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She needs a fake boyfriend. He’s just daring enough to try to turn it into something more.

Betsy Haines is running away from a broken heart, but when she - along with her best friend, brother, and his best friend - arrive in Serenity Landing for the July 4 celebration, she finds herself the target of the affections of a creep.

Dare Weaver has been half in love with his best friend’s little sister for as long as he can remember. When she needs a pretend boyfriend, he’s only too happy to oblige. He finds himself daring to live up to his name - to try to turn something pretend into something permanent.

100 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 15, 2017

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About the author

Carol Moncado

78 books385 followers
When she's not writing about her imaginary friends, Carol Moncado is hanging out with her husband, four kids, and a dog who weighs less than most hard cover books. She prefers watching NCIS to just about anything, except maybe watching Castle. She believes peanut butter M&Ms are the perfect food and Dr. Pepper should come in an IV. When not watching her kids - and the dog - race around her big backyard in Southwest Missouri, she's teaching American Government at a local community college. She's a founding member and President of MozArks ACFW, category coordinator for First Impressions, blogger at InspyRomance, and represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency.

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5 stars
196 (56%)
4 stars
106 (30%)
3 stars
38 (10%)
2 stars
9 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy.
2,741 reviews5,976 followers
June 5, 2017
I always enjoy Carol's books. This is a quick cute story, perfect for a one sitting read.
This is an ARC copy of a soon to be released title. It is a novella and thus felt rushed and didn't have time for the character development I prefer. There are some editing errors in this version which will hopefully be addressed prior to publication.
content: clean
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,078 reviews302 followers
June 22, 2017
Cute. Short! Loved that this one had the royals from previous books in it, but the main love interest weren't royals. This looks to be the start of a fun new series! Can't wait for Jordan't story.

Source: Kindle Unlimited
Profile Image for Abigail Harris.
Author 53 books265 followers
Read
May 14, 2019
My Review: I've enjoyed quite a few of Moncado's books and have yet to review them and so I am rectifying that now!

My Thoughts: This is my absolute favorite of the author's books and I have read it several times. I love that it's a realistic contemporary fairy-tale with a Christ-honoring romance. The shadows of worry, the love, and care between the characters, the ending are wonderfully woven together into this novella. There are more mature topics so I would suggest that if you are under 16/18 you have a trusted friend/parent read this before you. There is also some slight violence that is mostly under control and that was a slight spoiler. And a couple may have made a private bet. *smacks self on the forehead* *wishes to take back said spoiler* *is sad* *finishes review anyway*
Profile Image for MJSH.
1,359 reviews77 followers
July 5, 2017
What a cute story! This short book was my introduction to Carol Moncado's writing and now I am totally enthralled with the entire cast of characters I've gotten to know in the book.

The writing is well-paced and easy to follow. The storyline is good with a few curveballs thrown in. The characters are lovable and easy to bond with. Elements of faith and prayer are interjected into the plot and there's even a teaser for the next book at the end, which I now have to read.

Darren, or Dare, is adventure-seeking, faithful, loyal, steadfast best friend of Betsy's older brother. He's been in love with her for forever but doesn't know how to get her to see him as someone more than a surrogate brother. Betsy has been hurt and is just trying to live each day so that she can put her past mistakes behind her and move on. Their romance is sweet and tender and their dialogue is funny and laid back. Dare is such a swoon-worthy hero, thoughtful, oh-so careful with Betsy's heart, fiercely protective, loyal, romantic.

And the reader is also introduced to Betsy's older brother Jordan (can't wait to read about his story next) and a smattering of royalty from Montevaro who liven up the story. Now I must hunt down the previous books about these royalty so I can have the full scoop on what transpired prior to this book.

The book was a quick read, fun, and quite enjoyable. I was given a copy of this book by the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
847 reviews14 followers
June 16, 2018
Do you have an author who you love their books, so you put off reading them as you know you won't get anything done once you start reading? Whose books leave you with a contented sigh and an inability to deal with real life because you are in a book coma? Carol Moncado's books are like that for me. But, I have so many to catch up on, I knew I needed to sneak them in around my other duties. "Dare You" was a quick read, which was nice because it gave me my happy serenity even that much faster. It didn't feel rushed, though, as Dare and Betsy have known each other for most of their lives. I loved the inclusion of the royals from Carol Moncado's other books. I liked the flow of the book and the inclusion of a small crisis that needed to be dealt with. The only problem with the book is now I want to binge read more of her books. The kids don't need to eat, right?


I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
Profile Image for Olya.
39 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2018
I like Carol Moncado’s books a lot. Used to her long novels, I felt a kind of shock at how soon this one comes to an end, but that’s because I wasn’t paying attention to the fact that it is a novella.
The story is interesting, well written. The characters are well developed, a nice find in a short book. It is also fun to meet again some of the Belle Montagne’s royals.
It is a fun and relaxing read for a week night.
Being from Europe, it is fun for me to follow how Carol Moncado mixes the real with the imaginary Europe :)
4 reviews1 follower
June 16, 2017
Catching up with my "royal" friends!!

Reading Carol's books is like spending time with close friends. I hate it when each book ends, but love it knowing that I'll usually get to catch up with them again! Loved this sweet story, and the glimpses into new characters! Can't wait to read Jordan's story!
Profile Image for Becky.
176 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2017
Friendship Can Turn into More
Betsy and Dare’s story is a sweet romance between family friends. Their trip is made extra special when they meet one of the royal couples from the Belles Montagnes, at the same resort where they are staying. Betsy’s brother, Jordan, will re-appear in the first book about the Royals of San Majoria.
Profile Image for Susan Carroll.
362 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2018
Catch the girl alive

Jordan's little sister Betsy isn't so little anymore, and his best friend Darren finally has her attention. Fireworks are popping, and not just for the 4th of July! But true love has to run the gauntlet of old feelings, creepy stalker, and protective big brother to win the day.
919 reviews7 followers
August 12, 2019
A great story

Though a novella & short, it's still a great story illustrating a brother's willingness to accommodate his sister & protect her.
Although we don't know what happened to her friend, it's easy to assume that taking off with a guy you saw on an airplane wasn't the best life choice.
Profile Image for Lane.
1,383 reviews
July 29, 2021
I liked that it was a clean read. I liked the respect that Betsy and Dare had for themselves and others. I found the story lacking. The creepy villain seemed a little forced and some parts were unrealistic. I was confused by Lauren, or whatever her name was. Her character was 'off

I wouldn't read this again. It wasn't for me.
Profile Image for Beverly.
1,367 reviews
March 14, 2017
Much too short. Not enough meat to the story. Betsy's obsession with royalty did not make sense. Did no t like the fact I was not told what had happened to Jordon just so I would need to read the next in the series.
Profile Image for Colleen.
40 reviews1 follower
June 15, 2017
Sometimes Love is right in front of you

Even though it's a short novel, it hits that special part in your heart that makes it grows warm. I love how Ms. Moncado incorporates other familiar characters in the story. A good and heartwarming story that I would recommend.
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews22 followers
June 18, 2017
Carol Moncado gives us another beautiful romance with a twist.
I loved the storyline, the characters, and the setting.
Loved the appearance of some of the Royals from Montevaro.
I highly recommend any Carol Moncado books.
307 reviews
April 4, 2018
Dare taken

A trip to Serenity Landing hoping to catch even a glimpse of Royals is Betsy Haines plan. Her heart needs a chance to recover from being deceived. Little does she know, the answer to her heartache has been near all along.
Profile Image for Andrea Byers.
471 reviews11 followers
October 8, 2018
Dare, Jordan, Betsy and Laura head to Serenity Landing for a vacation in Betsy’s hopeful plan of seeing some royal family members who are supposed to be visiting. A hotel room mix up start us off along with unwanted attention from a hotel guest towards Betsy. The story’s focus is on Betsy, with Dare and Jordan also playing a major part. Easy to get into and hard to put down.
Author 11 books55 followers
May 8, 2017
I enjoyed "Dare You." Clean romance and a shorter read. I can recommend for teens and up. Will be looking for more from this author.
Profile Image for Tracy Sargeant.
312 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2017
This was an easy to read book that I enjoyed. I would have liked it be be longer with a bit more depth of character story, and the ending was a bit unbelievable, but still a good read.
Profile Image for Martha.
1,963 reviews61 followers
December 9, 2017
Cute prequel/novella book in this series of royal stories! I enjoyed it and found it a light reprieve from some of the deeper historical books I was reading.
Profile Image for Nina Yahnke.
40 reviews
July 30, 2017
Loved it!

Another great installment by Ms. Moncado! A must read for sure. It was beautifully written. Loved seeing some old friends :)
2,171 reviews20 followers
November 26, 2017
Intro?

Can't wait for the new royal series. Love her books. This was a "taste test". Always plenty going on in her books.
Profile Image for Pamela.
749 reviews
July 24, 2018
I loved this story, it had everything- a great plot, awesome characters and and the happy ending. First I have read by this author, but it will not be the last.
570 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2019
Great read.

This was a good start for new series and enjoyed in interactions of the main characters with Rick and Ellis. Now I am looking forward to the next story.
128 reviews1 follower
January 5, 2023
sweet little Romance

Sweet romance of best friends turn into loves. And the kindness of royals. And boy do I love the Royal series & have read them all.
529 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2023
Enjoyed this sweet little story where godly morals were stressed and love overcomes heartbreak.
Profile Image for Phyllis.
1,288 reviews35 followers
February 15, 2017
I don't think I've read a book by Carol Moncado that I haven't just loved. Dare You was no exception. I enjoyed the way the royalty from her other series made their way into this story as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews