What do you think?
Rate this book
If You Dare
Not yet published
Expected 27 Oct 26He’ll make her a bet she can’t refuse…
Lily McIntire is alone in the creepiest mansion in town, at night, all because she couldn’t back down from a dare issued by her cocky, infuriatingly hot coworker, Marcus Black. She’ll be damned before she gives him the satisfaction of winning.
What Lily doesn’t know is that Marcus has wanted her for ages. The plan is simple: scare her out of the house and into his arms. But scaring her turns to protecting her, and protecting her turns to seducing her—and that’s when the plan starts working a little too well.
Suddenly Lily is having real trouble filing Marcus under “insufferable.” He’s funny. Charming. Sinfully good-looking. One unforgettable night still isn’t enough to make her break her no-love-at-work rule—but surviving the mansion turns out to be the easy part. Surviving Marcus’s charms is going to take every ounce of her willpower. And for Lily, losing is not an option.
Perfect for readers who love:
– Workplace enemies-to-lovers romance
– A cocky hero and a heroine who won’t back down
– Flirty, steamy, banter-driven heat
– A dare, a dark mansion, and forced proximity
Lily McIntire is alone in the creepiest mansion in town, at night, all because she couldn’t back down from a dare issued by her cocky, infuriatingly hot coworker, Marcus Black. She’ll be damned before she gives him the satisfaction of winning.
What Lily doesn’t know is that Marcus has wanted her for ages. The plan is simple: scare her out of the house and into his arms. But scaring her turns to protecting her, and protecting her turns to seducing her—and that’s when the plan starts working a little too well.
Suddenly Lily is having real trouble filing Marcus under “insufferable.” He’s funny. Charming. Sinfully good-looking. One unforgettable night still isn’t enough to make her break her no-love-at-work rule—but surviving the mansion turns out to be the easy part. Surviving Marcus’s charms is going to take every ounce of her willpower. And for Lily, losing is not an option.
Perfect for readers who love:
– Workplace enemies-to-lovers romance
– A cocky hero and a heroine who won’t back down
– Flirty, steamy, banter-driven heat
– A dare, a dark mansion, and forced proximity
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2013
About the author
Jessica Lemmon
220 books1,925 followersJessica Lemmon is a former job-hopper who resides in Ohio with her husband and rescue dogs. She holds a degree in graphic design currently gathering dust in an impressive frame. When she’s not writing emotionally-charged stories, she spends her time drawing, drinking coffee, and laughing with friends. Her motto is Read for fun, and she believes we should all do more of what makes us happy.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
September 24, 2020
"'There are things happening here I don't understand.' The voice. The missing keys. The crash in the kitchen. And what had happened between them."
The horror movie, haunted-house fan in me is so happy right now!
Marcus and Lily work together. They share the same job, they're very competitive, and they've definitely noticed each other before, whether or not they want to admit it. He likes to flirt and he's had his share of women. She's had a (very) bad experience with an office romance in the past and so she's not looking to do it again.
A dare and a bet get the ball rolling for them, and one night inside a haunted house may be everything they need to do something about the mutual attraction going on.
This is a sweet romance, but it's also a lot of fun because of the constant competition and sexy-as-hell chemistry between them.
And I personally like to think the house - or the ghost? - was rooting for them as well when the lights mysteriously went out. Maybe? Who knows?...
Jessica Lemmon has done a really good job here proving scary haunted houses with things that go bump in the night can definitely turn into something sexy!
The horror movie, haunted-house fan in me is so happy right now!
Marcus and Lily work together. They share the same job, they're very competitive, and they've definitely noticed each other before, whether or not they want to admit it. He likes to flirt and he's had his share of women. She's had a (very) bad experience with an office romance in the past and so she's not looking to do it again.
A dare and a bet get the ball rolling for them, and one night inside a haunted house may be everything they need to do something about the mutual attraction going on.
This is a sweet romance, but it's also a lot of fun because of the constant competition and sexy-as-hell chemistry between them.
And I personally like to think the house - or the ghost? - was rooting for them as well when the lights mysteriously went out. Maybe? Who knows?...
Jessica Lemmon has done a really good job here proving scary haunted houses with things that go bump in the night can definitely turn into something sexy!
July 10, 2015
Lily and her co-worker Marcus make a bet. Marcus bets Lily that she can't stay a night in the haunted mansion in town. Lily is very competitive and not one to back away from a challenge so she accepts, even if she finds the idea of staying in the haunted house overnight terrifying. If she stays all night, she wins and Marcus has to give her the trip to Hawaii he won at work. If she doesn't stay all night, then Marcus wins and she has to accompany him to the awards dinner as his date. Marcus has been wanting Lily since they started working together. She turned him down when he asked her out but if he wins this bet, he will finally get the chance to go on a date with her.
This book was such a nice surprise! I love a good co-worker romance (probably because that's how I met my own husband) and this one was really good. Lily and Marcus had witty banter and there were a couple times that had me laughing out loud. This book was a lot of fun but it was also really sexy. Marcus and Lily have a fantastic connection and this author does a really good job developing these characters. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
This book was such a nice surprise! I love a good co-worker romance (probably because that's how I met my own husband) and this one was really good. Lily and Marcus had witty banter and there were a couple times that had me laughing out loud. This book was a lot of fun but it was also really sexy. Marcus and Lily have a fantastic connection and this author does a really good job developing these characters. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author!
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
July 10, 2015
ARC requested through Netgalley, and kindly provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
I really enjoyed the story of Lily and Marcus. Marcus, with his sights set on a date with Lily, dares her to spend the night in a “haunted house”. This premise intrigued me and I was not disappointed.
With romance, there are rarely surprises for me. I read so many of them and often find myself not engaged. To pull me in, the story needs to contain humour and the characters need to engage me. I knew I was going to love this story as soon as Marcus and his sidekick, Clive, spied Lily making the best of her night in the haunted house.
Lily completely won me over and Marcus, with his secret feelings for Lily, was a sweet hero. I also loved the potential unknown/paranormal aspect that was splashed throughout the story. Great read!
I really enjoyed the story of Lily and Marcus. Marcus, with his sights set on a date with Lily, dares her to spend the night in a “haunted house”. This premise intrigued me and I was not disappointed.
With romance, there are rarely surprises for me. I read so many of them and often find myself not engaged. To pull me in, the story needs to contain humour and the characters need to engage me. I knew I was going to love this story as soon as Marcus and his sidekick, Clive, spied Lily making the best of her night in the haunted house.
“Marcus swore under his breath. "Is that...sushi?" Clive chuckled.
His strawberry-blond, lethally sexy co-worker lounged in the center of an air mattress inside like the queen of freaking Sheba, pillows fluffed behind her.”
Lily completely won me over and Marcus, with his secret feelings for Lily, was a sweet hero. I also loved the potential unknown/paranormal aspect that was splashed throughout the story. Great read!
July 20, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
This was a fun and entertaining novella by author Jessica Lemmon who is fast becoming a favorite author of mine. If You Dare pits two co-workers together; he's made it know he'd like to date her, she turned him down because of a previous office romance gone bad, there is heat between them so he dares her to do something with his trip to Hawaii on the line and her agreeing to be his date to a big industry party...sound intriguing? Oh it was and so much more.
I don't know what it says about me that I love couples, who spar verbally, but I do and these two were great at the verbal volleyball and even threw in some sexy undertones with it as well. I loved that they were attracted but he let it go after the first no and she tried not to think about it but it was there just simmering for the right time. There was a lot of mutual respect for each other in their professional lives which proved there was more to their association than lust. Yes, the dare was somewhat childish but in the end it was the dare that brought them together, quite literally and made them face up to the fact there was something between them.
It was interesting to see ladies man Marcus want a woman so badly and trying to be cool about it when in fact it was stressing him the hell out. I understood Lily's hesitation given the way her last relationship ended and the fact that she was worried about her professional reputation. While they both defiantly had some less than stellar moments of handling each other, I think that just went to prove how much they wanted one another and the whole idea of being together threw them both for a loop.
While If You Dare is a novella the story was well thought out, the characters developed nicely and it was an absolute blast from beginning to end!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
This was a fun and entertaining novella by author Jessica Lemmon who is fast becoming a favorite author of mine. If You Dare pits two co-workers together; he's made it know he'd like to date her, she turned him down because of a previous office romance gone bad, there is heat between them so he dares her to do something with his trip to Hawaii on the line and her agreeing to be his date to a big industry party...sound intriguing? Oh it was and so much more.
I don't know what it says about me that I love couples, who spar verbally, but I do and these two were great at the verbal volleyball and even threw in some sexy undertones with it as well. I loved that they were attracted but he let it go after the first no and she tried not to think about it but it was there just simmering for the right time. There was a lot of mutual respect for each other in their professional lives which proved there was more to their association than lust. Yes, the dare was somewhat childish but in the end it was the dare that brought them together, quite literally and made them face up to the fact there was something between them.
It was interesting to see ladies man Marcus want a woman so badly and trying to be cool about it when in fact it was stressing him the hell out. I understood Lily's hesitation given the way her last relationship ended and the fact that she was worried about her professional reputation. While they both defiantly had some less than stellar moments of handling each other, I think that just went to prove how much they wanted one another and the whole idea of being together threw them both for a loop.
While If You Dare is a novella the story was well thought out, the characters developed nicely and it was an absolute blast from beginning to end!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
Currently Reading
June 29, 2015Dear Readers,
Lily McIntire never backs down from a dare, even when it means spending the night alone in the creepiest mansion in town. Marcus Black's plan is simple: scare her out of that house and into his arms. 👻 But scaring her turns to protecting her, and protecting her turns to seducing her. 🔥
The 2026 re-release has been fully revised and updated.
I don't know if you're ready for the pantry scene. (You're not.) 😅🌶️🌶️🌶️
Super sexy and full of witty back-and-forths, Lily and Marcus are one of my favorite old-new power couples. I hope you love them like I do!
If You Dare hits shelves just in time for spooky season. 🎃
Happy reading, you guys!
xo, Jessica 🍋
Lily McIntire never backs down from a dare, even when it means spending the night alone in the creepiest mansion in town. Marcus Black's plan is simple: scare her out of that house and into his arms. 👻 But scaring her turns to protecting her, and protecting her turns to seducing her. 🔥
The 2026 re-release has been fully revised and updated.
I don't know if you're ready for the pantry scene. (You're not.) 😅🌶️🌶️🌶️
Super sexy and full of witty back-and-forths, Lily and Marcus are one of my favorite old-new power couples. I hope you love them like I do!
If You Dare hits shelves just in time for spooky season. 🎃
Happy reading, you guys!
xo, Jessica 🍋
August 1, 2015
A challenge has been issued ... well, BRING IT ON!
:)
OK, so I'm not gonna lie and tell you that it wasn't kinda cheesy at first glance/read, but that could just be me and how I laugh at the whole haunted house thing .... but the story actually turned out to be not only fun, but witty with a little adventure and suspense thrown in there. It was heartwarming, romantic and just plain cute! lol
OK, so Marcus and Lily work together. Marcus has the hots for her but Lily brushes him off cuz she's been down the work-place romance road and she'd rather not go down it again ... so what does Marcus do? He issues her a challenge and if he wins, she has to go out on a date with him .... see, i told you, FUN FUN FUN! LOL
ARC provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley for an honest review
OK, so I'm not gonna lie and tell you that it wasn't kinda cheesy at first glance/read, but that could just be me and how I laugh at the whole haunted house thing .... but the story actually turned out to be not only fun, but witty with a little adventure and suspense thrown in there. It was heartwarming, romantic and just plain cute! lol
OK, so Marcus and Lily work together. Marcus has the hots for her but Lily brushes him off cuz she's been down the work-place romance road and she'd rather not go down it again ... so what does Marcus do? He issues her a challenge and if he wins, she has to go out on a date with him .... see, i told you, FUN FUN FUN! LOL
ARC provided by Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley for an honest review
July 19, 2015
3 Cute and Sweet but predictable and forgettable stars!
Source: eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Entangled Publishing (Lovestruck)
After reading books from the Second Chance series by Jessica Lemmon and quite enjoying it, I jumped at the chance to read and review this book. With If You Dare it's cute and sweet but also predictable and forgettable.
Lily and Marcus work together. But for Lily she keeps Marcus at arms length, because after her past she refuses to mix business with pleasure. Both top designers at the firm they work for makes them a bit more competitive with each other. With this rivalry it causes these two to goad each other with dares. With this newest dare and Hawaii on the lines Marcus is pulling all the stops to scare Lily. But he not only wants to win the bet but also win over Lily.
I liked the concept of the story and the two main characters were fine. Even the writing was fine but I never once felt reeled into the story. I never quite connected with Lily and Marcus but at the same time I also didn't feel unconnected. Sure it was predictable but also what I needed to read at the time, as I was coming off the biggest book hang over I've ever experienced so this was light and cute and a super easy read.
After reading books I always try to give myself a day or two to absorb and process my feelings but after a day I almost forgot what the book was about, but remember I thought it was cute and sweet. If you are looking for heavy and real then this is so not the book. If you are looking for light and sweet then give this a go.
For more reviews, visit Live Read and Breathe
Like us on Facebook Live Read and Breathe Facebook
Follow along with Twitter Live Read and Breathe Twitter
July 30, 2015
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
If You Dare is a really fun, really cute feel good romance. Lily and Marcus have the most hilarious competitive relationship going on. I loved that the book was told in their dual narrative, so we could really get inside both of their heads. And I loved that once the main "dare" was over, they kept the dare theme going all the way to the very end of the story. Some of the things they dared the other to do were too funny. This book made me laugh, which was just what I wanted.
Lily is a competitive one, that is for sure. Because I can tell you one thing, if I were dared to spend the night is a super creepy abandoned mansion, no way would I do it. But I admired he way Lily hunkered down, and when I saw everything that she brought with her, I knew I would like her. That girl did not pack light. Haha! If I were Marcus I would have tried to sabotage the night too. And speaking of the night, some pretty freaky stuff went down. And I do not mean sexy times. That night in the house would have scarred me for life, and it was left up in the air. I loved that! It was so much creepier that way.
As for the rest of the story, it was a really cute romance. I loved the back and forth between Lily And Marcus. They were all over the place and try as she might, Lily was just not able to stay away from Marcus. But they also just could not help themselves to keep trying to one up the other one. That was my favorite aspect of their relationship. It help things interesting between the two of them. I didn't realize until after I finished If You Dare, but this book was once a novella. The Author expanded it into a full length novel just this year. I think it works great as a full length story, and I never would have guessed that it was just a novella. Although, now that I know, I would bet that the novella was just the night in the mansion.
If you are looking for a light, fun and hilarious contemporary romance, I dare you to read If you Dare. It will put a smile on your face.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
If You Dare is a really fun, really cute feel good romance. Lily and Marcus have the most hilarious competitive relationship going on. I loved that the book was told in their dual narrative, so we could really get inside both of their heads. And I loved that once the main "dare" was over, they kept the dare theme going all the way to the very end of the story. Some of the things they dared the other to do were too funny. This book made me laugh, which was just what I wanted.
Lily is a competitive one, that is for sure. Because I can tell you one thing, if I were dared to spend the night is a super creepy abandoned mansion, no way would I do it. But I admired he way Lily hunkered down, and when I saw everything that she brought with her, I knew I would like her. That girl did not pack light. Haha! If I were Marcus I would have tried to sabotage the night too. And speaking of the night, some pretty freaky stuff went down. And I do not mean sexy times. That night in the house would have scarred me for life, and it was left up in the air. I loved that! It was so much creepier that way.
As for the rest of the story, it was a really cute romance. I loved the back and forth between Lily And Marcus. They were all over the place and try as she might, Lily was just not able to stay away from Marcus. But they also just could not help themselves to keep trying to one up the other one. That was my favorite aspect of their relationship. It help things interesting between the two of them. I didn't realize until after I finished If You Dare, but this book was once a novella. The Author expanded it into a full length novel just this year. I think it works great as a full length story, and I never would have guessed that it was just a novella. Although, now that I know, I would bet that the novella was just the night in the mansion.
If you are looking for a light, fun and hilarious contemporary romance, I dare you to read If you Dare. It will put a smile on your face.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
July 8, 2015
I didn't know what I would expect from this book but I really fell in love with the story. Marcus asked out Lily in the past and she said no due to the fact her last work relationship didn't end so well. Ever since she said no they have been baiting one another and constantly pushing one another with bets. He bets Lily to stay in a haunted mansion one night in order to win tickets to Hawaii. He doesn't think she will actually do it.
Ok so I loved the banter and the betting which made for a really fun story. The way these two pushed each other was funny and cute. You can see right away they are both into one another even though Lily tries to hide it. When they are at the "haunted mansion" things get heated up after Marcus tries to scare her into leaving.
I couldn't stop laughing when he was spying on her through a window. Marcus sees her sitting on a air mattress, eating sushi, drinking wine and streaming friends. Lol I think that was one of my favorite parts. I really did love these two together.
Jessica writes amazing characters and sex scenes that will have you reaching for a cold glass of water. And I wasn't expecting desk sex so that was a bonus. *winks*
The story flowed nicely and had me wishing this would have been a series. I enjoyed that these characters didn't rush into marriage and babies but agreed to live together. The epilogue was the icing on the cake to see what they had planned and got a peak of their time in Hawaii. I really enjoyed this read and I hope to read more of this author in the near future.
Lemmon writes with heart and passion that will keep you on your toes.
Ok so I loved the banter and the betting which made for a really fun story. The way these two pushed each other was funny and cute. You can see right away they are both into one another even though Lily tries to hide it. When they are at the "haunted mansion" things get heated up after Marcus tries to scare her into leaving.
I couldn't stop laughing when he was spying on her through a window. Marcus sees her sitting on a air mattress, eating sushi, drinking wine and streaming friends. Lol I think that was one of my favorite parts. I really did love these two together.
Jessica writes amazing characters and sex scenes that will have you reaching for a cold glass of water. And I wasn't expecting desk sex so that was a bonus. *winks*
The story flowed nicely and had me wishing this would have been a series. I enjoyed that these characters didn't rush into marriage and babies but agreed to live together. The epilogue was the icing on the cake to see what they had planned and got a peak of their time in Hawaii. I really enjoyed this read and I hope to read more of this author in the near future.
Lemmon writes with heart and passion that will keep you on your toes.
July 21, 2015
A really enjoyable book. Marcus has fancied Lily for a long time- but she’s wary of relationships with work colleagues. There is still a lot of sexual tension between them and they keep challenging each other. He dares her to stay in a creepy mansion overnight in order to win tickets to Hawaii . She’s not going to turn down the challenge. If she loses she will have to go to an awards dinner with him.
They spat a lot – but are very keen on each other. But both are a little wary of giving in to their feelings.Will Lily manage to stay the night in the mansion? What might lie ahead? The book has a great way of creating the feeling of tension between them and still sharing sizzling scenes.
You are really rooting for Lily and Marcus- maybe we might hear more? My first book by this author- but I will definitely look out for new ones.
Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley.
They spat a lot – but are very keen on each other. But both are a little wary of giving in to their feelings.Will Lily manage to stay the night in the mansion? What might lie ahead? The book has a great way of creating the feeling of tension between them and still sharing sizzling scenes.
You are really rooting for Lily and Marcus- maybe we might hear more? My first book by this author- but I will definitely look out for new ones.
Many thanks to the publisher and Net Galley.
June 6, 2014
I thought this book was great when it was released as a shorter novella, now in it's expanded form, it is fantastic!! Clear concise writing makes this a fast paced read with characters that grab you from the start. The banter between Marcus and Lily is hilarious and makes their attraction for each other very believable, and the chemistry, oh my!! This is one you don't want to miss! I highly recommend it.
November 23, 2013
Thank you Entangled Publishing for providing me this ARC for an honest review!
“You’d have to stay the entire night,” he finally said.
Ha! She had him. “Done.”
“Alone.”
“Done.”
“This Friday. The thirteenth.”
“D-Done.”
That's the dare that will put both Marcus Black and Lily Mcintyre into a scary (?!) and funny situation. Marcus always annoy Lily because : 1. He is competitive ( like her?!) 2. Really talented ( that guy can draw anything from a scratch--and really, really good!) 3. He has a reputation of a douche man-whorish ( oh! Girls flock over him like..always?! No question asked!) ....and 4. He is annoying hot, gorgeous ... uber attractive...and hell, chick magnet in every way! So annoying, that he sometimes ( or oftentimes?!) crossed over Lily's uhmm, graphic fantasies?! Haha.
So what's the grand prize if one of them wins this bet? Oh, it's just a free , all expense trip to HAWAII ! Yeah. Imagine, pristine beach..lazy day frolicking under the sun , pina coladas...total paradise!! And Lily WANTS it! ... Uh-oh , too bad Marcus wants it badly as she is! Oooooh, now the bet is definitely ON!
The dare was an overnight stay at that abandoned house who happens to have a history of uhmm, ghost sightings?! Oh, and Lily is shit-scared of ...spiders! ...well, ghost...not if they are just rumors..or not?!
Once Lily set her eyes on that prize, there is definitely NO turning back! It's EYES ON THE PRIZE, baby! Bring it on! See the determination? Loud and clear. I can't help but to love the banters between Lily and Marcus. They're entertainingly funny and I have to admit, I giggled a lot!
So when Lily's determination was a little threat.. Uh, okay a big threat to Marcus losing the bet, he made a sneaky plan: Scare Lily out of her wits! oh, Marcus! That is definitely cheating, you bad boy!
Well, all that boomerang when he tried to scare Lily but failed?! It was so funny! Loved that scene!
What happened next? Well, I won't spoil the fun, would I? Haha! You got to grab your copy to find out yourself! One thing I could say, when these two are place together in an alleged "haunted house"? Secrets would be revealed.. Long and burried attraction or desire ( uh-oh!) will be explored and tested! Oh, there might be some ghost sighting?! Wooooooo!! Goosebumps!!
“Fear and attraction had a lot
of the same characteristics. The sweaty palms, the elevated heart rate.
Picturing Marcus naked.
Okay, maybe not that last one.”
Overall, I loved this book. If you want a short read with enough fun, sizzling uhmm..encounters in the dark! ( haha! ) a little spook and romance..romance?! Check this book out!
***Same Review was posted on my Pink Blog http://sparklingpinkpages.blogspot.co...
“You’d have to stay the entire night,” he finally said.
Ha! She had him. “Done.”
“Alone.”
“Done.”
“This Friday. The thirteenth.”
“D-Done.”
That's the dare that will put both Marcus Black and Lily Mcintyre into a scary (?!) and funny situation. Marcus always annoy Lily because : 1. He is competitive ( like her?!) 2. Really talented ( that guy can draw anything from a scratch--and really, really good!) 3. He has a reputation of a douche man-whorish ( oh! Girls flock over him like..always?! No question asked!) ....and 4. He is annoying hot, gorgeous ... uber attractive...and hell, chick magnet in every way! So annoying, that he sometimes ( or oftentimes?!) crossed over Lily's uhmm, graphic fantasies?! Haha.
So what's the grand prize if one of them wins this bet? Oh, it's just a free , all expense trip to HAWAII ! Yeah. Imagine, pristine beach..lazy day frolicking under the sun , pina coladas...total paradise!! And Lily WANTS it! ... Uh-oh , too bad Marcus wants it badly as she is! Oooooh, now the bet is definitely ON!
The dare was an overnight stay at that abandoned house who happens to have a history of uhmm, ghost sightings?! Oh, and Lily is shit-scared of ...spiders! ...well, ghost...not if they are just rumors..or not?!
Once Lily set her eyes on that prize, there is definitely NO turning back! It's EYES ON THE PRIZE, baby! Bring it on! See the determination? Loud and clear. I can't help but to love the banters between Lily and Marcus. They're entertainingly funny and I have to admit, I giggled a lot!
So when Lily's determination was a little threat.. Uh, okay a big threat to Marcus losing the bet, he made a sneaky plan: Scare Lily out of her wits! oh, Marcus! That is definitely cheating, you bad boy!
Well, all that boomerang when he tried to scare Lily but failed?! It was so funny! Loved that scene!
What happened next? Well, I won't spoil the fun, would I? Haha! You got to grab your copy to find out yourself! One thing I could say, when these two are place together in an alleged "haunted house"? Secrets would be revealed.. Long and burried attraction or desire ( uh-oh!) will be explored and tested! Oh, there might be some ghost sighting?! Wooooooo!! Goosebumps!!
“Fear and attraction had a lot
of the same characteristics. The sweaty palms, the elevated heart rate.
Picturing Marcus naked.
Okay, maybe not that last one.”
Overall, I loved this book. If you want a short read with enough fun, sizzling uhmm..encounters in the dark! ( haha! ) a little spook and romance..romance?! Check this book out!
***Same Review was posted on my Pink Blog http://sparklingpinkpages.blogspot.co...
July 31, 2015
Lily has to stay the night in a creepy old mansion in the middle of nowhere. She's alone in the dark and she's scared, all because of a bet. Her colleague Marcus has given her a dare, if she wins Lily can have his Hawaii trip and if he wins she has to accompany him to an important event. Of course Marcus doesn't give up his trip that easily. He's determined to scare Lily and make her run away from the house. Only he's on his own and without any help, so instead of staying outside he makes his presence known. He's the perfect person to protect her and maybe he can finally convince Lily to give him a chance.
Marcus and Lily are designers and they're great at working together. Marcus likes Lily a lot, but she's been hurt by a former co-worker and she doesn't want to make the same mistake again. She thinks Marcus is a womanizer, but he has eyes for her alone. She really, really likes him and it isn't easy to stay away from him. The night into the mansion turns into something quite special, but even that isn't enough for Lily to accept Marcus as more than just someone she's working with. For Marcus it will be a challenge to change her mind, will he be able to win her over?
If You Dare is definitely a sexy summer read. I loved the chemistry and the tension between Lily and Marcus. They keep challenging each other and that makes the story interesting. I also liked that part of it was set in a haunted house, I think that's a fun idea and it works really well. Marcus and Lily have a great connection, but Lily is afraid to give in. Marcus does everything he can to convince her. He's actually a really sweet guy, which made me like this book even more. Lily and Marcus are having a dare, but for Marcus it's about winning Lily, not the bet. I liked how the story evolves and how they interact with each other. There are a lot of hot scenes that are all very well written. I think If You Dare is a fantastic romantic story with two amazing main characters.
Marcus and Lily are designers and they're great at working together. Marcus likes Lily a lot, but she's been hurt by a former co-worker and she doesn't want to make the same mistake again. She thinks Marcus is a womanizer, but he has eyes for her alone. She really, really likes him and it isn't easy to stay away from him. The night into the mansion turns into something quite special, but even that isn't enough for Lily to accept Marcus as more than just someone she's working with. For Marcus it will be a challenge to change her mind, will he be able to win her over?
If You Dare is definitely a sexy summer read. I loved the chemistry and the tension between Lily and Marcus. They keep challenging each other and that makes the story interesting. I also liked that part of it was set in a haunted house, I think that's a fun idea and it works really well. Marcus and Lily have a great connection, but Lily is afraid to give in. Marcus does everything he can to convince her. He's actually a really sweet guy, which made me like this book even more. Lily and Marcus are having a dare, but for Marcus it's about winning Lily, not the bet. I liked how the story evolves and how they interact with each other. There are a lot of hot scenes that are all very well written. I think If You Dare is a fantastic romantic story with two amazing main characters.
July 3, 2015
I adore Jessica Lemmon’s Second Chance series, so when I saw If You Dare I had to snag it. If You Dare, is one of her earlier works that was originally a novella. The story has been updated and turned into a full-length novel. This was a fun, heated romance filled with snark and tenderness.
Lily McIntire works in a design office with Marcus Black. The two are top designers who often find themselves competing against each other. To Lily Marcus is a bit of a player and a bitter office affair at a prior job has left her skittish. As a result, the two replace their attraction to each other with teasing, jabs and one upping each other. I loved this banter. It was snarky and you could just feel the sexual tension simmering at the surface. A celebratory night out for landing a huge account ends with the two of them enjoying some tequila. Things get a little competitive and somehow Lily ends up accepting a dare. She has to spend the night in a creepy mansion and if she is successful she gets to claim his Hawaiian trip. The tale that unfolds while predictable was heated, filled with banter and had me smiling.
If You Dare was a fun read, I ended up liking both Lily and Marcus. Lemmon did a good job of fleshing them out, showing their more vulnerable sides beneath her snark and his confidence. The tale is heated and the couple spends much of their time snogging. I loved the back and forth teasing and chemistry between them. I closed the book with a smile and fond feelings for these too. If you are looking for a fun, standalone romance this summer If You Dare is sure to make you smile.
Copy provided by publisher, This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Lily McIntire works in a design office with Marcus Black. The two are top designers who often find themselves competing against each other. To Lily Marcus is a bit of a player and a bitter office affair at a prior job has left her skittish. As a result, the two replace their attraction to each other with teasing, jabs and one upping each other. I loved this banter. It was snarky and you could just feel the sexual tension simmering at the surface. A celebratory night out for landing a huge account ends with the two of them enjoying some tequila. Things get a little competitive and somehow Lily ends up accepting a dare. She has to spend the night in a creepy mansion and if she is successful she gets to claim his Hawaiian trip. The tale that unfolds while predictable was heated, filled with banter and had me smiling.
If You Dare was a fun read, I ended up liking both Lily and Marcus. Lemmon did a good job of fleshing them out, showing their more vulnerable sides beneath her snark and his confidence. The tale is heated and the couple spends much of their time snogging. I loved the back and forth teasing and chemistry between them. I closed the book with a smile and fond feelings for these too. If you are looking for a fun, standalone romance this summer If You Dare is sure to make you smile.
Copy provided by publisher, This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer
June 29, 2015
As soon as I read the blurb for If You Dare I knew this one would be right up my alley and I was not disappointed. Lily and Marcus pulled me in and held me in their grasp until the very end... I devoured this book in one sitting because I just had to know how everything was going to play out.
This book is basically broken up into two parts, at least that's how it felt to me. You have the first part where they're in the mansion and dealing with the creepiness and the underlying sexual tension that seems to simmer between them... Then you have the second part which is after they leave the mansion and they're trying to work their way through everything that happened and where they go from there with their relationship.
I fell in love with Lily and Marcus and their witty banter from the get-go and I just knew they were going to be a couple that I rooted for. Sure, they had some obstacles in their way, including the fact that Lily was completely against another office romance after being burned in the past and Marcus' inability to make Lily see past his playboy persona, but they eventually worked everything out and they ended with a great epilogue.
My only issue with this one was that I wish it were longer. I appreciate the fact that it was taken from a novella and turned into a full length novel but I still felt like there could have been a little more to their story... Maybe that's just me being greedy, but either way, it was still a great read and I'll definitely be looking forward to more books from Jessica Lemmon in the future.
*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is basically broken up into two parts, at least that's how it felt to me. You have the first part where they're in the mansion and dealing with the creepiness and the underlying sexual tension that seems to simmer between them... Then you have the second part which is after they leave the mansion and they're trying to work their way through everything that happened and where they go from there with their relationship.
I fell in love with Lily and Marcus and their witty banter from the get-go and I just knew they were going to be a couple that I rooted for. Sure, they had some obstacles in their way, including the fact that Lily was completely against another office romance after being burned in the past and Marcus' inability to make Lily see past his playboy persona, but they eventually worked everything out and they ended with a great epilogue.
My only issue with this one was that I wish it were longer. I appreciate the fact that it was taken from a novella and turned into a full length novel but I still felt like there could have been a little more to their story... Maybe that's just me being greedy, but either way, it was still a great read and I'll definitely be looking forward to more books from Jessica Lemmon in the future.
*ARC kindly provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 17, 2015
What started as a dare becomes one wild night of scares, laughs and fun on an air mattress. Lily has underestimated Marcus, put him in a category and left him there. But there is so much more to this sexy guy than she realised. As she slowly uncovers the real man underneath as a reader I got to, too. I loved that this story was from dual POV because getting in Marcus's head was a real treat - underneath the playboy persona, and behind his prankster ways, there's a real sweetheart who has the same insecurities as Lily.
While this very well written story is full of fun and sizzle, there's also a message about jumping to conclusions and judging people on sight. It was great watching these two, and their relationship, develop and grow. And I loved how surprised by it all Lily was:
Why, suddenly, was everything about him making her so...happy? The hot, she understood. The hot was a given. But the happy? Definitely different. Good different.
The insecurities and self-deprecating thoughts that stopped them from saying what they wanted to, made the character's feel so real to me.
The last thing he needed was for her to see him as some feeble-minded man with a knee-weakening crush on her. And he was both of these things.
This author's comic timing and heartfelt words swept me away into a story that I couldn't put down. 4.5 stars for this sweet romance!
"Lily... Finally. Out of my dreams."
While this very well written story is full of fun and sizzle, there's also a message about jumping to conclusions and judging people on sight. It was great watching these two, and their relationship, develop and grow. And I loved how surprised by it all Lily was:
Why, suddenly, was everything about him making her so...happy? The hot, she understood. The hot was a given. But the happy? Definitely different. Good different.
The insecurities and self-deprecating thoughts that stopped them from saying what they wanted to, made the character's feel so real to me.
The last thing he needed was for her to see him as some feeble-minded man with a knee-weakening crush on her. And he was both of these things.
This author's comic timing and heartfelt words swept me away into a story that I couldn't put down. 4.5 stars for this sweet romance!
"Lily... Finally. Out of my dreams."
July 3, 2015
**ARC provided by Entangled Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
4.5 Stars
Originally published as a short story, If You Dare has transformed into an amazing full-length novel. Smooth writing and likeable characters fill the pages. This is another read that would be perfect for the month of October, with its fall setting and decrepit mansion, but, of course, it can be read anytime.
There is just enough spookiness to keep you interested, but it doesn't overshadow the red-hot romance. This is an enemies to lovers story, which I always enjoy.
Marcus is one of those fun, prank-pulling guys who thinks that Lily is a little too uptight, but has had a secret crush on her for a while. He bets her that she can't spend an entire night at the old Willow Mansion alone, knowing that she can't refuse to take him up on it. If he wins, he get to take her to a work-related dinner as his date and she has to be panty-less. If she wins, she gets his hard-earned trip to Hawaii. Neither of them are willing to back down.
I highly recommend this book to any contemporary romance reader!
4.5 Stars
Originally published as a short story, If You Dare has transformed into an amazing full-length novel. Smooth writing and likeable characters fill the pages. This is another read that would be perfect for the month of October, with its fall setting and decrepit mansion, but, of course, it can be read anytime.
There is just enough spookiness to keep you interested, but it doesn't overshadow the red-hot romance. This is an enemies to lovers story, which I always enjoy.
Marcus is one of those fun, prank-pulling guys who thinks that Lily is a little too uptight, but has had a secret crush on her for a while. He bets her that she can't spend an entire night at the old Willow Mansion alone, knowing that she can't refuse to take him up on it. If he wins, he get to take her to a work-related dinner as his date and she has to be panty-less. If she wins, she gets his hard-earned trip to Hawaii. Neither of them are willing to back down.
I highly recommend this book to any contemporary romance reader!
December 3, 2013
This story was so much fun and so much more than I expected. Ms. Lemmon wrote a novella packed full of heart-felt emotion, adventure, and sexy banter! Marcus and Lily were an absolute blast!
February 12, 2018
4.25 stars
I never posted my review of this, so here it is
My first foray into Entangled Publishing’s new Flaunt line was a roaring success! I loved this novella! It’s fun and sexy, and the setting, inside a haunted house, isn’t your typical romantic setting. Angry poltergeists causing mischief and mayhem made for a scary, exhilarating read. I had a hard time putting down my Kindle, and I kept trying to devise ways to sneak in a few extra reading minutes because I was enjoying the story so much.
If You Dare is one of the launch titles for Entangled’s Flaunt line. They are pitching Flaunt as their sexy novella line. If you like Harlequin’s Cosmo Red Hot Reds, you will like these as well. The Flaunt line will be available 11/25. I hope to get you reviews of the introductory titles by the end of the month.
Lily and co-worker Marcus mix together about as well as oil and water. After asking her out when they first started working together, Lily instantly turned him down. She thought she had his number. She thinks Marcus is a playboy, a serial dater who is too good-looking for his own good. He’s a flirt and a tease, and Lily has had quite enough of his type to last a lifetime. When Marcus wins a trip to Hawaii, she accuses him of cheating. When he makes a bet with her, she can’t refuse. If she spends the night in the creepy old mansion outside of town, he’ll give her his tickets to Hawaii. It’s a bet she can’t turn down, mainly because she’s had too much to drink, but even in the throes of a nasty hangover, she can’t back out of their bet. Her pride won’t let her.
The story takes place during Lily’s nerve-wracking night at the house. As she’s moving her camping gear into the neglected old building, she has the most unsettling feeling that she’s being watched. Weird noises don’t help her peace of mind. When Marcus tries to play a joke on her to scare her into giving up on the Hawaii trip, she just digs her heels in. Little does she know that she’s in for the most unforgettable night of her life!
I loved the mix of romance and supernatural suspense in If You Dare. Living up to Entangled’s promise, this is a sexy read. What I wasn’t expecting was such a fun blend of sexy and horror movie scary. As Lily is trying to work through trust issues, the noises from upstairs aren’t helping her believe that Marcus is the sweet guy she’s just been lead to believe he is. No, with her keys missing, Marcus outside investigating strange noises, and the suddenly crystal clear tinkle of her keychain emanating from the second floor, there can only be one rational explanation. Marcus is a lying dog! The other explanation, that there really is a ghost upstairs, is so out there that Lily can’t even contemplate it. Too bad it’s true! Or is it?
The ghosties give If You Dare a unique twist, and the pacing is spot on. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Lily and Marcus, and I’m so looking forward to reading more by Jessica Lemmon. I’m also looking forward to reading more from the Flaunt line.
Grade: B+
I never posted my review of this, so here it is
My first foray into Entangled Publishing’s new Flaunt line was a roaring success! I loved this novella! It’s fun and sexy, and the setting, inside a haunted house, isn’t your typical romantic setting. Angry poltergeists causing mischief and mayhem made for a scary, exhilarating read. I had a hard time putting down my Kindle, and I kept trying to devise ways to sneak in a few extra reading minutes because I was enjoying the story so much.
If You Dare is one of the launch titles for Entangled’s Flaunt line. They are pitching Flaunt as their sexy novella line. If you like Harlequin’s Cosmo Red Hot Reds, you will like these as well. The Flaunt line will be available 11/25. I hope to get you reviews of the introductory titles by the end of the month.
Lily and co-worker Marcus mix together about as well as oil and water. After asking her out when they first started working together, Lily instantly turned him down. She thought she had his number. She thinks Marcus is a playboy, a serial dater who is too good-looking for his own good. He’s a flirt and a tease, and Lily has had quite enough of his type to last a lifetime. When Marcus wins a trip to Hawaii, she accuses him of cheating. When he makes a bet with her, she can’t refuse. If she spends the night in the creepy old mansion outside of town, he’ll give her his tickets to Hawaii. It’s a bet she can’t turn down, mainly because she’s had too much to drink, but even in the throes of a nasty hangover, she can’t back out of their bet. Her pride won’t let her.
The story takes place during Lily’s nerve-wracking night at the house. As she’s moving her camping gear into the neglected old building, she has the most unsettling feeling that she’s being watched. Weird noises don’t help her peace of mind. When Marcus tries to play a joke on her to scare her into giving up on the Hawaii trip, she just digs her heels in. Little does she know that she’s in for the most unforgettable night of her life!
I loved the mix of romance and supernatural suspense in If You Dare. Living up to Entangled’s promise, this is a sexy read. What I wasn’t expecting was such a fun blend of sexy and horror movie scary. As Lily is trying to work through trust issues, the noises from upstairs aren’t helping her believe that Marcus is the sweet guy she’s just been lead to believe he is. No, with her keys missing, Marcus outside investigating strange noises, and the suddenly crystal clear tinkle of her keychain emanating from the second floor, there can only be one rational explanation. Marcus is a lying dog! The other explanation, that there really is a ghost upstairs, is so out there that Lily can’t even contemplate it. Too bad it’s true! Or is it?
The ghosties give If You Dare a unique twist, and the pacing is spot on. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Lily and Marcus, and I’m so looking forward to reading more by Jessica Lemmon. I’m also looking forward to reading more from the Flaunt line.
Grade: B+
November 27, 2013
In 2013, Jessica Lemmon wrote, IF YOU DARE, a spooky novella where unrequited love and a bet was at the heart of the story. I really enjoyed it and my only big complaint was the length (I wanted more) because I wanted more of Marcus! Originally published by Entangled as part of their now defunct Flirt line, Lemmon expanded IF YOU DARE and what we have is a full length novel. When Lemmon asked if I’d be interested in reading the new IF YOU DARE, I couldn’t pass up the chance especially since there would be more Marcus!
We have really good character development. I liked Lily and it was easy to associate with her. She’s hard working and goal oriented. She also has a no strict dating policy regarding co-workers and we get to know why. We’ve all had at least one co-worker like Marcus and her annoyance with him is perfectly justifiable. I also really liked how she wasn’t one to back down from a bet and took it seriously. What I can say about Marcus? Oh ladies, he’ll easily steal your heart! He’s cocky and never alone, but he secretly has a crush on Lily! Can we get a sigh here? I just adored Marcus and I’d love to go on and on about him, but I’ll let you meet him. We have a few secondary characters that a play a role including Clive and Joanie, both of them work alongside Marcus and Lily. I really enjoyed getting to know them better and can I dare hope that Lemmon will give us a novella regarding their romance?
Narrative is third person and overall, it’s a fun read. Lemmon does a superb job with the plot. I’ll be truthful, I had some concerns regarding the rewrite of IF YOU DARE and I was mostly concerned that we’d get a few new added scenes here or there. Boy was I wrong! While I recognized a few scenes and basically knew the reason why Lily makes a bet with Marcus, there was a lot I didn’t know. I really enjoyed the back story Lemmon gives us and it all felt as if I was reading IF YOU DARE for the first time. Stories with a paranormal aspect can go either way, but IF YOU DARE is intriguing and heart pounding that will leave you screaming at Lily and Marcus NOT to investigate the house. Lemmon’s descriptions of the house and events surrounding the bet are so life like that you can easily picture IF YOU DARE being adapted for film. Heck, don’t be surprised if you suddenly hear unexplained noises while you read.
I have several favorite scenes, but I just loved the scene where Marcus tries to scare Lily. I really liked how he was prepared to win the bet. I loved the interaction between Marcus and Lily in the novella and I’m glad to report, nothing has changed. I wanted to be a fly on the wall at the office then and I still do! If I have one complaint, it’s that the spookiness that was at the center of the novella took a backseat as the romance dominated. There’s nothing wrong with that and of course the original storyline was short enough where the paranormal aspect had to dominate. Had it been front in center here, it just wouldn’t have worked and we needed that romance to blossom outside the haunted mansion for it to work.
If you’re looking for a great romance with a slight paranormal element, I highly recommend Jessica Lemmon’s IF YOU DARE.
This review and more are posted at Literary, etc.
We have really good character development. I liked Lily and it was easy to associate with her. She’s hard working and goal oriented. She also has a no strict dating policy regarding co-workers and we get to know why. We’ve all had at least one co-worker like Marcus and her annoyance with him is perfectly justifiable. I also really liked how she wasn’t one to back down from a bet and took it seriously. What I can say about Marcus? Oh ladies, he’ll easily steal your heart! He’s cocky and never alone, but he secretly has a crush on Lily! Can we get a sigh here? I just adored Marcus and I’d love to go on and on about him, but I’ll let you meet him. We have a few secondary characters that a play a role including Clive and Joanie, both of them work alongside Marcus and Lily. I really enjoyed getting to know them better and can I dare hope that Lemmon will give us a novella regarding their romance?
Narrative is third person and overall, it’s a fun read. Lemmon does a superb job with the plot. I’ll be truthful, I had some concerns regarding the rewrite of IF YOU DARE and I was mostly concerned that we’d get a few new added scenes here or there. Boy was I wrong! While I recognized a few scenes and basically knew the reason why Lily makes a bet with Marcus, there was a lot I didn’t know. I really enjoyed the back story Lemmon gives us and it all felt as if I was reading IF YOU DARE for the first time. Stories with a paranormal aspect can go either way, but IF YOU DARE is intriguing and heart pounding that will leave you screaming at Lily and Marcus NOT to investigate the house. Lemmon’s descriptions of the house and events surrounding the bet are so life like that you can easily picture IF YOU DARE being adapted for film. Heck, don’t be surprised if you suddenly hear unexplained noises while you read.
I have several favorite scenes, but I just loved the scene where Marcus tries to scare Lily. I really liked how he was prepared to win the bet. I loved the interaction between Marcus and Lily in the novella and I’m glad to report, nothing has changed. I wanted to be a fly on the wall at the office then and I still do! If I have one complaint, it’s that the spookiness that was at the center of the novella took a backseat as the romance dominated. There’s nothing wrong with that and of course the original storyline was short enough where the paranormal aspect had to dominate. Had it been front in center here, it just wouldn’t have worked and we needed that romance to blossom outside the haunted mansion for it to work.
If you’re looking for a great romance with a slight paranormal element, I highly recommend Jessica Lemmon’s IF YOU DARE.
This review and more are posted at Literary, etc.
November 25, 2013
Posted on What I'm Reading
Rating 4 1/2 Stars
Have you ever had a kid from the opposite sex pick on you at school, you go home tell your mother, and she would reply, "Oh sweetie, that just means he/she likes you." You think, "Dude mom, your crazy", instead you just smile and nod. Anyway, in Jessica Lemmon's new novella If You Dare, we stumble upon the case of Marcus Black liking Lily McIntire a lot and picking on her.
Marcus has had a crush on Lily since she started working at the company. He did try to get her to go out with him; Lily shot him down thinking he was just a playboy. Granted he hasn't really made an effort to disprove her, instead he just riles her up. Negative attention is still attention. Well, he finally gets his opportunity to get a real date out of her, but he goes about in a wager way. Yeah, like that's the brightest idea. Marcus basically dares Lily to spend a night at a haunted house, if she leaves before the next day he gets his date. However, if she stays the whole time she gets his trip to Hawaii. Who wouldn't stay at a haunted house if Hawaii was on the line? I wouldn't, because it's haunted.
I thought If You Dare was fantastic. We have Marcus and Lily butting heads, because they are attracted to one another. Yet, Lily thinks he's just like every scum bucket she has ever dated and not willing to give him a chance. When Marcus realizes this he aims to play dirty, hey he goes after what he wants. Then you toss in a haunted house, that bring them close together. Who doesn't love a story with a haunted house and two people who would go to great lengths to achieve their goals. So, if you are looking for a novella with a haunted house, you might want to try If You Dare.
UPDATED THOUGHTS:
A few years back (2013) I read Jessica Lemmon's If You Dare when it was a novella. Fantastic little story about a haunted house, a bet, and Hawaii. However, I couldn't really remember much about the story. The one thing that stood out was the house. We jump ahead (2015), and Jessica has added more to the story. I could not tell you what was added if my life depended on it, because story blends so well with the old and the new.
Okay my thoughts on the revise longer version of If You Dare, still a great story. I still enjoy the chemistry between Marcus and Lily. The only difference that I notice was a new love scene, and there probably more. Like aI said it blends well from old and new. Honestly, it's a great little story to put you in spooky little events, with Halloween just around the corner a great way to start the season of spookiness.
Copy provided by the publisher
Rating 4 1/2 Stars
Have you ever had a kid from the opposite sex pick on you at school, you go home tell your mother, and she would reply, "Oh sweetie, that just means he/she likes you." You think, "Dude mom, your crazy", instead you just smile and nod. Anyway, in Jessica Lemmon's new novella If You Dare, we stumble upon the case of Marcus Black liking Lily McIntire a lot and picking on her.
Marcus has had a crush on Lily since she started working at the company. He did try to get her to go out with him; Lily shot him down thinking he was just a playboy. Granted he hasn't really made an effort to disprove her, instead he just riles her up. Negative attention is still attention. Well, he finally gets his opportunity to get a real date out of her, but he goes about in a wager way. Yeah, like that's the brightest idea. Marcus basically dares Lily to spend a night at a haunted house, if she leaves before the next day he gets his date. However, if she stays the whole time she gets his trip to Hawaii. Who wouldn't stay at a haunted house if Hawaii was on the line? I wouldn't, because it's haunted.
I thought If You Dare was fantastic. We have Marcus and Lily butting heads, because they are attracted to one another. Yet, Lily thinks he's just like every scum bucket she has ever dated and not willing to give him a chance. When Marcus realizes this he aims to play dirty, hey he goes after what he wants. Then you toss in a haunted house, that bring them close together. Who doesn't love a story with a haunted house and two people who would go to great lengths to achieve their goals. So, if you are looking for a novella with a haunted house, you might want to try If You Dare.
UPDATED THOUGHTS:
A few years back (2013) I read Jessica Lemmon's If You Dare when it was a novella. Fantastic little story about a haunted house, a bet, and Hawaii. However, I couldn't really remember much about the story. The one thing that stood out was the house. We jump ahead (2015), and Jessica has added more to the story. I could not tell you what was added if my life depended on it, because story blends so well with the old and the new.
Okay my thoughts on the revise longer version of If You Dare, still a great story. I still enjoy the chemistry between Marcus and Lily. The only difference that I notice was a new love scene, and there probably more. Like aI said it blends well from old and new. Honestly, it's a great little story to put you in spooky little events, with Halloween just around the corner a great way to start the season of spookiness.
Copy provided by the publisher
July 8, 2015
***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World. :) ***
Rating: 4.5/5
If You Dare was such a quick entertaining read that had me laughing and rooting for the characters as I read the book.
Their relationship started with a bet, and they were both ready to prove each other wrong. Lily McIntire has had her fair share of ups and downs, after ending a bad relationship and her job, she moves on to work for one of her friend's company in order to start again. Yet that doesn't end up going well after meeting one of her co-workers, Marcus Black. After winning a trip to Hawaii, Marcus and Lily go out to celebrate with their co-workers, but after having too many drink, Marcus bets Lily to stay the night at a well-known haunted mansion and he'll give her the tickets in return. What Lily didn't know was the Marcus had an ulterior plan behind the bet, and he was going to do whatever it takes to scare Lily right into his arms.
Ever since Marcus has been working at the same company as Lily, he has a connection that he can't deny. He knows that Lily has something against dating a co-worker ever since he asked her out, but he is determined to win her over by offering his trip to Hawaii to her. But it only too them one night in the haunted house to realize that their connection is bigger than they thought, and maybe giving each other a chance might work, only by keeping this a secret. As the two of them start to reveal things about their lives, Lily starts to see Marcus in a different way and that is starting to scare her, especially when she might be falling in love with him.
I really enjoyed reading If You Dare, it was fun and the characters are so competitive that they are willing to do whatever they can prove the other wrong. Marcus is charming and goofy, he was my favorite character in the story. Lily is all about work, and her past has gotten in the way for her to move on. Now that Marcus is willing to do anything to win her over, she has to decide if seconds chances are possible. The setting of the story was what attracted me to reading the book in the first place, not every story has a unique setting as this one and that made it that much more exciting and enjoyable to read. I have read other work by the author before and they do not disappoint. Her characters have fun personalities and it is easy to get into the story from the very start. The ending ties everything very well, I especially loved the epilogue. Overall, if you're looking for a fun and entertaining romantic story then I would highly recommend reading If You Dare. :)
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. :)***
Rating: 4.5/5
If You Dare was such a quick entertaining read that had me laughing and rooting for the characters as I read the book.
Their relationship started with a bet, and they were both ready to prove each other wrong. Lily McIntire has had her fair share of ups and downs, after ending a bad relationship and her job, she moves on to work for one of her friend's company in order to start again. Yet that doesn't end up going well after meeting one of her co-workers, Marcus Black. After winning a trip to Hawaii, Marcus and Lily go out to celebrate with their co-workers, but after having too many drink, Marcus bets Lily to stay the night at a well-known haunted mansion and he'll give her the tickets in return. What Lily didn't know was the Marcus had an ulterior plan behind the bet, and he was going to do whatever it takes to scare Lily right into his arms.
Ever since Marcus has been working at the same company as Lily, he has a connection that he can't deny. He knows that Lily has something against dating a co-worker ever since he asked her out, but he is determined to win her over by offering his trip to Hawaii to her. But it only too them one night in the haunted house to realize that their connection is bigger than they thought, and maybe giving each other a chance might work, only by keeping this a secret. As the two of them start to reveal things about their lives, Lily starts to see Marcus in a different way and that is starting to scare her, especially when she might be falling in love with him.
I really enjoyed reading If You Dare, it was fun and the characters are so competitive that they are willing to do whatever they can prove the other wrong. Marcus is charming and goofy, he was my favorite character in the story. Lily is all about work, and her past has gotten in the way for her to move on. Now that Marcus is willing to do anything to win her over, she has to decide if seconds chances are possible. The setting of the story was what attracted me to reading the book in the first place, not every story has a unique setting as this one and that made it that much more exciting and enjoyable to read. I have read other work by the author before and they do not disappoint. Her characters have fun personalities and it is easy to get into the story from the very start. The ending ties everything very well, I especially loved the epilogue. Overall, if you're looking for a fun and entertaining romantic story then I would highly recommend reading If You Dare. :)
***ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. :)***
July 19, 2015
Lily McIntire has accepted a dare from co-worker Marcus Black: Spend the entire night in their town's local haunted mansion. If she can do it, Marcus will give up his recently-won trip to Hawaii. If she can't handle the entire night there, she has to go to a local dinner event with him - as his date!
Marcus has wanted to go on a date with Lily for ages. He even asked her once, but she turned him down - she doesn't realize that he likes her so much and that he really wants to go on a date with her.
Marcus has no intention of losing this bet to Lily, especially if it means he earns a date with her! ALSO, he won that trip to Hawaii fair and square. He certainly doesn't wait to give it up. When Lily settles in for a night at the mansion, complete with a few comforts from home (an air mattress, wine, sushi - the works), Marcus arrives on the scene ready to make her stay extra spooky.
That's right! Marcus isn't above cheating to win the bet.
It's great, though. Because it totally backfires on him. The results are super fun.
Lily has been burned in the past by going out with a coworker - I'll spare you the details, but Marcus has his work cut out for him in convincing her that it's okay to trust wherever their feelings take them. And Marcus is almost jumping up and down to finally get a chance to go out with this gal that he's liked so much for so long - he's a guy that used to play the field...until he found Lily. Yes, I've seen these types of characters before, but I never get tired of them!
If You Dare by Jessica Lemmon is a quick read, and I totally enjoyed it. My husband remarked to me more than once that I had a big smile on my face while I was reading and YES! that is what happens when I read books by this author. I've read several of hers now and I get so doggone excited when I'm about to pick up another one because I know that when I'm finished, my cheeks will hurt. They're just such fun stories.
This story was originally a much shorter story, but the author recently expanded it and viola! we have this longer version of the original. To be honest, this less-than-200 page story was exactly what I was looking for right now because I had just finished multiple long, heavy fantasy and nonfiction books - I wanted something light and fun. This book delivers plus has the HEA, without a triangle. I wish that I could have read If You Dare by the pool or at the beach, paired with a cold drink. However, I personally started my day off with this book, so it went perfectly with my coffee.
I recommend this story for fans of contemporary romances and fun, quick romantic reads.
Marcus has wanted to go on a date with Lily for ages. He even asked her once, but she turned him down - she doesn't realize that he likes her so much and that he really wants to go on a date with her.
Marcus has no intention of losing this bet to Lily, especially if it means he earns a date with her! ALSO, he won that trip to Hawaii fair and square. He certainly doesn't wait to give it up. When Lily settles in for a night at the mansion, complete with a few comforts from home (an air mattress, wine, sushi - the works), Marcus arrives on the scene ready to make her stay extra spooky.
That's right! Marcus isn't above cheating to win the bet.
It's great, though. Because it totally backfires on him. The results are super fun.
Lily has been burned in the past by going out with a coworker - I'll spare you the details, but Marcus has his work cut out for him in convincing her that it's okay to trust wherever their feelings take them. And Marcus is almost jumping up and down to finally get a chance to go out with this gal that he's liked so much for so long - he's a guy that used to play the field...until he found Lily. Yes, I've seen these types of characters before, but I never get tired of them!
If You Dare by Jessica Lemmon is a quick read, and I totally enjoyed it. My husband remarked to me more than once that I had a big smile on my face while I was reading and YES! that is what happens when I read books by this author. I've read several of hers now and I get so doggone excited when I'm about to pick up another one because I know that when I'm finished, my cheeks will hurt. They're just such fun stories.
This story was originally a much shorter story, but the author recently expanded it and viola! we have this longer version of the original. To be honest, this less-than-200 page story was exactly what I was looking for right now because I had just finished multiple long, heavy fantasy and nonfiction books - I wanted something light and fun. This book delivers plus has the HEA, without a triangle. I wish that I could have read If You Dare by the pool or at the beach, paired with a cold drink. However, I personally started my day off with this book, so it went perfectly with my coffee.
I recommend this story for fans of contemporary romances and fun, quick romantic reads.
July 12, 2015
One night of hearing voices, footsteps and clatter brings these two characters together and once they share one passionate night they can’t stop.
I didn’t get a chance to read the first release of this book but now that I have read this full length story I really liked it. I love Ms. Lemmon’s writing and how her creativity comes to life. These characters are hilarious, their bantering is interesting. I couldn’t believe that the bet had to do with a trip to Hawaii I know for sure the prize would have to be a little higher. There is no way that I would go alone to a mansion where a woman committed suicide.
Marcus and Lily work together but they have this love/hate relationship. We know that Marcus is a playboy that is with a different woman but something is about to change. Then there is Lily a brilliant woman that left her previous job and soon the past will come back.
Lily wants that trip to Hawaii and Marcus has an idea a bet that if she does complete then the Hawaii trip is hers. Marcus’s bet is for her to stay one full night at a mansion she has supposedly already visited. She is to be alone and it has to be all night but she had no idea that he had other plans. I couldn’t believe Marcus and his shenanigans, the scary mask, the fake sword and the scary voice. Lily is ready to leave and the hell with the trip to Hawaii but then she notices something and she is ready to throttle him. But things get interesting when they start hearing footsteps, clatter and a voice. Then there is also the missing keys situation and that’s would have had me running the heck out of there. Marcus and Lily share a passionate night and now it’s time for them to get back to reality and get back to work. Only that Marcus wants her and Lily wants him but they end up running around each other when all they need to do is give him to their feelings.
If You Dare was a great read that had me laughing throughout the read. The characters were well developed and the pace was perfect. Now as for the chemistry between these two characters is explosive and Ms. Lemmon did an awesome job describing every single detail. I love every single scene in their bedroom, how about in their office oh and how about in the pantry.
I totally recommend this read!!!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
I didn’t get a chance to read the first release of this book but now that I have read this full length story I really liked it. I love Ms. Lemmon’s writing and how her creativity comes to life. These characters are hilarious, their bantering is interesting. I couldn’t believe that the bet had to do with a trip to Hawaii I know for sure the prize would have to be a little higher. There is no way that I would go alone to a mansion where a woman committed suicide.
Marcus and Lily work together but they have this love/hate relationship. We know that Marcus is a playboy that is with a different woman but something is about to change. Then there is Lily a brilliant woman that left her previous job and soon the past will come back.
Lily wants that trip to Hawaii and Marcus has an idea a bet that if she does complete then the Hawaii trip is hers. Marcus’s bet is for her to stay one full night at a mansion she has supposedly already visited. She is to be alone and it has to be all night but she had no idea that he had other plans. I couldn’t believe Marcus and his shenanigans, the scary mask, the fake sword and the scary voice. Lily is ready to leave and the hell with the trip to Hawaii but then she notices something and she is ready to throttle him. But things get interesting when they start hearing footsteps, clatter and a voice. Then there is also the missing keys situation and that’s would have had me running the heck out of there. Marcus and Lily share a passionate night and now it’s time for them to get back to reality and get back to work. Only that Marcus wants her and Lily wants him but they end up running around each other when all they need to do is give him to their feelings.
If You Dare was a great read that had me laughing throughout the read. The characters were well developed and the pace was perfect. Now as for the chemistry between these two characters is explosive and Ms. Lemmon did an awesome job describing every single detail. I love every single scene in their bedroom, how about in their office oh and how about in the pantry.
I totally recommend this read!!!
Received ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an Honest Review
July 15, 2015
*ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review *
If You Dare is a standalone contemporary romance by Jessica Lemmon. It may seem familiar because it was originally published in Entangled Publishing’s now defunct Flaunt line in November 2013 but has since been revised and expanded from its original version and republished with the Lovestruck imprint. I didn’t read the earlier version of this work so I can’t comment on what has changed or been added from its original incarnation. I can, however, tell you my thoughts and feelings on this version of the book.
My first impression of If You Dare is that it is extremely well-written, as are most books by Jessica Lemmon, and that the characters are easily likable and relatable. But not just that. Lily and Marcus are also dynamic, engaging, and so very charming.
From the start of the book, I was drawn to Lily’s character and into her story. She’s another one of those larger than life characters for me, one who instantly jumped right off the page. Which I absolutely loved about her because she felt very real and reading in her point of view felt both honest and natural.
At story onset, a competitive and determined Lily is out to prove she can survive a night alone—Friday the 13th, no less—in an abandoned, crumbling mansion that’s rumored to be haunted. If she stays the full night, she wins a trip to Hawaii that she’d lost out when her co-worker, Marcus, won one more design account than she did. If she doesn’t stay the whole night, she has to go to an upcoming awards dinner as Marcus’s date, which wouldn’t be so bad if she wasn’t firmly against getting personally involved with co-workers.
But Marcus is much more than the charming, playboy co-worker Lily first cast him as, and the more time she spends with him, the harder it is for her to remember why she wanted to avoid spending time with him in the first place.
If you love stories about office romances with long-denied attraction, heroes who longs for more, and heroines who do their best to fight their feelings, If You Dare by Jessica Lemmon is a marvelous contemporary romance read. It’s fun, sexy, and entertaining, with several laugh out loud moments and an overall feeling of warmth, realism, and passion. Highly, highly recommend this read!
If You Dare is a standalone contemporary romance by Jessica Lemmon. It may seem familiar because it was originally published in Entangled Publishing’s now defunct Flaunt line in November 2013 but has since been revised and expanded from its original version and republished with the Lovestruck imprint. I didn’t read the earlier version of this work so I can’t comment on what has changed or been added from its original incarnation. I can, however, tell you my thoughts and feelings on this version of the book.
My first impression of If You Dare is that it is extremely well-written, as are most books by Jessica Lemmon, and that the characters are easily likable and relatable. But not just that. Lily and Marcus are also dynamic, engaging, and so very charming.
From the start of the book, I was drawn to Lily’s character and into her story. She’s another one of those larger than life characters for me, one who instantly jumped right off the page. Which I absolutely loved about her because she felt very real and reading in her point of view felt both honest and natural.
At story onset, a competitive and determined Lily is out to prove she can survive a night alone—Friday the 13th, no less—in an abandoned, crumbling mansion that’s rumored to be haunted. If she stays the full night, she wins a trip to Hawaii that she’d lost out when her co-worker, Marcus, won one more design account than she did. If she doesn’t stay the whole night, she has to go to an upcoming awards dinner as Marcus’s date, which wouldn’t be so bad if she wasn’t firmly against getting personally involved with co-workers.
But Marcus is much more than the charming, playboy co-worker Lily first cast him as, and the more time she spends with him, the harder it is for her to remember why she wanted to avoid spending time with him in the first place.
If you love stories about office romances with long-denied attraction, heroes who longs for more, and heroines who do their best to fight their feelings, If You Dare by Jessica Lemmon is a marvelous contemporary romance read. It’s fun, sexy, and entertaining, with several laugh out loud moments and an overall feeling of warmth, realism, and passion. Highly, highly recommend this read!
November 26, 2013
If You Dare by Jessica Lemmon will have your heart pounding and hoping all at the same time!
I admit I didn't fully read the blurb before reading If You Dare, because I love all of Jessica's books, so how could I not love this one too? Well, Jessica did not disappoint even though she takes us to a bit of a different place than her previous books! If You Dare will have your heart pounding and hoping all at the same time!
Lily and Marcus have always been competetive at work. Lily sees Marcus as a womanizer, someone to steer clear of. Marcus has secretly lusted after Lily since he first laid eyes on her...not that he would ever admit that to her! He figures any attention from her is better than none, even if it means they antagonize each other half the time.
When Lily loses a bet to Marcus, she has to stay all night in a house rumored to be haunted. The prize if she makes it through the night? The trip to Hawaii that Marcus won at work. Marcus really wants that trip, but he also really wants Lily. His plan to scare her out of the house backfires on him, and they end up in the house together. Soon despite eerie happenings, the heater dying, and their lights dying, they create their own heat! But someone or something doesn't want them there...and despite Lily's accusations that he's used her, that the events are Marcus's doing and the hurt that causes him, Marcus is determined to protect Lily and keep her safe. But can they outsmart something that is determined and has nothing to lose? And if they do will Lily finally take the chance on Marcus?
Fun, hot and sometimes down right scary, If You Dare will have you on the edge of your seat and hearing things in the night! Jessica gives us a fast paced, humorous at times novella in If You Dare. I really liked Lily and Marcus...Marcus on the inside is completely different than Marcus on the inside, if only Lily can see this. Lily has a lot more spunk than Marcus gives her credit for...she is full of surprises! The mix of romance, suspense and paranormal that Jessica gives us in If You Dare will give you chills and thrills!
I loved this novella and would recommend it to any romance reader who likes things hot and haunted!
I admit I didn't fully read the blurb before reading If You Dare, because I love all of Jessica's books, so how could I not love this one too? Well, Jessica did not disappoint even though she takes us to a bit of a different place than her previous books! If You Dare will have your heart pounding and hoping all at the same time!
Lily and Marcus have always been competetive at work. Lily sees Marcus as a womanizer, someone to steer clear of. Marcus has secretly lusted after Lily since he first laid eyes on her...not that he would ever admit that to her! He figures any attention from her is better than none, even if it means they antagonize each other half the time.
When Lily loses a bet to Marcus, she has to stay all night in a house rumored to be haunted. The prize if she makes it through the night? The trip to Hawaii that Marcus won at work. Marcus really wants that trip, but he also really wants Lily. His plan to scare her out of the house backfires on him, and they end up in the house together. Soon despite eerie happenings, the heater dying, and their lights dying, they create their own heat! But someone or something doesn't want them there...and despite Lily's accusations that he's used her, that the events are Marcus's doing and the hurt that causes him, Marcus is determined to protect Lily and keep her safe. But can they outsmart something that is determined and has nothing to lose? And if they do will Lily finally take the chance on Marcus?
Fun, hot and sometimes down right scary, If You Dare will have you on the edge of your seat and hearing things in the night! Jessica gives us a fast paced, humorous at times novella in If You Dare. I really liked Lily and Marcus...Marcus on the inside is completely different than Marcus on the inside, if only Lily can see this. Lily has a lot more spunk than Marcus gives her credit for...she is full of surprises! The mix of romance, suspense and paranormal that Jessica gives us in If You Dare will give you chills and thrills!
I loved this novella and would recommend it to any romance reader who likes things hot and haunted!
November 26, 2013
SHE'LL MAKE HIM A BET… Lily McIntire is sick of losing every office wager to her overly cocky—and yeah, devilishly handsome—coworker, Marcus Black. After a few too many tequila shots, and a taunt from Marcus that she's a wuss, Lily lays down a bet he can't refuse: One night in the abandoned and spooky Willow Mansion alone for his recent office win, a trip to Hawaii.
HE CAN'T REFUSE… There's only one thing Marcus wants more than his upcoming vacation to Hawaii; it's to take his sexy coworker on a real date. Every time he's tried to get close to Lily, she's shut him down cold. Too bad the sexual tension has hit the boiling point. Now, he'll have to scare her out of the mansion if he has a prayer of taking her out any time soon.
UNTIL ALL BETS ARE OFF… But in between trying to scare Lily out of her pants and get his hands into them, Marcus realizes there’s more to the mansion than either of them counted on. Suddenly, it’s not just he and Lily that are going "bump in the night". If they manage to survive the night and escape the mansion unscathed, can they survive each other in the light of day? Or will what happens at Willow Mansion stay at Willow Mansion?
Review:
What a great book, it was a little scary, a little fun and a little sexy.
Marcus and Lily have been working together and secretly crushing on each other, though they hid it by picking on, competing with and just annoying each other.
The competing and one-up-manship come to a head when they bet that Lily cannot spend the night in a known haunted house and if she wins she gets to take the trip Marcus won to Hawaii.
I really enjoyed the dialog between the two main characters and their chemistry. I did not expect there to actually be ghosts in the house, I expected it to be the friends pushing them together. So I was pleasantly surprised with the climatic scenes in the house.
A very enjoyable story and cannot wait to read more by Ms. Lemmon!
3.5 stars
HE CAN'T REFUSE… There's only one thing Marcus wants more than his upcoming vacation to Hawaii; it's to take his sexy coworker on a real date. Every time he's tried to get close to Lily, she's shut him down cold. Too bad the sexual tension has hit the boiling point. Now, he'll have to scare her out of the mansion if he has a prayer of taking her out any time soon.
UNTIL ALL BETS ARE OFF… But in between trying to scare Lily out of her pants and get his hands into them, Marcus realizes there’s more to the mansion than either of them counted on. Suddenly, it’s not just he and Lily that are going "bump in the night". If they manage to survive the night and escape the mansion unscathed, can they survive each other in the light of day? Or will what happens at Willow Mansion stay at Willow Mansion?
Review:
What a great book, it was a little scary, a little fun and a little sexy.
Marcus and Lily have been working together and secretly crushing on each other, though they hid it by picking on, competing with and just annoying each other.
The competing and one-up-manship come to a head when they bet that Lily cannot spend the night in a known haunted house and if she wins she gets to take the trip Marcus won to Hawaii.
I really enjoyed the dialog between the two main characters and their chemistry. I did not expect there to actually be ghosts in the house, I expected it to be the friends pushing them together. So I was pleasantly surprised with the climatic scenes in the house.
A very enjoyable story and cannot wait to read more by Ms. Lemmon!
3.5 stars
July 7, 2015
Lily McIntire likes to win, and isn't one to run from a challenge, so when her cocky and arrogant co-worker/sworn enemy, Marcus Black, issues a dare she is all too eager to accept the dare and finally have the opportunity to put him in his place. Spending the night in a rumored haunted house sounds easy enough to Lily, especially when there's a free trip to Hawaii on the line, but once she's there and spooky things start happening she seriously starts to wonder what she has gotten herself into. Marcus has a little plan of his own and decides to up the anti a little bit, in hopes that Lily will get spooked and concede in defeat, but what happens when the after life intervenes and things don't go quite according to plan...
This short, but oh so very entertaining story captivated my attention right from the start and had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. The story line was very engaging, suspenseful, and packed with plenty of sizzle. I got so caught up in this story that I ended up devouring it in one sitting, because I had to know who was going to win the bet! The plot was very creative and unlike anything else that I have read, it was definitely a refreshing change of pace for me. I would love to see Ms. Lemmon make a return to visit to the Willow Mansion and possibly turn this into a series!
As you sometimes find with shorter stories, things seem to be a bit rushed and not as detailed as you'd hope for, and sometimes leave you disappointed and hoping for a little more. However, I am happy to report that with this story that is NOT the case at all, I found it to be quite satisfying. The story line had a nice flow to it, and the character descriptions allowed me to get a good mental picture of each one of them. I really enjoyed this story and DEFINITELY think it's one you should add to your reading list!
Jessica Lemmon has created a true literary treat for readers with this one, "I DARE YOU" to read it!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
This short, but oh so very entertaining story captivated my attention right from the start and had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. The story line was very engaging, suspenseful, and packed with plenty of sizzle. I got so caught up in this story that I ended up devouring it in one sitting, because I had to know who was going to win the bet! The plot was very creative and unlike anything else that I have read, it was definitely a refreshing change of pace for me. I would love to see Ms. Lemmon make a return to visit to the Willow Mansion and possibly turn this into a series!
As you sometimes find with shorter stories, things seem to be a bit rushed and not as detailed as you'd hope for, and sometimes leave you disappointed and hoping for a little more. However, I am happy to report that with this story that is NOT the case at all, I found it to be quite satisfying. The story line had a nice flow to it, and the character descriptions allowed me to get a good mental picture of each one of them. I really enjoyed this story and DEFINITELY think it's one you should add to your reading list!
Jessica Lemmon has created a true literary treat for readers with this one, "I DARE YOU" to read it!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
July 18, 2015
***A gifted copy was provided by the publisher for my honest review****
Lily and her coworker Marcus have made a bet that she couldn’t stay all night, alone, in a deserted house which is considered to be a haunted mansion. Lily couldn’t believe she let herself be talked into this dare but she wasn’t going to let Marcus win. Can we say competitive?? Lily is someone who is a go-getter, someone who has to win no matter what and she will sign up for everything and pushes herself to the edge. Some would call her extremely competitive at all costs –which I’m sure Lily would love the title. So, she knows if she stays all night long, she will win an all-expense paid trip to Hawaii that Marcus won at work-if she can’t make it thru the night, then she loses then Marcus wins and Lily will have to accompany him to the awards dinner as his date AND go without panties. Marcus has forever wanted Lily since the day he started working with Lily and when he asked her out once, she turned him down. Now here is his chance to win the bet and get the girl, if he can win the bet.
This book had several twists and turns. The MC had a competitive streak but at the same time, they used humor to deflect how they were feeling. This was a good office romance and the MC had a good chemistry. There was spark between them which Lily tried to fight but couldn’t. The humor was fantastic and several times had me laughing so hard, I was in tears. Co-Workers who are crushing on each other? No way?! LOL Do they end up together, will Lily realize that she has the right man in her life? Will Marcus continue on letting Lily “risk” the haunted house/mansion in order to get her where he needs her, in his life? All I can say is I really enjoyed my reading of this story-If I had any gripes, if was this was a tad too short. Other than that, I really enjoyed the co-workers to lovers story.
My rating: 4.3 stars ****
Lily and her coworker Marcus have made a bet that she couldn’t stay all night, alone, in a deserted house which is considered to be a haunted mansion. Lily couldn’t believe she let herself be talked into this dare but she wasn’t going to let Marcus win. Can we say competitive?? Lily is someone who is a go-getter, someone who has to win no matter what and she will sign up for everything and pushes herself to the edge. Some would call her extremely competitive at all costs –which I’m sure Lily would love the title. So, she knows if she stays all night long, she will win an all-expense paid trip to Hawaii that Marcus won at work-if she can’t make it thru the night, then she loses then Marcus wins and Lily will have to accompany him to the awards dinner as his date AND go without panties. Marcus has forever wanted Lily since the day he started working with Lily and when he asked her out once, she turned him down. Now here is his chance to win the bet and get the girl, if he can win the bet.
This book had several twists and turns. The MC had a competitive streak but at the same time, they used humor to deflect how they were feeling. This was a good office romance and the MC had a good chemistry. There was spark between them which Lily tried to fight but couldn’t. The humor was fantastic and several times had me laughing so hard, I was in tears. Co-Workers who are crushing on each other? No way?! LOL Do they end up together, will Lily realize that she has the right man in her life? Will Marcus continue on letting Lily “risk” the haunted house/mansion in order to get her where he needs her, in his life? All I can say is I really enjoyed my reading of this story-If I had any gripes, if was this was a tad too short. Other than that, I really enjoyed the co-workers to lovers story.
My rating: 4.3 stars ****
July 21, 2015
What a yummy, fun story!! If You Dare centers on a bet between two co-workers. Marcus bets Lily she cannot spend the night in the local haunted mansion. She is scared to death but is super competitive so she wants to win. If she stays the night, then Marcus has to cough up his trip to Hawaii that he won at work. If she loses, then she must go to an awards dinner with Marcus as his date. Marcus has made it clear he's wanted to date Lily, but she won't date someone she works with. She's had bad experiences before and they just never end well.
I loved the concept of the book. I have always been drawn to office romances but with the added mansion bet, it gave this the extra umph we all look for and love in a book! Both hero and heroine are so much fun! They constantly are flinging barbs at each other and with their underlying attraction, you just knew it would bubble over eventually! It had me cracking up! The dare was just a way to get Lily to give Marcus that one chance, so he took it! I loved how Lily dropped him to the floor but he tried to be so cool about his attraction to her. I see why Lily would be gun shy after her relationship ended badly and she was worried about her professional reputation. Even though they had a mutual respect for one another, it could end poorly and damage both on so many levels. Their heat and connection though, was making it impossible to ignore.
Jessica Lemmon created one quick and spicy read! It's a delightful spin on an office romance that keeps you entertained throughout. You'll be hard-pressed to put it down once you start! Jump on the Lily and Marcus bandwagon and give it a one-click today! I guarantee you will be glad you did!
4 stars/4 flames
This book was given to me by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinions and in no way was I compensated.
I loved the concept of the book. I have always been drawn to office romances but with the added mansion bet, it gave this the extra umph we all look for and love in a book! Both hero and heroine are so much fun! They constantly are flinging barbs at each other and with their underlying attraction, you just knew it would bubble over eventually! It had me cracking up! The dare was just a way to get Lily to give Marcus that one chance, so he took it! I loved how Lily dropped him to the floor but he tried to be so cool about his attraction to her. I see why Lily would be gun shy after her relationship ended badly and she was worried about her professional reputation. Even though they had a mutual respect for one another, it could end poorly and damage both on so many levels. Their heat and connection though, was making it impossible to ignore.
Jessica Lemmon created one quick and spicy read! It's a delightful spin on an office romance that keeps you entertained throughout. You'll be hard-pressed to put it down once you start! Jump on the Lily and Marcus bandwagon and give it a one-click today! I guarantee you will be glad you did!
4 stars/4 flames
This book was given to me by the Jeep Diva for the express purpose of an honest review. The rating and review are solely my opinions and in no way was I compensated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews