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Wild Side #0.5
Dare You To
Previously released in the anthology, IT WAS ALWAYS YOU.
A Wild Side Series prequel novella.
Austin Thompson spends most of his spare time reading or logging in extra hours at the LGBTQ youth center where he works. His only standing “night out,” if you can call it that, is his weekly movie night with his best friend, Dare Nichols. Between work and Dare, it’s hard to find time for much else, so when he does try to date, it ends in disaster.
Dare thrives on living life on the wild side—surfing, mountain biking, sky diving. If it’s extreme, he’s game. Between sports and spending his evenings at his West Hollywood bar, Dare never sees a dull moment. Still, with all that excitement, most of his favorite times are when he’s tucked away in Austin’s apartment. Probably because he’s the best friend Dare’s ever had.
Then the kiss happens and the men realize they don’t want to stop there. As they explore this new adventure in their relationship, Austin realizes the excitement he’s been looking for has been right there all along, and Dare must decide if he can conquer his only fear by risking his heart.
A Wild Side Series prequel novella.
Austin Thompson spends most of his spare time reading or logging in extra hours at the LGBTQ youth center where he works. His only standing “night out,” if you can call it that, is his weekly movie night with his best friend, Dare Nichols. Between work and Dare, it’s hard to find time for much else, so when he does try to date, it ends in disaster.
Dare thrives on living life on the wild side—surfing, mountain biking, sky diving. If it’s extreme, he’s game. Between sports and spending his evenings at his West Hollywood bar, Dare never sees a dull moment. Still, with all that excitement, most of his favorite times are when he’s tucked away in Austin’s apartment. Probably because he’s the best friend Dare’s ever had.
Then the kiss happens and the men realize they don’t want to stop there. As they explore this new adventure in their relationship, Austin realizes the excitement he’s been looking for has been right there all along, and Dare must decide if he can conquer his only fear by risking his heart.
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2017
117 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
About the author
Riley Hart
116 books7,112 followersRiley Hart is the girl who wears her heart on her sleeve. She's a hopeless romantic. A lover of sexy stories, passionate men, and writing about all the trouble they can get into together. If she's not writing, you'll probably find her reading.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
Riley lives in California with her awesome family, who she is thankful for everyday.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
January 2, 2020
Dare You To is a sweet friends-to-lovers / opposites-attract love story.
Austin and Dare are best friends for six years now, though they are very different. Austin is steady and predictable, Dare is intense and spontaneous. Austin works as a youth counselor at an LGBT center, and looking for a relationship. Dare is the owner of a bar, and does only hook-ups.
Still, they accept, respect and admire the other just the way they are, and they always enjoy each other’s company.
But one night, a kiss changes their friendship. They discover something new and exciting, not only in their relationship, but in themselves too.
Romantic and fun story. Highly recommended!
Austin and Dare are best friends for six years now, though they are very different. Austin is steady and predictable, Dare is intense and spontaneous. Austin works as a youth counselor at an LGBT center, and looking for a relationship. Dare is the owner of a bar, and does only hook-ups.
Still, they accept, respect and admire the other just the way they are, and they always enjoy each other’s company.
“I’m boring.”
Dare went tense. His pulse shot through the roof. “Did that motherfucker tell you that?”
But one night, a kiss changes their friendship. They discover something new and exciting, not only in their relationship, but in themselves too.
“I think I just need something new. To test myself, to step out of my shell. I want to test what it’s like to color outside the lines.”
Romantic and fun story. Highly recommended!
January 4, 2017
Originally reviewed as part of:
I loved this story!
~4.25~
Friends/neighbors-to-lovers; HEA; steam: moderate-high
Dare doesn’t do commitments. He owns a bar, picks up guys for some sucking and licking, and surfs most mornings. His best friend is his neighbor Austin, a quiet, reliable guy who is completely dedicated to the LGBQT youth center where he works. When Dare finds out Austin is going to meet up with a guy to exchange blow jobs, he loses his mind and offers to do the blowing himself.
This is a very sexy, romantic story. The MCs are well developed, and there’s a lovely epilogue!
I loved that Dare didn’t want to change Austin, and that Austin was willing to venture out of his comfort zone for Dare. These two were perfect for each other.
I loved this story!
~4.25~
Friends/neighbors-to-lovers; HEA; steam: moderate-high
Dare doesn’t do commitments. He owns a bar, picks up guys for some sucking and licking, and surfs most mornings. His best friend is his neighbor Austin, a quiet, reliable guy who is completely dedicated to the LGBQT youth center where he works. When Dare finds out Austin is going to meet up with a guy to exchange blow jobs, he loses his mind and offers to do the blowing himself.
This is a very sexy, romantic story. The MCs are well developed, and there’s a lovely epilogue!
I loved that Dare didn’t want to change Austin, and that Austin was willing to venture out of his comfort zone for Dare. These two were perfect for each other.
February 6, 2017
4.5 Stars!
Loved this one! That's how a novella is done!
Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Loved this one! That's how a novella is done!
Can't wait to read the next book in the series!
February 7, 2017
3.5 stars!
Austin and Dare were great guys who have been friends for years. On a drunken night they share a kiss that changes everything between them. I liked that before moving on to lovers they had that friendship, you felt how much they care and respected each other. They were so different, Dare, loves bungi jumping, surfing, anything with that gave him that adrenaline rush. Austin, so quite, loves reading and working as a counselor at the LGBT youth center. So opposite but so perfect for each other. Once they realized their feelings it was sweet to see their love blossom.
This was a sweet, and warm read with friends to lovers and a great start to Riley Hart new series "wild side". ❤
Austin and Dare were great guys who have been friends for years. On a drunken night they share a kiss that changes everything between them. I liked that before moving on to lovers they had that friendship, you felt how much they care and respected each other. They were so different, Dare, loves bungi jumping, surfing, anything with that gave him that adrenaline rush. Austin, so quite, loves reading and working as a counselor at the LGBT youth center. So opposite but so perfect for each other. Once they realized their feelings it was sweet to see their love blossom.
This was a sweet, and warm read with friends to lovers and a great start to Riley Hart new series "wild side". ❤
February 23, 2017
***4 Stars***
Friends to lovers is my catnip! This was the perfect sweet and sexy morsel to satisfy my craving. Add in the fact that it also had an opposites attract angle...and boom....happy reader!
If you're a fan of Riley Hart, this is a sweet novella not to be missed.
February 9, 2017
3.5*
I'm not a huge fan of short stories and I usually pass them up. But if they're written by authors I know I love or know I enjoy reading books by then I will give them a go. So that's what I did with this one and I am happy I did. It was a short sweet story of friends to lovers.
Now on to the next book in this series.
I'm not a huge fan of short stories and I usually pass them up. But if they're written by authors I know I love or know I enjoy reading books by then I will give them a go. So that's what I did with this one and I am happy I did. It was a short sweet story of friends to lovers.
Now on to the next book in this series.
December 16, 2017
5 stars
I loved this one. It's pretty short but I loved it so much from the start. I've already read the next two books in the series and adored them and this short prequel didn't disappoint.
I love friends to lovers stories and this one was extremely sweet. We didn't get unnecessary angst and the hot scenes were over the top. Well, it's Riley Hart.
I loved this one. It's pretty short but I loved it so much from the start. I've already read the next two books in the series and adored them and this short prequel didn't disappoint.
I love friends to lovers stories and this one was extremely sweet. We didn't get unnecessary angst and the hot scenes were over the top. Well, it's Riley Hart.
March 3, 2017
A lot of feeling
This short story has a lot of feeling for so few words. I can honestly say I loved the first 90% of it. Then, as all short stories do, it wrapped up too quickly for my tastes.
But if you enjoy novellas, you shouldn't miss out on this one. It's a great one.
This short story has a lot of feeling for so few words. I can honestly say I loved the first 90% of it. Then, as all short stories do, it wrapped up too quickly for my tastes.
But if you enjoy novellas, you shouldn't miss out on this one. It's a great one.
March 3, 2017
Short parte de la Antología It Was Always You. A Riley Hart siempre la miro con ojos de sospecha, hay cosas suyas que me han gustado bastante y otras que me han parecido ridículas. En este caso, el relato corto me ha gustado, un Friends to Lovers entretenido y dulce.
June 9, 2017
3.5 Stars
Part of the anthology It Was Always You, this was quite the nice little short featuring best friends Dare and Austin. The blurb says it all. What typically happens when one is faced seemingly with jealousy that comes out of nowhere?? You kiss your best friend preventing them from hooking up, that’s what.
Dare and Austin obviously have repressed their feelings for years, putting their friendship first. Thankfully they have a strong foundation to weather doubts and insecurities, each in denial and avoiding the possibilities, too afraid of being hurt or thinking the other wouldn’t reciprocate.
Overall, I’m pretty sure fans of Hart know what they’re gonna get - a sweet, sexy, easy read. This did not disappoint.
Part of the anthology It Was Always You, this was quite the nice little short featuring best friends Dare and Austin. The blurb says it all. What typically happens when one is faced seemingly with jealousy that comes out of nowhere?? You kiss your best friend preventing them from hooking up, that’s what.
Dare and Austin obviously have repressed their feelings for years, putting their friendship first. Thankfully they have a strong foundation to weather doubts and insecurities, each in denial and avoiding the possibilities, too afraid of being hurt or thinking the other wouldn’t reciprocate.
Overall, I’m pretty sure fans of Hart know what they’re gonna get - a sweet, sexy, easy read. This did not disappoint.
January 22, 2017
~Dare You by Riley Hart~
**4.5 Stars**
I had to jump ahead and read this first, and it was fantastic! I loved the friends to lovers story, it had a lot of emotion and steam. I think Austin's passion for his job working at the outreach center and how that affected Dare was my favorite part of this story. They each challenged the other and found life was so much more rewarding when they stepped out of the boxes they had put around themselves in life. The epilogue was a wonderful treat, especially with a novella. Great way to start this anthology.
**4.5 Stars**
I had to jump ahead and read this first, and it was fantastic! I loved the friends to lovers story, it had a lot of emotion and steam. I think Austin's passion for his job working at the outreach center and how that affected Dare was my favorite part of this story. They each challenged the other and found life was so much more rewarding when they stepped out of the boxes they had put around themselves in life. The epilogue was a wonderful treat, especially with a novella. Great way to start this anthology.
January 20, 2017
Who doesn't love a good best friends to lovers story?
This one packs a lot of punch for being under 70 pages.
Sometimes I think Riley Hart can do no wrong. I can't wait to see what's up next in this new series!
This one packs a lot of punch for being under 70 pages.
Sometimes I think Riley Hart can do no wrong. I can't wait to see what's up next in this new series!
January 7, 2017
3 1/2 stars
Short and sweet novella by Riley Hart. It's free with Kinle Unlimited.
If you like the friends-to-lovers trope, this is a good one.
Short and sweet novella by Riley Hart. It's free with Kinle Unlimited.
If you like the friends-to-lovers trope, this is a good one.
July 4, 2023
2.75/5 stars
March 23, 2017
It's cute, not-angsty, and very sweet. All around enjoyable. Liked it!
March 7, 2017
It's part of
, which I already read it.
They have been neighbors and good friends for six years. Austin is a youth counselor at an LGBT center. Dare owns a bar. They are too different. Dare is spontaneous, likes to have fun,loves extreme sports, and hides his real name. He always been able to 'trust nature more than he could trust people'. Except for Austin. Austin is dating with Brian. A perfect match. On the paper! Austin needs something different. Wants to be something different. One possibility is his feelings to Dare to start transforming into something different. And....... they cross a line in their friendship- having 'wild adventures and quiet movie nights'.
This was all around cute, sweet and charming!
, which I already read it.They have been neighbors and good friends for six years. Austin is a youth counselor at an LGBT center. Dare owns a bar. They are too different. Dare is spontaneous, likes to have fun,loves extreme sports, and hides his real name. He always been able to 'trust nature more than he could trust people'. Except for Austin. Austin is dating with Brian. A perfect match. On the paper! Austin needs something different. Wants to be something different. One possibility is his feelings to Dare to start transforming into something different. And....... they cross a line in their friendship- having 'wild adventures and quiet movie nights'.
This was all around cute, sweet and charming!
February 4, 2017
This was a sweet friends to lovers story, but I'm really not a fan of anthologies as the books are way too short. The writing was fantastic, but I would have liked to have gotten to know Austin and Dare more. That being said, I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to read more Wild Side stories!
June 17, 2017
nice short story in this series
June 5, 2017
So sweet and sexy! 4.5 Stars.
Best friends to lovers. Perfectly delicious short full of fluff, heat, and love. I just loved cuddling up with this story of Dare and Austin!
Best friends to lovers. Perfectly delicious short full of fluff, heat, and love. I just loved cuddling up with this story of Dare and Austin!
December 22, 2017
nie będzie niespodzianki:P 5 gwiazdek! noweleczki sa krótkie treściwe i na temat. i takie maja właśnie maja być:) historia o ewolucji wieloletniej przyjaźni w coś pięknego i trwałego;) ile pięknych rzeczy zaczyna się od wspólnie wypitej buteleczki!:D
February 5, 2017
There was a lot packed into this short - I love finding little surprises like this one. It was sweet, hot, developed and warm fuzzy inducing all in one.
... And I just realized that this was a prequel for a new series starting next month. Score!
... And I just realized that this was a prequel for a new series starting next month. Score!
March 3, 2017
Great friends to lovers/opposites attract short story.
With these few pages the author managed that I cared for the MCs.
Dare is a bar owner and adrenaline junkie, always looking for the next challenge.
Austin works at the LGBTQ youth center, is a bookworm, always predictable and maybe even boring?
But not for Dare, for Dare, Austin means steady....
These two complement each other perfectly.
4,5 stars
With these few pages the author managed that I cared for the MCs.
Dare is a bar owner and adrenaline junkie, always looking for the next challenge.
Austin works at the LGBTQ youth center, is a bookworm, always predictable and maybe even boring?
But not for Dare, for Dare, Austin means steady....
...,but he'd still always seen Austin as being stronger than him. He was steady, and steady took a confidence not everyone possessed. He was secure in who he was. He didn't need to get a fix by doing something wild.
These two complement each other perfectly.
4,5 stars
February 17, 2017
It was good.
The characters are pretty great and the story too. Potential, but didn't went further. Too much, too fast.
More explored and I'd had enjoyed it more.
Also there's something about the writing that bothers me. Too much positivism? Too much reassurance? I can't freaking explain it because I can't find the right words ( why can't I even find the right words? ).
Really, I can't explain it, maybe it's just because it was too short and all compacted in just a fews pages but there's something... yeah I think too much positivism is the closest to what I mean. (More and more every day dark, angst and complex stories are what really work for me. I love fluff romance but it has too be extremely well written for me to fully love it.)
Anyway... loved the surfing! That's one thing I'd love to see more in stories.
The LGBT Center was also a pretty damn awesome thing to introduce.
Let's see how the other goes. I hope we keep seeing Dare and Austin. I liked them. Specially Dare.
The characters are pretty great and the story too. Potential, but didn't went further. Too much, too fast.
More explored and I'd had enjoyed it more.
Also there's something about the writing that bothers me. Too much positivism? Too much reassurance? I can't freaking explain it because I can't find the right words ( why can't I even find the right words? ).
Really, I can't explain it, maybe it's just because it was too short and all compacted in just a fews pages but there's something... yeah I think too much positivism is the closest to what I mean. (More and more every day dark, angst and complex stories are what really work for me. I love fluff romance but it has too be extremely well written for me to fully love it.)
Anyway... loved the surfing! That's one thing I'd love to see more in stories.
The LGBT Center was also a pretty damn awesome thing to introduce.
Let's see how the other goes. I hope we keep seeing Dare and Austin. I liked them. Specially Dare.
February 15, 2017
An okay friends-to-lovers story and an okay writing. Just doesn't rock my socks off.
Seems that this authors have a LOT of fans including my GR friends but I don't find the writing style to be that stellar. It doesn't flow as smooth as some of my favorite authors *shrugs*. I still might to check the next book in this series but I'm not running fast to read it.
PS: Second book in a row that I find the boyfriend to think of the MC as boring because they're planners or someone steadfastly predictable...
Seems that this authors have a LOT of fans including my GR friends but I don't find the writing style to be that stellar. It doesn't flow as smooth as some of my favorite authors *shrugs*. I still might to check the next book in this series but I'm not running fast to read it.
PS: Second book in a row that I find the boyfriend to think of the MC as boring because they're planners or someone steadfastly predictable...
January 8, 2017
Read this as part of the It Was Always You anthology. I loved it and it was one of my favorites in the collection.
Merged review:
Read as part of the It Was Always You Anthology. One of my favorites in the collection. Neighbors turned best friends find love with each other.
Merged review:
Read as part of the It Was Always You Anthology. One of my favorites in the collection. Neighbors turned best friends find love with each other.
April 9, 2019
Austin and Dare's story is a short but sweet friends-to-lovers one. They have been neighbours and best friends for six years. While they are each other opposites, Austin was a youth counselor at an LGBT center. Dare owned a bar. Austin liked to spend his spare time reading; Dare definitely hadn’t gotten his name from books. Austin predictable, maybe even a bit boring, while Dare is fun and spontaneous.
Austin is the type of guy who wants to be in a monogamous relationship and Dare only does hook-ups.
When Dare gets jealous as Austin leaves for a hook-up, all bets are off and their relationship takes a whole other turn.
Part of the Wild Side Series but each can be reach as a standalone:
January 7, 2018
I read this last year, when it was released as part of the It Was Always You anthology. I didn't realize Ms. Hart had released it on its own until today, when I was updating my tbr with Gone For You and Tied To You. I decided to grab this one and reread it, before I jump into the rest of the series.
I forgot how much I loved this story. Aaron and Dare are so sweet together, even though it took them 6 years to realize it! They made my heart ache and soar in equal measures. I just love friends-to-lovers stories and this one was just perfect!
April 24, 2017
Short and very sexy.. Love a good M/M love story . :)
May 28, 2018
Really, really nice friends-to-lovers. I enjoyed it quite a lot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews