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Startling
Three dares.
To be carried out in one night, on the same guy.
Lick him. Kiss him. Punch him.
I didn’t object.
After all, it was the last night before leaving for college, and I’d never see him again.
Or so I thought.
He was standing there, staring at me. I had no idea know who he was.
Until I noticed those lips. I could never forget those lips. No matter how many nights had passed. No matter how hard I’d tried to eliminate them from my mind.
How could one single kiss brand you with such depth and intensity? Without even knowing the person, let alone seeing his face.
It started off as a dare, now I’m afraid of what’s to come.
Because those lips shouldn’t be legal.
*Stanalone*
To be carried out in one night, on the same guy.
Lick him. Kiss him. Punch him.
I didn’t object.
After all, it was the last night before leaving for college, and I’d never see him again.
Or so I thought.
He was standing there, staring at me. I had no idea know who he was.
Until I noticed those lips. I could never forget those lips. No matter how many nights had passed. No matter how hard I’d tried to eliminate them from my mind.
How could one single kiss brand you with such depth and intensity? Without even knowing the person, let alone seeing his face.
It started off as a dare, now I’m afraid of what’s to come.
Because those lips shouldn’t be legal.
*Stanalone*
181 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2017
1 person is currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
Arabella Rose
2 books38 followersOnce upon a time I was a bestselling Author of dark romantic suspense. Now I've decided to play in another genre as my alter ego, Arabella Rose...
Arabella Rose is a writer of all things sweet, romance, with a touch of angst. Her books won't take you forever to read, so sit back and enjoy one sweet story at a time.
She loves all things makeup, dress's, and of course shoes.
You can find her on Instagram - arabellaroseauthor
Twitter - @rosearabella1
And of Course facebook - Arabella Rose
Arabella Rose is a writer of all things sweet, romance, with a touch of angst. Her books won't take you forever to read, so sit back and enjoy one sweet story at a time.
She loves all things makeup, dress's, and of course shoes.
You can find her on Instagram - arabellaroseauthor
Twitter - @rosearabella1
And of Course facebook - Arabella Rose
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 7, 2017
I don't think I was the intended audience for this book.
Teenage/ college drama between Skye and Taj.
Skye, who's just finished high school and is about to join college loves to drink and party. At one such event she's asked to punch, lick and kiss a stranger.
Who later turns out to be Taj, her college jock.
I felt Skye was very confused between Henry, Matt and Taj. Too many things going on for me and I didn't connect much to it. The main lead had average chemistry.
1.5/5
Teenage/ college drama between Skye and Taj.
Skye, who's just finished high school and is about to join college loves to drink and party. At one such event she's asked to punch, lick and kiss a stranger.
Who later turns out to be Taj, her college jock.
I felt Skye was very confused between Henry, Matt and Taj. Too many things going on for me and I didn't connect much to it. The main lead had average chemistry.
1.5/5
January 6, 2017
Startling By Arabella Rose
Reviewed this book for Clik Book Blog.
This was a great college romance, one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Just enough spice to keep it interesting but well developed characters made it a pleasant read.
Friends to lovers stories are sometimes a little blasé but Arabella Rose creates plenty of spunk in her characters Skye and Taj, allowing them to more than keep me interested.
The premise of the three dares was fabulous, giving great scope for done fun antics amongst the supporting cast of characters.
I'd recommend this book to lovers of romance with a fun and flirty side.
Reviewed this book for Clik Book Blog.
This was a great college romance, one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Just enough spice to keep it interesting but well developed characters made it a pleasant read.
Friends to lovers stories are sometimes a little blasé but Arabella Rose creates plenty of spunk in her characters Skye and Taj, allowing them to more than keep me interested.
The premise of the three dares was fabulous, giving great scope for done fun antics amongst the supporting cast of characters.
I'd recommend this book to lovers of romance with a fun and flirty side.
December 18, 2016
Startling by Arabella Rose is a college romance.
Arabella Rose is new author to me and I really liked this book.
Blurb:
Three dares.
To be carried out in one night, on the same guy.
Lick him. Kiss him. Punch him.
I didn’t object.
After all, it was the last night before leaving for college, and I’d never see him again.
Or so I thought.
He was standing there, staring at me. I had no idea know who he was.
Until I noticed those lips. I could never forget those lips. No matter how many nights had passed. No matter how hard I’d tried to eliminate them from my mind.
How could one single kiss brand you with such depth and intensity? Without even knowing the person, let alone seeing his face.
It started off as a dare, now I’m afraid of what’s to come.
Because those lips shouldn’t be legal.
Skye and her highschool friends attend a graduate party and there she gets the dare.
Later as freshman in college she meets Taj , er "dare" from the party.
She has a crush on him. Then there is Turner Taj´s brother and Matthew her ex.
Oh and don´t forget Henry a nice guy.
It seems Skye is swamped with guys. But she´s not, really.
Turner and Taj´s dad dies and Skye and her father are there to help.
But do they get their HEA ?
Spoiler alert:
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*
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*
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Yes yes yes. They get it.
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Startling is a book I nreally enjoyed reading.
4 beautiful Stars and Thank you Arabella Startling.
Arabella Rose is new author to me and I really liked this book.
Blurb:
Three dares.
To be carried out in one night, on the same guy.
Lick him. Kiss him. Punch him.
I didn’t object.
After all, it was the last night before leaving for college, and I’d never see him again.
Or so I thought.
He was standing there, staring at me. I had no idea know who he was.
Until I noticed those lips. I could never forget those lips. No matter how many nights had passed. No matter how hard I’d tried to eliminate them from my mind.
How could one single kiss brand you with such depth and intensity? Without even knowing the person, let alone seeing his face.
It started off as a dare, now I’m afraid of what’s to come.
Because those lips shouldn’t be legal.
Skye and her highschool friends attend a graduate party and there she gets the dare.
Later as freshman in college she meets Taj , er "dare" from the party.
She has a crush on him. Then there is Turner Taj´s brother and Matthew her ex.
Oh and don´t forget Henry a nice guy.
It seems Skye is swamped with guys. But she´s not, really.
Turner and Taj´s dad dies and Skye and her father are there to help.
But do they get their HEA ?
Spoiler alert:
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Yes yes yes. They get it.
*
*
*
*
Startling is a book I nreally enjoyed reading.
4 beautiful Stars and Thank you Arabella Startling.
January 8, 2017
Startling is well written, for the most part, and I like the 2 leads, Taj and Skye. I never completely connected with their story, though. I felt all the way through as if I were missing something. Perhaps it's because the story is not completely fleshed out, I can't pinpoint exactly why I didn't embrace it whole heartedly.
Skye is dared by her friends Lauren, Amy and Rani to lick, kiss, then punch a guy at their farewell to high school party. Her friends choose a random guy that she can't see clearly because she's a little drunk. She completes her dare and the only thing she remembers about the guy after is his lips. Then lo and behold she meets said lick/kiss/punchee at her college. Their relationship evolves a little slowly, and I was left hoping for more heat. They stay friends for most of the book, and it's only toward the end that they even really acknowledge that they're a couple. I'm all for slow burn, but Startling took it a little too far for my tastes.
But, for the most part, I enjoyed Startling and its low angst with interesting characters.
Skye is dared by her friends Lauren, Amy and Rani to lick, kiss, then punch a guy at their farewell to high school party. Her friends choose a random guy that she can't see clearly because she's a little drunk. She completes her dare and the only thing she remembers about the guy after is his lips. Then lo and behold she meets said lick/kiss/punchee at her college. Their relationship evolves a little slowly, and I was left hoping for more heat. They stay friends for most of the book, and it's only toward the end that they even really acknowledge that they're a couple. I'm all for slow burn, but Startling took it a little too far for my tastes.
But, for the most part, I enjoyed Startling and its low angst with interesting characters.
December 31, 2016
This book was sweet and has spicy! Low on angst, and high on drama. I loved it! This is Arabella's first novel as her alter ego and she nailed it!
If you are looking for a lot of steamy scenes, you will not be finding it in this book. There is some steam, but not throughout! It had hand holding and cuddling and it so damn sweet!
I don't read many college romances, but when I do I crave the drama and this had DRAMA! Gah, I just crave it in these books. The catty girls, the crazy best friends, the drunken parties. Really embracing my entire college existence!
Taj is broody as hell and a little strange when you first meet him but you will and adore him by the end of the book. Skye, is smart and hard worker who doesn't take anyone's shit.
I will be looking forward to reading more of Arabella's books!
If you are looking for a lot of steamy scenes, you will not be finding it in this book. There is some steam, but not throughout! It had hand holding and cuddling and it so damn sweet!
I don't read many college romances, but when I do I crave the drama and this had DRAMA! Gah, I just crave it in these books. The catty girls, the crazy best friends, the drunken parties. Really embracing my entire college existence!
Taj is broody as hell and a little strange when you first meet him but you will and adore him by the end of the book. Skye, is smart and hard worker who doesn't take anyone's shit.
I will be looking forward to reading more of Arabella's books!
December 24, 2016
Fun, flirty, fabulous! I love Skye, her honesty, down to earth, awkwardness is perfect. The fact that she will think things yet her mouth actually says them when she doesn't mean to is laugh out loud beauty. We've all done it. The last hurrah in high school finds her facing her friends dare and she boldly does it - kissing a guy she's never met with the most amazing eyes. She gets to college and who does she cross paths with, Mr. Dare, big man on campus Taj. Taj is the guy every girl wants but he makes himself unavailable but Skye, she gets under his skin. As this crazy friendship/romance develops, we learn there is more to Taj's than meets the eye. I completely enjoyed this story. I was gifted a copy of this book.
January 3, 2017
Startling
ARC recieved for an honest review
High school college romance
Insta connection but essentially friends to lovers.
Well written however still has some editting issues these are small so doesnt detract from the story.
Loved all the extra characterss along with the 2 leads it really made the book.
I was confused where the book would take the relationship with henry and how turner fit in at one stage i felt it was heading into menage i am glad it didnt for this story as i felt both leads were quite intense as they were without diluting what they had by adding to the mix.
Nice easy read
ARC recieved for an honest review
High school college romance
Insta connection but essentially friends to lovers.
Well written however still has some editting issues these are small so doesnt detract from the story.
Loved all the extra characterss along with the 2 leads it really made the book.
I was confused where the book would take the relationship with henry and how turner fit in at one stage i felt it was heading into menage i am glad it didnt for this story as i felt both leads were quite intense as they were without diluting what they had by adding to the mix.
Nice easy read
December 24, 2016
I really liked this book. Taj is the dark sexy brooding guy who doesn't say much even though the whole book but what he says has meaning.
Sky is cute and likeable - the cute nerdy girl that ends up with the king of campus all from 3 little dates.
I enjoyed the book and liked the story. I would like more.
Sky is cute and likeable - the cute nerdy girl that ends up with the king of campus all from 3 little dates.
I enjoyed the book and liked the story. I would like more.
December 19, 2016
What a good book. I couldn't put this down. One night 3 dares with 3 different men. I was hooked just to see what men she chose and what dares she would do to each.
April 23, 2017
Startling is a college romance by new author Arabella Rose, and it's not one to be missed.
So three dares, lick him, kiss him, punch him. Skye attends a graduation party where she's issued the dares by her friends. She sets her sights on Taj (her dare) and carries out the three dares successfully. No problem, she is leaving for college, right? Wrong!
Later she meets Taj again at college, he's a broody boy with a strange attitude. Of course needless to say when Sky and Taj cross paths again lots of drama ensues.
This a fabulous five star read from Arabella Rose, and I thoroughly recommend it.
So three dares, lick him, kiss him, punch him. Skye attends a graduation party where she's issued the dares by her friends. She sets her sights on Taj (her dare) and carries out the three dares successfully. No problem, she is leaving for college, right? Wrong!
Later she meets Taj again at college, he's a broody boy with a strange attitude. Of course needless to say when Sky and Taj cross paths again lots of drama ensues.
This a fabulous five star read from Arabella Rose, and I thoroughly recommend it.
Read
January 12, 2020The heroine here was frustrating and I just wasn't buying into this one. It was a DNF for me.
March 11, 2017
I have stumbled across a new gem, Arabella Rose! A new author who has released her first book, Starling. What a find, Arabella's new release will keep you gripped, a college romance with characters that will keep you wanting more.
The story line starts with Skye finishing up high school and transitioning to college, she is close with her parents and has a tight best friend, Lauren. One last party together before Skye leaves for college they've had a few drinks and Lauren gives Skye three Dares, not one to shy from the dare she goes through with it even though this dare comes with an incredibly sexy guy.
Skye is surprised to see the guy she kissed little does she know he is the main man on campus. If starting college, making friends and finding your feet isn't hard enough let's also throw in kissing and punching Taj the sexiest man on campus.
I really enjoyed this storyline it kept me wanting more, the bond between the brothers, Taj and Turner is as tight as they come. Skye is the package she's quirky, fun, sassy and has learnt from her father.
I thoroughly enjoyed Starling, with this being Arabella Rose's first book I look forward to seeing what she comes out with next.
The story line starts with Skye finishing up high school and transitioning to college, she is close with her parents and has a tight best friend, Lauren. One last party together before Skye leaves for college they've had a few drinks and Lauren gives Skye three Dares, not one to shy from the dare she goes through with it even though this dare comes with an incredibly sexy guy.
Skye is surprised to see the guy she kissed little does she know he is the main man on campus. If starting college, making friends and finding your feet isn't hard enough let's also throw in kissing and punching Taj the sexiest man on campus.
I really enjoyed this storyline it kept me wanting more, the bond between the brothers, Taj and Turner is as tight as they come. Skye is the package she's quirky, fun, sassy and has learnt from her father.
I thoroughly enjoyed Starling, with this being Arabella Rose's first book I look forward to seeing what she comes out with next.
January 15, 2017
A coming of age story told with thought and heart!
Startling is a book about an 18 year old girl who goes off to college. Her parents were 16 when they had her and her dad is a police detective. Having young parents and a dad whom has taught her how to fight to defend herself, Skye is very strong individual. She meets Taj who is very sexy and all the girls want him and all the guys want to be him. For the most part Skye and his brother are his only friends. Skye helps Taj through a devastating time in his life.
This book has the typical drinking and partying that occurs at colleges. However, this book is tastefully written. There is very little sex in this book. It's more about a teenage girl and what it's like for her being a way from home for the first time and the confusing feelings of falling in love and being surrounded by rich kidsI liked it very much!
Startling is a book about an 18 year old girl who goes off to college. Her parents were 16 when they had her and her dad is a police detective. Having young parents and a dad whom has taught her how to fight to defend herself, Skye is very strong individual. She meets Taj who is very sexy and all the girls want him and all the guys want to be him. For the most part Skye and his brother are his only friends. Skye helps Taj through a devastating time in his life.
This book has the typical drinking and partying that occurs at colleges. However, this book is tastefully written. There is very little sex in this book. It's more about a teenage girl and what it's like for her being a way from home for the first time and the confusing feelings of falling in love and being surrounded by rich kidsI liked it very much!
January 5, 2017
Startling by Arabella Rose.....Wow, how three dares can change a four eyed nerdy girls life. This is a sweet fun college story that will having you flipping pages. Taj is the hot frat guy that all the girls want and Skye is the normal nerdy girl that catches Taj's attention with three dares. This story was fun to watch unfold between Taj and Skye. If you are looking for a quick fun read to let you escape a bad day this one is for you. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
February 3, 2017
So I had originally planned to read this on 1-10-17...but for the life of me could not get into it. So I put it back in tbr and started something else. When I came back to it I forced myself through the first few chapters (maybe until ch.5) I did end up liking the story after all. Although a bit jumpy at parts and a little predictable I enjoyed reading it. I am still a bit lost on the title bit a good quick read especially if you love HEA endings and not a ton of drama or too many story lines.
January 12, 2017
wow this book was amazing! its about a college girl who does a three thing dare lick kiss and punch a guy. she ends up meeting him later only to fall in love with him. he has some personal issues that he is dealing with but they work through them together! thanks for giving me a chance to read this book!
January 8, 2017
I really liked reading this book...Taj was the brooding bad boy...and skye was the damsel in distress type girl.
Its a great read and i loved reading it.
I really would have loved reading more of this book,it was a short read..and i somehow felt like reading a Tijan book.
GREAT work!
Its a great read and i loved reading it.
I really would have loved reading more of this book,it was a short read..and i somehow felt like reading a Tijan book.
GREAT work!
March 2, 2017
4.5 star's
January 15, 2017
4.5 I really liked this book, but it was way too short and had a few mistakes. The guy on the cover! Wow!
January 16, 2017
3 stars
January 18, 2017
3,5 stars
February 2, 2017
Love this book!Pick it up and read you'll never want to put it down. Bomb story line but not enough hot sex anyway still a good read for me.
May 7, 2017
I honestly can't remember a thing about this book. Haha but I gave it 3 stars so I guess it made sense at the time.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews