Double Dared

The Boys of Elmwood U #2

by Hayden Hall

I'm not the kind of guy who turns down a dare. This is a lifestyle choice. I have committed to it fully, proudly, and without a single second thought.

So when Greg pointed across the bar at a man reading poetry alone in a black turtleneck and said "get him to agree to a date," I was halfway out of the booth before the sentence finished.

Enter film student, built like an athlete, reads like a scholar, and has clearly never once left the house without putting on a fashion show for strangers. He saw through my opening line before I finished delivering it. He said yes to the date before I could ask. He also had his own agenda entirely.

His ex had moved on faster than he was prepared for. I needed a dare to brag about. So we struck a three weeks of convincing, mutually beneficial fake dating. His ex would reconsider. My fraternity brothers would think the dare had backfired so spectacularly that I was, apparently, in love with a man.

Easy.

Except when his hand settled on the small of my back in a crowded market and my brain went somewhere it had no business going. Except when he leaned in close to say something and I forgot what language was. Except when I caught myself watching his mouth and had to physically relocate my eyes.

I never met a dare I couldn't handle. I just never expected one to handle me right back.

Double Dared is the second novel in The Boys of Elmwood U series, but it can be read as a standalone. It features one film student with a broken heart and an ill-advised theory about grand romance, one fraternity jock who has just discovered, somewhat inconveniently, that he has a type, and a fake-dating scenario that will bewilder, boggle, and befuddle its way to an accidentally happy ending.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, College Romance, Found Family, LGBT, Fake Dating

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 18, 2026

About the author

Gay. Sweet. Steamy.

Hayden Hall writes MM romance novels. He is a boyfriend, a globetrotter, and an avid romance reader.

Hayden's mission is to author a catalog of captivating and steamy MM romance novels which gather a devoted community around the Happily Ever Afters.

His stories are sweet with just the right amount of naughty.

You can get in touch with Hayden on Facebook or through his website at haydenhallwrites.com

Reviews

[Monikat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a chameleon. It didn't even really need the meat cute, it was just there to grab the reader's attention. What unfolded at approximately 50% of the book, the character development for Harrison almost a total switch to Taylor. Harrison became the enchanting sun and Taylor became the moth to his flame. Deeply sexy. A burst of romance and emotion that Hayden Hall is a master at conveying.
Happy 50th book Hayden Hall, it was a beauty. I will be here for your next 50🌈♥️✨
And the music... Still getting it on in 2026 to Pink Floyd, yes please✨

[Hannah Boyd]

I’m sorry but Harrison being obsessed with his ex isn’t doing it for me.

[Mikaela (risqué.romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‼️SPOILERS‼️

When it comes to Hayden’s style of writing, he always knows how to make you want more even when the book is over. I always know his books are low angst and they are everything I need.

I knew I was going to have a good time when Taylor gets dared by his friends to get Harrison’s number but oh my, it’s so much more. What makes it even more interesting was how the date turned into something more when Harrison had an offer for him as well.

When Taylor was willing to give Harrison up because Emma was now single, my goodness, my heart about melted. This man had fallen for Harrison and just wanted him to be happy. If that’s not love, then I don’t know what is. What came afterwards was the best thing in my opinion. Their happily ever after was everything and then some because the love these two have for each other was so stinking beautiful.

Also, I really loved how Jason was really there for Taylor because he truly was the voice of reason. And Peanut is so adorable as usual.

I loved how this fake dating arrangement becomes so much more because they can’t help but wanting to spend time with one another along. Little did they know feelings would be involved.

I’m also a huge lover of a biawakening and these two had me wanting more. From the amazing spice, which Hayden does an amazing job by making it so steamy, from the swooning moments, this book eager for the next page.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Sussu {Romance Obsessed} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you GRR for the arc!

This was such a cute read 😍
The perfect mix of swoony yearning and romance with steam!

I really loved the journey and how it kept switching with the characters in terms of their development.

Initially, Taylor is the focus and you learn about him. He's showing up for Harrison, supporting him and being the best fake boyfriend ever.
He's confident, happy go lucky and just improvising life as he goes along.

Harrison seems to be stuck in a rut, and Taylor is the perfect one to give him a little push, and when he's back on his own two feet, he's able to help Taylor.

I really loved how dazzling Harrison was as a character. He really loves deeply and genuinely. Inviting Taylor into his life and the two get to know each other.

Both of the guys really grow and I love their strong connection 🥺 plus that epilogue??? My heart!! Ahh

[Fernanda Parente · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute couple, they are very steamy together.
All taylor's friends come aboard to give a little help...and boy, Taylor really needs some pushing, but so does Harrison

Can't wait for the next book

[Julie Underhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Dared by Hayden Hall is the second book in his The Boys of Elmwood U series. I suggest you read the other book first as characters from it are important in this one. Harrison is a film student at Elmwood U and his girlfriend, Emma, has just broken up with him. He can’t believe it and is willing to do anything he can to make her come back to him. Taylor Jackson, a member of the football team and also in Bel House fraternity is a well-liked friend and student and known to be a prankster who never turns down a dare. When they are at a bar on campus his friends dare him to go to a random guy and get him to go on a date, which is even more interesting because Tayler is straight. So he heads over to Harrison and asks him if he’d like to meet for coffee the next day and he agrees right away because even though he suspects this is a prank and that Taylor isn’t into men, he can use him as a way to make Emma jealous and come back to him. When Taylor hears this, he is all in, especially because it will make him look like he won the dare and since it is going to go on for 3 weeks it will make his friends, Jason, Bennet, Greg, and Finn think they are a secret couple. So they start going to places together that Harrison thinks Emma might show up to, including an arts and crafts fair where Harrison gives him a ceramic stork, an outdoor reading picnic, working out together, and an exhibition on German Expressionism. All this time they are getting to know each other better and learn they both have a love of records and music and are seeing the real people they are. Taylor seems to understand Harrison in a way no one else ever has and Taylor finds Harrison safe and comfortable. They almost stop what they are doing when Taylor questions why Harrison isn’t trying to move on when he knows what they are doing may not work, but Harrison has a nice friendship with Taylor and apologizes for his actions and says he overreacted and appreciates his help. Taylor has not been into men before but he finds himself attracted to Harrison and is jealous when he sees Emma coming to talk to him at the exhibition and kisses him. Emma texts to see Harrison and when they meet he asks her to try one more time but Emma tells him that she can’t match his drive and leaves. Taylor is there for him and asks him to go to the frat cookout and after it’s over they go back to Taylor’s room and have a hot love scene. This is a first for Taylor but he’s very willing because he feels the pull and an attraction to Harrison and knows they have chemistry. Then they go to Harrison’s cabin 3 hours away and have an amazing time and Taylor learns how to be with a man and they realize they are a complete whole made of even halves. But then something happens with Emma that makes Taylor think she may get back with Harrison. But during all this time Harrison has fallen in love with Taylor and when he meets him at the solar eclipse he tells him and Taylor says he loves him too. The epilogue shows all the things they have done together during the next several years and that they are still very much in love. I really enjoyed this book. Taylor is so funny and kind and says what is on his mind. Everyone likes him and he is also a caretaker of his friends. Harrison was devastated when Emma left him and wanted to do whatever he could to get her to come back to him. Taylor’s dare proposition made him think he could do it but the more they were together they more they felt the attraction and liked each other and while it took a little while, Harrison realized that it was Taylor that made him happy and understood him, while Taylor was worried he still wanted Emma and was so relieved when Harrison admitted that it was Taylor he wanted. Throughout the story you could see what a good fit for each other they were and how much they enjoyed being together. Emma and Taylor’s friends played a big part in the story and the different settings like the cabin made the story even more beautiful. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories that involve dares, a straight guy who realizes he isn’t quite straight, another that is trying to win back his girl but ends up falling in love with the man who he’s dared to date, and how they are able to come together and build a wonderful life.

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I need Hayden Hall to just focus on this series for his next 50 books, because I am CRAZY IN LOVE WITH THE WAY The Boys of Elmwood U DO THEIR LOVE THING AND I NEVER EVER WANT THIS SERIES TO END!!!

Double Dared was not only ROMANTIC, but Harrison and Taylor's SUPER HOT sexing-up melted my bones with the way they went at each other with a voracious, lick-him-all-over hunger. It's imperative that everyone know that THIS BOOK activated my "oooh gurl😼" chakra like it was sexy-sleeper agent coded❤️‍🔥🤠.

It was like their bodies always KNEW that they were forever, even before they'd said as much out loud. And because this romance was practically made for me, I have to give props to Hayden Hall's ability to make my toes curl just from reading alone.

💘Harrison and Taylor did kick things off like a couple of college-boi-complicated goofs. But them choosing to date on a dare was like cupid's power move in action, which sparked new energy into how they'd both experienced love and passion, and made their situationship fun and uniquely theirs…ofc I mean AFTER their initial "gfy-fake-relationship + make-ex-jealous" contract was ditched.

Harrison made my e v e r y t h i n g fluttery. And Taylor was a total babe who lived for a wild adventure, so naturally he said YES to everything Harrison gave him. Taylor radiated the wattage of a thousand suns and Harrison was properly captivated by his sultry boogie.

📽️They were such a sexy, delightful couple to read, and this series is honestly making me Crazy, by how sensual and romantic and charismatic and TRUE to the characterizations of the MCs it has been! Harrison and Taylor were wholly interesting as people, and their sexy desperation for each other felt like it came from genuine, emotionally rooted heart-spaces.

And I just could. not. get. enough. of. them discovering love,
in each other,
from a place of easy,
luscious,
fizzy-bubbles type of joy!🥂

💓THEIR HEA WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED IT TO BE!

It was a stunning unfolding of time, and a beautiful energetic capture of the evolution of their love vibration, which I knew was going to make me cry rivers of tears when their happily ever after landed.

YESSSSSSSSSS I'm still teary eyed from how deeply and emotionally impactful I found Double Dared's final pages, and I absolutely cannot wait for everything still to come because this was BRILLIANT and I want more of everything this was in my life rn please and thank youuuu!🙂‍↕️

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I love this series and these characters (and Peanut, of course)! These guys are nothing like your typical university frat boys, or the geek boys they find themselves drawn to. This story, this series, reminds us not to stereotype, to remember honesty is always the best course of action and that dares are definitely worth taking!

Taylor is the one who takes the dare, Harrison the one who accepts it. They each have their own reason which, for Taylor, is simply that he never turns down a dare but for Harrison is more complicated. He wants to make his ex girlfriend jealous by showing that he too can move on. What neither of them count on is the other, is realising what an interesting person the other is. There is something held-back about Harrison whilst Taylor is his complete opposite, he talks, he bounces about, he shares, he smiles. Taylor loosens something in Harrison which the other man didn't realise needed to be done. It is beautiful to see this gradually happen through the pages of the story. Then there is Taylor who is learning things about himself which he had never before considered and, being Taylor he doens' overthink anything, simply goes with the flow.

Taking the journey with these two was addictive and also a privilege. They both have so much to offer, to one another, to their friends, to the reader and we need to give their story the time and space it gives us. There is little angst, as is usual with Hayden Hall's stories and that too is perfect, there is of course tension but this is life he is writing about, yes, I know it's fiction but honestly is it - are we not all learning from these two, sharing in their life for a brief time, taking the messages to heart?

I adore Hayden Hall's sweet and steamy stories, I am in love with these Elmwood boys and I can't wait to see where we will all go next - and I mean that literally since the characters from Book 1 were still very much a part of this story too, something I loved.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored this book. I loved both Harrison and Taylor, they spoke to me with their unusual meeting, the initial agreement and plan, the realization they had more in common than they expected, and the quiet and natural evolution into something so special, an awakening for Taylor, a realization for Harrison, and an attraction and dare that turned into a lasting love. I enjoyed their quiet times together, the way Taylor seemed to get things about Harrison which he didn’t expect, their exploration and changing feelings, the communication and care for each other and what each wanted, and Taylor’s offer to give Harrison what he thought he wanted, only for both to realize what was really important. It is a joyful, thoughtful, introspective, playful, serious, sexual and sensual portrayal of a loving relationship developing slowly and carefully over time, one with a goal which slowly changed for both into something they thought would have an ending date, (even though reluctant at the thought of letting go), but willing to do what would be required when the time came to choose the other over himself. My feelings mirrored theirs many times as I read.

In the acknowledgements at the end of the book, Hayden said two things which really resonated with me and the book.
“The purpose of a romantic story is as simple as this: let yourself be happy for a little while.”
and
“It may seem like the world is not a very joyful place, but it would be a lot worse if we lost the glimmer of optimism. And knowing this, I set out to pour all my optimism into one little tale of dares and love and simmering lust.”

I think he succeeded in a spectacular way, and I find myself smiling as I think back over the tale of these two men, opposites in many ways, but exactly the person each needed to face the future together . If you choose to read it, I hope you will think that, too.

[Bill Bottomley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance copy. This review is submitted voluntarily.

Taylor is a straight student who cannot turn down a dare. Harrison is a bi film student who enjoys reading wherever he may be. One evening, Taylor is out for a beer with his housemates and is dared to approach Harrison to ask him out on a date. Harrison, who has just been dumped by his girlfriend, agrees before Taylor has even finished his pitch since he wants to make his ex jealous so that she’ll want to get back with him. Harrison does his best stalker imitation while trying to be with Taylor at all the places he figures where the ex is likely to show up. Of course, feelings rapidly get involved and the book becomes quite steamy. Both have experienced poor parenting as kids.

This book is quite well-written. The emotions the two MCs go through are very properly described in the first-person POV. Since the plot is aired at the beginning, no-one can have ulterior motives, that is until they develop feelings that neither is willing to name. As is often the case, they quickly get wrapped up in each other and spend a great deal of time together. Each is a considerate lover vis-à-vis the other. The speed with which feelings become involved on the part of the “straight” guy might appear rather fast, I personally know that things can happen that way. I suspect that Taylor’s willingness to deal with gay sex is a bit fast, but it’s important for the story. Taylor is abetted by his housemates, particularly his best friend Jason. Harrison doesn’t appear to have many friends, so he’s left mostly on his own to sort through things. There are no real bad guys in this book (notwithstanding Emma’s new boyfriend Michael’s brief appearance) and that contribution helps make this book a really good read.

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝙸'𝚍 𝚖𝚎𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚋𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚌𝚛𝚘𝚠𝚍𝚎𝚍 𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚖 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚐𝚊𝚣𝚎 𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝; 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚑𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚍𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚎; 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙷𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚐𝚕𝚊𝚍𝚕𝚢 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚖𝚎 𝚛𝚞𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚝 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚒𝚛 𝚜𝚘 𝚙𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚠𝚎'𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚍 𝚜𝚎𝚡."

This book was a bit different from what I have come to expect from this author. The romance just felt like more, for lack of a better word. It was the major focus of the story. Watching Tyler and Harrison start off as strangers, ones who agreed to date on a dare for their own personal reasons, slowly start to find themselves in an unexpected friendship was lovely. They seemed so different from one another at first, yet as they got to know each other it appeared they had more in common than they thought. Both were just two people looking for someone to love them exactly as they are.

The more Harrison and Taylor spent time together, the more comfortable they became. And then somewhere along the way things began to change. One kiss was all it took for Taylor to open his eyes to the possibility of more. Harrison, though still healing from a broken heart, was all too happy to bask in the sweetness of Taylor's attention. We get to see them both fall, while also simultaneously being terrified to tell the other.

"𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚒𝚖 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚎𝚍𝚐𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚐𝚘 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚑𝚒𝚖."

This was a darling romance that ended with my favorite type of epilogue. It spans years, giving us adorable glimpses into Harrison and Taylor as they grow as a couple. The epilogue totally warmed my heart while reading and had me ending this book with a satisfied smile on my face.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Dared is book two in the Elmwood U series by Hayden Hall. The story is a low-angst, sweet story with a lovable frat boy and a surprisingly buff looking film student. It has a dare (what could possibly go wrong?), a bi-awakening, some fake-dating, and lots of swoony moments,

Taylor loves a dare. He loves telling a good story. He loves being in the middle of things. He may be straight, but when his buddies dare him to ask the moody looking guy reading a book in the corner on a date, he doesn’t hesitate.

Harrison knows that the guy coming over is doing so on a dare, but he has his own agenda. He has just broken up with his girlfriend, and all he wants to do is convince her that she has made a mistake. But maybe, the mistake is underestimating his draw to Taylor.

These two have far more in common than they originally believed. And what starts as some fake dates around town to catch the eye of Emma quickly turns into both guys wanting to keep the other around. I loved reading the evolution from friendship to feelings. I especially loved how well Taylor handled the new things he was feeling. Their chemistry was perfection from beginning to end. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of emotional depth these characters exhibited. While the story was sweet and romantic, it also tugged at my heartstrings to watch the two of them become so close, to care so much for one another in such a short period of time.

As always, Hall finishes the story up with a fabulous epilogue. It is wonderful to see the characters in the future, together and happy. And I loved the Hudson Burrow mention.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance copy from GRR and am voluntarily submitting my review. 


I felt like up until about roughly 40% Harrison and Taylor were just caricature versions of themselves. Then the depth of characters started to show up. What Hayden does so well is that once that depth is there it completely sucks you in and you become enamored with the story and characters. 


I feel like the characters worked really well together as a couple. They were so different, and yet perfect for each other. They complimented each other so well. I loved watching them enjoy being in each other's worlds. It actually felt like a relationship that could last the ages. There's also something to be said about a couple that just radiates joy in simply being together. It's intoxicating. 


As a bisexual myself who had a mini identity crisis when I realized I wasn't straight, I really really appreciate that Taylor didn't have an identity crisis about his sexuality. That he just accepted that he liked Harrison and went with it. Not that there is anything wrong with the other, this is just so refreshing to see and read. 


I don't want to spoil it, but 93% is probably one of the most romantic moments. I fully swooned.


I want to say that I rarely highlight sections in books. And if I do, it's one particular part. I ahve 12 highlights from this book. 12. Hayden’s writing is so poignantly beautiful and makes you feel things.


I'll share my favorite one "There was something like jazz between us, something that was solely based on a common rhythm, built purely on our understanding of one another without too much thinking and planning."

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I stared at the defined muscles of his arms and torso, at the compact build of his body, at the strength and grace with which he moved, and I felt it in my stomach, this unwavering pull toward him. It had been present for longer than I’d paid it any attention. It had always been there, from the moment I’d come to the table in the corner of my favorite bar, where he looked at me with a dare in his eyes and a challenge on his lips."

Double Dared is the second book in Hayden Hall's The Boys of Elmwood U series of interconnected standalone MM college romances.

This is Harrison and Taylor's story.

You usually know what you're going to get with a Hayden Hall MM romance and whilst this one delivered all those cute and steamy, angst-free moments on demand, it was a whole lot more than that!

The writing was divine, the multi-layered storyline and character development was perfect and Hayden took this one to a whole next level of swoon-worthy romance. Definitely my fave book he's written, which is saying a lot because I love them all!

❣️MM college romance
❣️Frat boy x artist
❣️Opposites attract
❣️Bi-awakening
❣️Steamy first times
❣️Found family
❣️HEA

4.75 stars ⭐

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars. “I hereby challenge you, as the Bel council is my witness, to get a date with…”

That’s how it started. Taylor accepted a dare from his fraternity brothers to ask the gorgeous intellectual poetry reader sitting across the bar out for a date.
But ha! Harrison turned the tables by taking the initiative and asking Taylor out. Taylor was a bit flabbergasted by Harrison's action.

Harrison has motives. They made a deal: Taylor will be Harrison’s fake boyfriend for the next three weeks, and vice versa.
They will show up wherever Harrison’s ex-girlfriend is, hoping she’ll get jealous.

What they couldn’t foresee was that they both fit and connect perfectly. They have many things in common. The conversations are meaningful, and they have fun together. A wonderful friendship is blooming.

The more time they spend together, the more aware they become of each other. Oops, feelings are getting involved-that wasn’t the plan.
The author took the time to create two wonderful, interesting, and lovable characters. The more I got to know them, the more I loved them. The more they interact, the more convinced I was they were meant for each other.

It’s a super romantic story, with emotional moments that made my heart skip a beat and my eyes blur.
This fake-relationship-to-friends-to-lovers romance had everything I wanted from a story.

Review also on LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most amazing books I have read this week. Doubled Dared is book 2 in The Boys of Elmwood U Series. If you're looking for a MM Romance that is friends to lovers, Found Family, Fake dating and a Bi Awakening this is most certainly for you. The last of the blurb got me the most, "I never met a dare I couldn't handle. I just never expected one to handle me right back.
In this book we meet Harrison and Taylor. Taylor is one to never back down from a dare no matter what. Taylor's fraternity brothers dared him to go over to this handsome man Harrison and get him to agree to a date. Taylor like always doesn't back down and goes through with it. Taylor just wasn't ready for Harrisons reply.
Harrison is having trouble getting over his ex. So, when Taylor approaches asking for a date, he immediately says yes. So, they set up an agreement to fake date for a couple weeks. So, Harrison can get back at his ex for moving on fast, and Taylor can get back at his fraternity and make it look like a dare backfired on them.
Well, this little arrangement backed fired on them both and they fell hard. This was one of the sweetest books. I did really swoon over when Harrisons ex becomes newly single, Taylor loved Harrsion so much that he was willing to let him go just to see him truly happy.
Overall, Hayden Hall did an amazing job on this book as he did on the first book in this series. I have loved every character in both books and have read them super-fast because they were just that good. Oh and one more thing. I absolutely love me some peanut.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book surprised me in a good way.
Based on the blurb, I expected a funny, somewhat cute college MM romance story and when I started reading, the plot unfolded slowly and more or less the way I anticipated.
When suddenly, the MMCs Harrison and Taylor started discovering unexpected and profound emotional depth, their interactions and feelings had more substance and their story had me completely invested.
These two went on an unadorned emotional journey of discovery together and were completely liberated from expectations, stereotypes, and preconceived notions. This opened up all possibilities and allowed them to be their true selves around each other. And as a result of the incredibly intense attraction, the intimate scenes were incredibly hot, playful and experimental.
There is just something powerful about intimate interactions between characters when one is experienced and the other an enthusiastic learner, and both end up learning even more about themselves and each other and become enriched by the experiences.
While both MMCs were young men in their early twenties who enjoyed many of the typical college experiences, there were also many scenes in the book where they revealed their "old souls" and shared meaningful experiences, showing great appreciation for the more important things in life.
This was unexpected, but made the story so much more moving. And I really enjoyed the epilogue, because you get a glimpse of what comes after the story is finished.

[Romantic Reads and Such · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5*s

Aww, idiots in love. My favorite!

Taylor has so much golden retriever energy – charming, loved by everyone, and always up for something fun. It’s so easy to see why he knocks Harrison off kilter, there’s absolutely no way to prepare yourself for the vibrancy of Taylor. And Harrison’s more subdued, old-soul vibe is a good match for it. As they find themselves spending time together as part of their pact, it takes about half a second to develop into something more. They just need a bit to catch on :)

Taylor’s go-with-the-flow attitude is apparent as he starts to realize exactly what his growing feelings for Harrison really means. And Harrison is more than willing to help him discover himself, his desires, and his feelings. It’s spicy, a smidge kinky, but very compelling as they explore their connection. Taylor so trusting & open to exploring everything under Harrison’s guidance & care. It’s a bit insta-lust / insta-love but I don’t know that I even noticed how quickly things happen for them. The progression seemed very natural and Hall paces it well.

Low angst, slow burn, and spicy, I’m loving this series by Hall. They’ve been fun to read with a good mix of humor and heat and characters that just grabbed me from page 1. After this and Extra Credit, I’m definitely putting him on my must read list and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Read
First let me say I got this book from gay romance review reviews and this is me leaving my honest review.
This book is just a beautiful Read we’ve got two guys Taylor and Harrison.
Taylor cannot pass a dare. So when he is dared by his friend Greg to go over to a guy at the bar and get his number he jumps at the chance. Now Taylor is straight but that means nothing to him when there is a dare involved. But when he goes over to this guy, it is clear that he heard the his friend dare him. Harrison agrees to the dare and gives Taylor his number. Now Taylor is confused by the feelings he’s having talking to Harrison but he doesn’t say anything and they agree to a date.
Harrison heard the group dare Taylor to chat him up. Now Taylor has recently split up with his girlfriend. But he still has feelings for her. And he suggests/dares Taylor that they pretend to date to make her jealous. Harrison has always known that he was bisexual. And more time he spends with Taylor the less time he thinks about his ex.
This is a beautiful read about two men giving into their feelings and seeing where it goes. It is such an easy effortless read it is just a lovely journey they take you on. Taylor is just accepting to his feelings for Harrison. These two have a beautiful connection they both grow together. The passion this year is beautiful and the chemistry is sizzling. I absolutely adore this Read.

[Manon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very unlikely college romance with plenty of emotional depth, a discovery of who you are and a love story which leaves you swooning.

It may come over in the beginning as your average fake dating, college romance but this book is so much more.

It all starts with a dare, Taylor being the one who can't resist any dare, regardless how ridiculous but in Harrison he finds his match. Harrison is counter-daring/double-daring Taylor for his own needs but both don't realise that they gain something they never expected to receive.

When fake dating turns to real emotions both are surprised, surprised how well they click, when fake dates turn to wanting to spend time together, both start to embrace it.

Taylor throws himself 150% in, he is surprised and a bit unsure about his feelings but doesn't shy away or second guesses himself, he accepts and embraces. The heat increases fast, the intimate scenes are more than what I would have expected from a bi-virgin. But it feels real, it's beautifully written and their emotions are full on, no hesitation but full acceptance.

When Harrison's counter-dare rears it's head again, it's time to make decisions and I love that the author doesn't use it to great angst for the sake of angst but as a mean to tell that love is not always clean cut but that there is plenty of things to talk and not guess.

[sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

”He would carry that thought for the rest of the day, and it did things to me that I didn't know how to put into words. So I kissed him, because that was the language I still remembered.”

So, I’ve read a lot of Hayden Hall books before and that includes the first book in this series. Hayden’s hockey series is one of best mm hockey series out there in my opinion. But there was something about this book that was so irresistible, like so intriguing and good. I’ve been in a reading slump for the past couple of months, but reading this book reminded me why I love and enjoy reading in the first place. I don’t know if it’s because I love Taylor and Harrison, the found family, my favorite character peanut, or just the mix of it all that makes this book amazing. I went into this not knowing what to expect and from the very beginning I was intrigued with Taylor and how him and Harrison are going to grow into a couple. I loved when Taylor first kissed Harrison not knowing that he wanted to do it outside the dare and getting to see Harrison get jealous over the smallest things not knowing that Taylor is completely infatuated with him. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone looking for a light college romance between two people who blindly in love with each other for the first glance.

I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
A fun, sweet, completely unexpected romance develops between university students Taylor and Harrison, two men who are, on the surface, complete opposites. What starts as a dare for Taylor gets turned on its head by a counter dare by Harrison.
Taylor is expecting, and receives, the typical fun he gets from giving his all to a dare. What he isn't expecting is to discover so many similarities between them, like their favorite music styles, and that he too is bisexual.
For Harrison, he is determined to make his ex realize they belong together, and using Taylor to do it is the best way he can think of. But the more time they spend together, the more he realizes that he connects with Taylor on a much deeper level than he ever had with his ex.
While this arrangement is supposed to be temporary for both men, it isn't long before both of them are longing for something more, yet too nervous to say anything.
Their sexual chemistry is off the charts, but is the deep connection they build that really solidifies them as a genuine couple, leading them to love and a sweet and wonderful HEA that suits them perfectly.
I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it.

I received an ARC from the author, this review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

[Spice Fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sometimes find Hayden has a slightly different writing style in some books from his others and I got that with this. Probably to do with the characters - it’s especially prevalent with Harrison’s chapters but there’s a little of it also with Taylor’s. It’s interesting, maybe a touch highbrow, and it makes for a different feel to this instalment of the Elmwood U series, like this was set in a different decade than it is due to the prose and references.

These two are the absolute cutest, the way they flirt and dance around each other at times whilst maintaining their fake dating reasoning. The lead up to their separate realisations is at times adorable and heartbreaking, their coming together passionate and heady. I loved Harrison’s quiet vulnerability, Taylor’s initial oblivion and then his easy acceptance. It has a grand romance feel that I got caught up in.

Spice wise it’s gentle and filthy, fun and a little kinky. I liked the way Harrison took care of Taylor and how open and trusting Taylor was. Their connection is reflected in the hotter scenes with a sweet undertone as well and it’s just a really pretty love story.

I wonder what’s in store for book 3.

I received an ARC, this is my honest review.

[Michelle N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good romance and Hayden Hall always delivers. Double Dared is the second book in the Boys of Elmwood U series. This is a stand alone novel with a new couple in each book of the series. There are reoccurring characters but you do not have to read the books in order to follow the story.
Taylor always accepts a dare. When his friends dare him to ask out the handsome man sitting alone in a bar, reading a book, he accepts. What he didn’t expect was for Harrison to say “yes” and offer a dare back for Taylor to pretend to be his boyfriend for a few weeks to make his ex-jealous. Never one to back down, Taylor accepts.
Taylor is a super sweet cinnamon roll of a guy who considered himself straight until he began spending time with Harrison. Now he finds himself head over heels for a guy trying to get his ex back. Meanwhile, Harrison is wondering does he really want his ex back after all.
This is such a fun, low angst, and entertaining story. I love the boys of Elmwood and I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. Hayden Hall has a way of writing characters who portray such well developed insight and reflection. It enables to reader to understand their thinking and see the various points of view as the story develops.

[Nancy Lockett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book of the series and has the tropes of bi-awakening and fake dating. Taylor is easily bored and will take any dare and is quite proud of this fact. His frat brothers dare him to ask out Harrison, a film student, on a date even though Taylor is straight. When Taylor approaches Harrison, Harrison agrees and lets Taylor know that he is aware that this was a dare. Harrison wants Taylor to help make his ex-girlfriend jealous so he can win her back. Taylor isn't sure if the plan is such a good idea but goes along with it to prank his friends into thinking they are really dating. The two men soon become inseparable, and Taylor begins to realize that he isn't as straight as he thought when he starts thinking about kissing Harrison and noticing how attractive he is. The two men enjoy talking about everything and their relationship soon becomes sexual. Harrison has to first realize that it is Taylor that is perfect for him and not his ex-girlfriend. I enjoyed this book but I feel that it took Harrison too long to realize that it was really Taylor that he wanted and felt he was just wanting his ex-girlfriend back to soothe his hurt ego. Looking forwards to the next book in the series.

[Steve Pardue · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second installment of the series, “Double Dared,” you are presented with a college life that strays from the typical jock narrative. This follow-up sheds light on the evolving relationship between the two main characters, who initially seem focused on pursuing romantic interests with girls but find themselves drawn to each other. This unexpected attraction offers a refreshing take on romance.

One standout element of this novel is the beloved character Taylor. With charisma and depth, Taylor brings an engaging presence that makes the story more relatable and enjoyable. As noted, everyone needs a Taylor in their lives, balancing the narrative with humor and warmth. This character's development is a highlight that keeps you engaged throughout the plot's twists and turns.

Although some may miss the traditional sports antics common in college stories, "The Boys of Elmwood U" makes up for it with delightful dating escapades and plenty of flirtation. The lack of sports scenes does not detract from the charm; instead, it invites you to focus on the lighthearted nature of the budding romance. If you enjoy sweet love stories filled with humor and fiery moments, you will find this book satisfying.

[Woodatsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double Dared is a very sweet story with minimal angst between Taylor and Harrison.

Taylor is your typical frat boy, a real sunshiny character who can't resist a dare. So when he's dared by his friends to get Harrison, a film student, to go on a date with him he goes all out. Harrison however saw it coming and decided to use the dare to his advance to get his ex-girlfriend back.

What starts out as a fake date to have some fun, quickly deepens. Taylor has always though of himself as being straight but the feelings he experiences for Harrison tell him different. Harrison from his side quickly realises that Taylor is exactly what he needed.

I really liked that the author showed that sometimes it's not necessary to make things complicated to build a loving relationship. And that sometimes it only takes a short time to know that you've met your person. Harrison and Taylor's relationship felt totally genuine and reading the epilogue set a few years in the future gave it something extra.

**ARC kindly received from the author via Bookfunnel. I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.**

[judith vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I want to say Congratulations to Hayden because “Double Dared”, is his 50th book. What a book to be number 50.
Double Dared is the second in the Boys of Elmwood series, Taylor is known as the guy that never backs down from a dare enter Harrison. Harrison is nursing a broken heart when Taylor walks up and begins the dare. Little does Taylor know Harrison already knows about the dare and has a counter dare of his own. Making his ex-girlfriend jealous so he can win her back their “dare” begins to become real and they begin to wonder what they were even doing in the first place. Words go on unsaid and Taylor makes the hardest choice ever.
I love everything Hayden has written and this book Double Dare is a great romantic story with equal parts spice and love. Both Harrison and Taylor are exceptional they balance each other out and you can almost feel the passion coming off the page. What begins as a dare morph into a passion fueled relationship that is one that melts the pages? Pre-order Double Dared today June 18 will be here soon.

[SNik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second in series (The Boys of Elmwood U), but can be read as a standalone. Fake relationship. Slow burn. Dual POV.

Taylor is always up for a dare, but when he’s supposed to ask the brooding film student at the bar out he unexpectedly falls into a fake dating scheme. Harrison wants his ex-girlfriend back, but all these dates with Taylor have him feeling some way, and he’s not sure if he wants to let it go.

This book was a surprisingly lush read, as I expected surface level frat antics and an emotionally unavailable guy. What I got was a slow build between two people that share interests and have a special connection that almost felt like they were soulmates. Both Harrison and Taylor were attentive and friendly, and their comfort with each other led to truthful openness that allowed them to really fall deeply for the person they were spending time with. This book had some beautifully emotional writing and the second half truly felt like a romantic story of how two men fall in love and can’t imagine a future without each other. I really enjoyed this. 4.5 rounded up

[Showarst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Dared by Hayden Hall is book 2 in the Boys of Elmwood U series. Taylor and Harrison were great characters. This book may have been one of the most romantic books that Hayden has given us and the spicy scenes were seriously hot.

Taylor is dared into asking Harrison out by his frat buddies even though Taylor is straight. Harrison knows it is a dare and suggests a compromise in which both men win. Taylor will win the bet and Harrison will make his ex-girlfriend jealous.

I love how these two realize that they have a lot in common with each other and form a genuine friendship that soon develops into something deeper. I love the music, the museums, and just the idea that they love to spend time together.

I’m not sure I’ve read such well-written spice before. I felt the connection before they even kissed, but once they did, it was amazing. The chemistry was definitely there. The timeline was perfect.

Of course, one of the men has to be self-sacrificing, but for the other one to know exactly where they were because they were “soulmates”. I ate that up. I was smiling, kicking my feet, and just wanting them to get back together. It was amazing.

I would recommend anything that Hayden writes.


I received an ARC from the author and GRR for my honest review.