.

The sensitive subject matter was approached with care and respect, making Lydia’s experiences feel raw, honest, and memorable.

This book had the perfect balance of spice and emotion. There were plenty of spicy moments, but they never overshadowed the heart of the book.

This was a beautiful read from start to finish, and now I am so excited to dive into Wes’s story next!

[Bibliophile Foodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia, the only Wilder sister, finally takes center stage, and her journey is both heartbreaking and empowering. After her life in New York falls apart, she returns to Calla Bay the hometown she swore she’d never go back to. Coming home means facing her past, and most importantly, facing Sebastian Devereux, her brother’s best friend and the man she’s tried to avoid for over a decade.

The dynamic between Lydia and Sebastian was addictive. Their history gave the story so much tension, and the forced proximity of working together at his tattoo shop only made things more intense. Lydia is strong but vulnerable, still healing from an abusive relationship, and watching her slowly rebuild her confidence was inspiring. Sebastian, the brooding tattoo artist with a soft heart, has been carrying feelings for her for years, and seeing him finally step up made their romance feel earned and deeply satisfying.

I loved the mix of tropes here, brother’s best friend, second chance, slow burn, and forced proximity. The banter between them was sharp. Some of the flashbacks to Lydia’s past were tough to read, but they added important depth to her character and made her growth even more powerful.

The small-town setting of Calla Bay continues to shine. The Wilder family, the meddling friends, and the cozy community vibes gave the story warmth and balance against the heavier themes.

[Vanessa Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isla has done it again—this book is moving, delicate, funny, heartfelt, and overflowing with love.

*** Please note: This story includes depictions of domestic violence.

Isla portrays these moments with heartbreaking honesty, allowing you to truly feel Lydia’s fear, insecurity, and emotional turmoil. She handles the subject with such care and depth that Lydia’s path to healing becomes profoundly powerful.

Lydia is surrounded by an abundance of love—from her brothers and from Sebastian—and Isla captures those bonds so beautifully. The authenticity, the unconditional support, and the raw devotion among them were incredibly moving.
Lydia and Sebastian’s story had me laughing one moment and in tears the next. Isla brings their emotions to life in a way that makes you feel their history, their connection, and the love that has only strengthened over the years. They are two selfless, compassionate adults who love deeply—emotionally and physically—and it shows in every interaction.

Fall in love with two stubborn souls who have adored each other from the very beginning, whose years apart allowed them to grow into the people they needed to be—both for themselves and ultimately for each other.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Grey’s Promotions and Isla Stelmark for selecting me to read I Dare You.

This is a 5 star read for me, and 4 out of 5 peppers on my spice scale. There are quite a few open door detailed spicy scenes.

This is still a plot heavy book and focuses more on the emotional aspect, but doesn’t skimp on any details about the relationship.

I cried several times throughout the book, which is always a hallmark of a good book for me.

I loved the flashbacks in this book, as it was very clear as to when the scenes/situations were taking place. I loved the aspect of the characters being briefly involved when Lydia turned 18, and that she avoided Sebastian or was hostile to him for more than 10 years.

The character development of both Lydia and Sebastian not only from their younger to current selves, but even from who they were at the start of the book to the end was phenomenal.

I’ve read this entire series and can say, without a doubt, that I want to live in Calla Bay.

[Jasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW**

I Dare You by Isla Stelmark, book four in the Wilder Series, is a sweet, emotional, and beautifully written second-chance romance. Stelmark does an amazing job with character depth, and the emotional beats hit exactly where they should.

Lydia and Sebastian’s story completely drew me in. Lydia’s strength and vulnerability make her so easy to root for, and her trauma is handled with care. Sebastian is charming, protective, and impossible not to love. Their chemistry is undeniable — the banter had me smiling, and the tension between them feels real and raw. The slow burn is addictive and kept me turning pages.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves small-town, second-chance romance with heart and healing.

Be sure to check the TW/CT before reading.

Thank you to Isla Stelmark and Grey’s Promotions for the ARC.

[SevereTrashDelusions · Rating 4 out of 5]

(ARC Review) 📚
Second Chance - Small Town - Brother's Best Friend ❤️
The 4th book in the Wilder Romance series, focuses on Lydia Wilder on her return home from her life in New York, carrying with her secrets of the last decade since her speedy departure 10 years ago and extended time away from her family. Enter her older brothers lifelong best friend, Sebastian, with charm, bad boy vibes and a secret history. With solid banter that rivals enemies to lovers, and that found family experience when reconnecting. Giggling at the downright brutal sibling relationships and tearing up at the heart breaking honesty of escaping toxicity. This was a beautiful emotional read that has me hooked onto another author. @islastelmark_author , thank you for the opportunity to be part of your ARC team. This is the 4th book in the Wilder Series of romance novels that can be read as standalones, but once you read one, you are going to want to go back and read them all.

[Jackie Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

I DARE YOU REVIEW

let me start of by saying this is my second book by Isla stelmark and man im obsessed. The way I did not want to put down this book!! This book hit my emotions for sure, my heart hurt and skipped beats with these characters 😭

The hard parts and trigger warning parts were PERFECTLY written. I felt the emotions, the fear, the happiness, anger, I felt it all!!

From enemies to lovers, I was rooting for Lydia and Sebastian from the began. Sebastian being the one who mended her hurt and broken heart. But was able to heal her from the trauma her ex put her thru. But it gets tricky when it’s his best friend’s little sister.

Will his best friend accept how he feels? Or will he lose his best friend over the one person who has always made him feel? Only time will tell, pick up this read to find out more…

FAVORITE QUOTES:
“I dare you, Seb. I dare you to kiss me like you want me” challenge fucking accepted

“I know you can take care of yourself. You already have. But if ever meet this ticket, I’m burying him”

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The brothers have all settled down and starting families of their own. Lydia has become successful in managing art shows, until her boyfriend gets her fired. The relationship is one she runs back to Calla Bay to her dads home. She has been gone ten long years and jobless. She was leaving her ex abusive boyfriend back in New York City. Her brothers best friend Sebastian give her a job where she does marketing for him to help his flailing tattoo shop. The rift they had 10 years ago gets worked out and they both discover they always have had feelings for each other. This was a page turner from the start and love how relationships, friendships and families grow.

[HaveToReadNow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I jus can't believe I Dare You, by Isla Stelmark, is the fourth book in the Wilder series. I stumbled on this author a couple of months ago, and I have now read this entire series and am searching for more. These are the type of books that draw you in and keep you engage. They are more of a gentle read-you may want to stay up all night reading, but they're more of a lazy weekend read. Great characters, some drama and heat, but not the kind that makes you skip pages. While this book is part of a series, you could read the series out of order, or read this as a stand alone, in my opinion. I am very glad that Sebastian and Lydia finally got their HEA because they had a lot of history.

[K Webz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla nailed the slow burn romance between Lydia and Sebastian. Between their banter, antics and chemistry, I couldn’t get enough of these two.

Sebastian, the man who broke her heart years ago, is charming and protective. The regret he has from the night they shared has him proving himself to Lydia.

Lydia was strong! She came back home, leaving an abusive situation and starting all over. She ends up working for the one man she can’t stand and broke her heart years ago. But when she starts to let those walls down, it is just beautiful.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally we get the story of elusive Lydia!
It has a lot of trauma, fear, and testosterone!
Seb has never regretted the present Lydia gave him but can the two meet in the middle?
I did wonder if Lydia would ever stop running but her having to listen to rambunctious doings of her brother and his lady were absolutely hilarious.
The best scene is when the wall of Wilders stands firm and strong……swoony
Thanks to the author and Grey’s Promo for the advance copy.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sebastian and Lydia. This is all about them and the humiliation Sebastian made Lydia feel when she was 18. Eleven years have gone by and she ends up having to go back home because she lost her job. Her brother helps her get a job, but working for the one and only Sebastian…this book brought a lot of elements to it. I enjoyed this book a lot. Especially since Sebastian and Lydia were able to move past what he’d done to her all those years ago. I loved the healing and growth. The romance and closeness. This was a wonderful book to read.

[KatyReads22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another perfect shot by Isla Stelmark.

Lydia’s story is darker and more real than the others, but it’s done beautifully. I am still so mad over what happened to her… and my heart breaks for anyone who falls into the trap of someone like Blake.

Isla writes Lydia in such a way that you can’t help but root for her the entire time. Seb is, as expected, completely lovable… and we FINALLY get to find out what happened in the past that caused such tension between them! From the first page you’ll be rooting them on.

Like the other Wilder Series stories, I Dare You is a perfect 5-stars.

[Jane Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite tropes is the classic "brother's best friend." In "I Dare You" Isla Stelmark, this trope is explored in depth. Sebastian Devereaux is the best friend of the female main character, Lydia. Eleven years ago, he embarrassed her, prompting Lydia to stay away from Calla Bay, their hometown, ever since because she felt he had made a fool of her.

The story centers around the reunion of these two characters when Lydia returns to town. Then her brother Luke sets her up to work for Sebastian, who is actually struggling in his business.

Sebastian is charming, gorgeous, and he works hard to win her over. I absolutely loved their dynamic. If you had a brother's best friend like Sebastian, you would undoubtedly fall for him.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written story that dealt with some tough issues (see content warnings below). I cried and laughed, and got invested in the relationship that was blooming on page.

Thank you to the author & Grey’s Promotions for letting me read this as an ARC!

Content Warnings: Domestic Abuse, Sexual Content, Toxic Relationship, Gaslighting, Alcohol, & Pregnancy

[Ailene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg, I read this cute book and it’s so cute after MMC & FMC finds their footing with each other and open up to one another after what had happened before all those years ago when they were younger. I love that Sebastian gave Lydia the space she needs after getting out of a toxic relationship with Blake in New York. The way all of her brothers plus Sebastian and another friend of theirs step in to help her when her ex comes to town. I just love that Sebastian and Lydia works out the things between them before he finally pops the question after him and her brothers plus Lydia’s ex scare.

[Amz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good read! Lydia’s back in her hometown, working for Sebastian, the guy who broke her heart years ago, which makes for all the awkward, flirty, swoony moments you could want. I loved their journey, and couldn’t put it down! Definitely read the previous books to get to know all the couples.

[Chloe Sanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

all ideas and everything i’m saying are my own thoughts with no outside influence i ate this book up, lydia and sebastian have my whole heart, i love the way they were there for each other like i dont even know how to describe it, lydia’s character and personality was something i could relate to, sebastian is literally my man tyvm, like hello?? no one should ever be that great?? i don’t wanna say too much without spoilers but i love this book and i would recommend to my friends

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Dare You - Isla Stelmark ARC

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️

Not only did I FINALLY get to read Little Wild’s story, this book ticked so many boxes for me!

* Brother’s Best Friend
* Secretly Pining MMC
* Yearning
* Forced Proximity
* “It’s Always Been You”
* Small Town
* Wilder family banter and general chaos 👌🏻

The chemistry was instant between Lydia and Seb, but I loved Lydia’s strength to overcome an abusive partner and relationship even more 💪🏻 (Check the trigger warnings, some heavy topics)

“I’ve waited ten years, eleven months, and twenty-six days for you … It’s you and me, little wild”

Thrilled to have been offered the opportunity to read this ARC, a big ‘thank you’ to @islastelmark_author and @greyspromo

Release date: 4th December 2025

#arcreader #advancedreadercopy #romancereader #brothersbestfriend #booksbooksbooks #bookworm #booklover
#bookstagram #booksta #bookreview #bookrecs #bookrecommendation #kindlereader #kindlelover

[Stephanie Routhier · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book as an ARC. This review and thoughts are mine alone.*

Rating:5⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

ISLA.

Oh my god.

Seb and Lydia are perfect together.

Truly one of the best books this year, and I’m quote positive I said that about the last book I read of yours.

I am obsessed with the Wilder family!