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Cherry Valley #1
Dare To Do Me
I never turn down a dare...
And that's especially true when a couple of fancy-jeans, city-boy nerds invade my beloved small town in order to scout locations for their tech start-up.
Okay, I should be honest. One of those dweebs HAS aroused my interest.
In fact, I actually wouldn't kick Zach Hamilton out of bed unless I wanted to do it on the floor.
He's tall and tempting, and behind his glasses, his eyes are a piercing blue with dark lashes. He's got a cut jaw with a bit of sexy stubble and...
Wait.
I don't do nerds. I don't even do relationships ever since I was burned by another out-of-towner years ago. I'm Left-in-the-Lurch Mandy, the hardest-to-get girl in the county.
The only thing I WILL do with this nerd is dares.
And when Zach starts trying to "broaden my horizons" with a series of dares, I'm sure as fire going to give as good as I'm getting and dare HIM right back.
Because I NEVER take things lying down.
At least...not yet.
DARE TO DO ME is the first full-length (See what I did there?) book in the Cherry Valley series!
Just FYI: This novel includes the first chapter of the next book in the series, NAUGHTY NAUGHTY NERD.
(Note: This story was previously published as Aroused, by Clover Hart.)
Here's the entire Cherry Valley series in order:
* "Flirty Fake Boyfriend" (a Cherry Valley prequel)
* DARE TO DO ME (Cherry Valley Book 1)
* NAUGHTY NAUGHTY NERD (Cherry Valley Book 2)
* HOT FOR A HERO (Cherry Valley Book 3)
* BET ME THEN BEG ME (Cherry Valley Book 4)
* THE BIG BLISS (Cherry Valley Book 5)
Enjoy!
And that's especially true when a couple of fancy-jeans, city-boy nerds invade my beloved small town in order to scout locations for their tech start-up.
Okay, I should be honest. One of those dweebs HAS aroused my interest.
In fact, I actually wouldn't kick Zach Hamilton out of bed unless I wanted to do it on the floor.
He's tall and tempting, and behind his glasses, his eyes are a piercing blue with dark lashes. He's got a cut jaw with a bit of sexy stubble and...
Wait.
I don't do nerds. I don't even do relationships ever since I was burned by another out-of-towner years ago. I'm Left-in-the-Lurch Mandy, the hardest-to-get girl in the county.
The only thing I WILL do with this nerd is dares.
And when Zach starts trying to "broaden my horizons" with a series of dares, I'm sure as fire going to give as good as I'm getting and dare HIM right back.
Because I NEVER take things lying down.
At least...not yet.
DARE TO DO ME is the first full-length (See what I did there?) book in the Cherry Valley series!
Just FYI: This novel includes the first chapter of the next book in the series, NAUGHTY NAUGHTY NERD.
(Note: This story was previously published as Aroused, by Clover Hart.)
Here's the entire Cherry Valley series in order:
* "Flirty Fake Boyfriend" (a Cherry Valley prequel)
* DARE TO DO ME (Cherry Valley Book 1)
* NAUGHTY NAUGHTY NERD (Cherry Valley Book 2)
* HOT FOR A HERO (Cherry Valley Book 3)
* BET ME THEN BEG ME (Cherry Valley Book 4)
* THE BIG BLISS (Cherry Valley Book 5)
Enjoy!
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2019
214 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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October 9, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/7/2019)! 🎁
October 28, 2019
Light, fun and with a bit of sex. Not sorry I read as it makes book #2 (Barry) more enjoyable with the backstory. (Yea I have already read and Barry appears often enough in this story which made what to get through this one faster).
Cheers
Cheers
June 22, 2021
This is a cute, sexy, romantic-comedy, short story. It doesn't seem to be for sale on Amazon but can be gotten free through the author by signing up for her newsletter.
6/21/21 Update: It is now currently free on Amazon.
6/21/21 Update: It is now currently free on Amazon.
October 5, 2022
Cady Gilmore, ‘Cherry Valley’.
A Small Town Rom Com Box Set, volume 1.
As an ARC reader I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an honest review. Here it is.
The box set (± 1000 pages) contains:
1. Dare to Me.
2. Naughty, Naughty Nerd.
3. Hot for a Hero.
4. Bonus: four short stories.
I’ll review all four items.
Rating of the whole small town romances series: 4 (of 5 stars).
‘Dare to Me’.
Rating: 4,5 (of 5 stars).
In general: Country Girl and City Nerd Romance.
Main characters:
- Mandy Burnett (25).
She works at a coffeehouse in a small town, Cherry Valley, that used to be dominated by farmers. But the town is modernizing and some of the old folks are against the newcomers (nerds) from the city.
Mandy loves her small town and her fellow inhabitants; she wants to be a vet someday.
- Zach Hamilton (± 30).
He’s co-owner of Full Circle Technologies. With the other co-owner he’s investigating if Cherry Valley is a suitable location for their company’s headquarters .
Mandy and Zach meet in Mandy’s coffeeshop. They discover their different cultural backgrounds and dare each other to try out the peculiarities of the opponent’s culture. In reality the dares are dates, but both are hesitating to admit this to themselves.
Then the author, Cady Gilmore, describes how gradually the strong main characters find a lovely mix of country customs and city culture. It needs some sassy bickering, business complications, interfering bloggers and small town inhabitants, but in a sweet love scene they find - not surprising - their HEA as told in bonus story 1.
A Small Town Rom Com Box Set, volume 1.
As an ARC reader I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an honest review. Here it is.
The box set (± 1000 pages) contains:
1. Dare to Me.
2. Naughty, Naughty Nerd.
3. Hot for a Hero.
4. Bonus: four short stories.
I’ll review all four items.
Rating of the whole small town romances series: 4 (of 5 stars).
‘Dare to Me’.
Rating: 4,5 (of 5 stars).
In general: Country Girl and City Nerd Romance.
Main characters:
- Mandy Burnett (25).
She works at a coffeehouse in a small town, Cherry Valley, that used to be dominated by farmers. But the town is modernizing and some of the old folks are against the newcomers (nerds) from the city.
Mandy loves her small town and her fellow inhabitants; she wants to be a vet someday.
- Zach Hamilton (± 30).
He’s co-owner of Full Circle Technologies. With the other co-owner he’s investigating if Cherry Valley is a suitable location for their company’s headquarters .
Mandy and Zach meet in Mandy’s coffeeshop. They discover their different cultural backgrounds and dare each other to try out the peculiarities of the opponent’s culture. In reality the dares are dates, but both are hesitating to admit this to themselves.
Then the author, Cady Gilmore, describes how gradually the strong main characters find a lovely mix of country customs and city culture. It needs some sassy bickering, business complications, interfering bloggers and small town inhabitants, but in a sweet love scene they find - not surprising - their HEA as told in bonus story 1.
June 16, 2020
Mandy lives in the small town of Cherry Valley where she works at the coffee shop and takes classes to be a veterinarian. She has had a bad experience with a man passing through, who broke her heart. She is not up for dating but never turns down a dare. So when Zack, a tech boy dares her to eat sushi, she agrees. The chemistry between them is electric but there are complications.
This is the first book in the contemporary, romantic comedy series, Cherry Valley, and is filled with small town charm. The characters in this book are both interesting and personable with strengths and weaknesses that make them more engaging and create a relationship with the reader. You become invested in their story. The story itself is told from the point of view of Zack and Mandy, allowing the reader a glimpse into how they think, the impact of their pasts, their motivations and their actions. The narrative is detailed allowing the reader to immerse into the small town setting. The storyline runs along smoothly and fairly quickly. It is filled with emotional drama as the characters deal with their past experiences, internal struggles and external obstacles. The romance is delightful, complete with some steamy scenes and heart touching moments. If you enjoy small town, contemporary, romantic comedies that feature charming characters and some heat, you should enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in the contemporary, romantic comedy series, Cherry Valley, and is filled with small town charm. The characters in this book are both interesting and personable with strengths and weaknesses that make them more engaging and create a relationship with the reader. You become invested in their story. The story itself is told from the point of view of Zack and Mandy, allowing the reader a glimpse into how they think, the impact of their pasts, their motivations and their actions. The narrative is detailed allowing the reader to immerse into the small town setting. The storyline runs along smoothly and fairly quickly. It is filled with emotional drama as the characters deal with their past experiences, internal struggles and external obstacles. The romance is delightful, complete with some steamy scenes and heart touching moments. If you enjoy small town, contemporary, romantic comedies that feature charming characters and some heat, you should enjoy this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2025
I thought it was a great first impression of this author. This reminded me of the rom coms that first got me started reading romance. Mandy is skeptical of having new techies come into her small town. Zach is hoping to have a startup in Cherry Valley despite opposition. When he starts to really dig Cherry Valley due to Mandy, he still needs to convince his partner and investors to agree.. I enjoyed reading about Mandy and Zach as they bridge their differences, There was a good mix of humor and a good look into both Zach and Mandy. It was a great light, run, sexy read.
October 24, 2020
I chose this book as a palette cleanser after reading an emotional rollercoaster before it. I'm so glad I choose this book. It's light hearted, full of laughs and had me devouring it in one day! I loved the nerdiness, the cheekiness, and the small town life. The whole book from start to finish was wonderfully written, this may have been my first Cady Gilmore book but it won't be my last!
June 29, 2022
Like pie…
At first I really enjoyed this book the characters were robust and fleshed out, the dare system interesting as well as the initial development of their relationship. Then the movie happened and this changed, the dares were forgotten things sped up to an inevitable conflict and that just frustrated me. I enjoy the gossip spread through a blog but it lost me and felt forced by the end. A shame as I really enjoyed the initial parts of the book.
At first I really enjoyed this book the characters were robust and fleshed out, the dare system interesting as well as the initial development of their relationship. Then the movie happened and this changed, the dares were forgotten things sped up to an inevitable conflict and that just frustrated me. I enjoy the gossip spread through a blog but it lost me and felt forced by the end. A shame as I really enjoyed the initial parts of the book.
October 15, 2025
Country living at its best
Country boy turned city and starts a business and is ready to expand. Think a small country town is the answer. Meets stubborn country girl and bickering begin city verses country. Dares turn into dates. Lots of snarky quick come backs. The author did a wonderful job on this story. Totally a good read.
Country boy turned city and starts a business and is ready to expand. Think a small country town is the answer. Meets stubborn country girl and bickering begin city verses country. Dares turn into dates. Lots of snarky quick come backs. The author did a wonderful job on this story. Totally a good read.
March 27, 2020
I just loved this book. It was so well-written that it captured my mind and I was dragged along for the ride. Once I started reading I could not put it down until I read the last page.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2020
Fun and Flirty
Good book. Loved the story. Characters were well written and the sexual chemistry was intense. I loved the ending and I am looking forward to reading what comes next from this author.
Good book. Loved the story. Characters were well written and the sexual chemistry was intense. I loved the ending and I am looking forward to reading what comes next from this author.
July 1, 2020
Just charming!
I had this on my "to read" list for a while. I'm so glad that I found it. It's a heartwarming, happy little read that makes you experience all of the feels! Give it a try!
I had this on my "to read" list for a while. I'm so glad that I found it. It's a heartwarming, happy little read that makes you experience all of the feels! Give it a try!
April 30, 2021
This was a fun read! I loved the opposite attract aspect of the two main characters! I’ll definitely be checking out other books in this series!
May 10, 2021
Nerd Alert
Cute story of an adorable techie who falls for the town sweetheart. Through a series of dares, not dates, they discover a spark and it lights up Cherry Valley.
Cute story of an adorable techie who falls for the town sweetheart. Through a series of dares, not dates, they discover a spark and it lights up Cherry Valley.
August 15, 2021
Entertaining.
July 15, 2019
Talk about fun and steamy contemporary romance novels, and the same names come up over and over. Until now. It’s time to add Cady Gilmore to the list.
Gilmore hits the ground running with unforgettable, three-dimensional characters. Readers will fall in love with Zach, lovable tech-geek with big-city swagger and small-town heart. And they’ll empathize with Mandy, hard-working local girl who’s proud and guarded, but feisty—she never turns down a dare.
The stakes escalate as she lowers her shields and he opens his eyes to the benefits of small-town life. But nothing’s ever that simple, is it?
More than miles may keep them apart. Watching them navigate one obstacle after another is so enjoyable. I kept turning pages, needing to know what they’d do next, say next. A single afternoon, and I had my answer. This book moves fast, and you won’t want to put it down.
The cherry on top of the "Dare to Do Me" sundae (yes, pun intended) is Cherry Valley, the small-town setting. I want to walk the streets, attend the festivals, eat the food (well, some of it), and drink the drinks. Dance to the music and maybe take in a certain film. Cherry Valley was so well described, it became a character in its own right.
The lead characters are adorable and relatable, the secondary characters compelling. The plot is fresh and fun, and the setting still beckons me. I’m thrilled this is a series and hope it will continue for a long time to come. Cherry Valley is now on my auto-buy list.
Gilmore hits the ground running with unforgettable, three-dimensional characters. Readers will fall in love with Zach, lovable tech-geek with big-city swagger and small-town heart. And they’ll empathize with Mandy, hard-working local girl who’s proud and guarded, but feisty—she never turns down a dare.
The stakes escalate as she lowers her shields and he opens his eyes to the benefits of small-town life. But nothing’s ever that simple, is it?
More than miles may keep them apart. Watching them navigate one obstacle after another is so enjoyable. I kept turning pages, needing to know what they’d do next, say next. A single afternoon, and I had my answer. This book moves fast, and you won’t want to put it down.
The cherry on top of the "Dare to Do Me" sundae (yes, pun intended) is Cherry Valley, the small-town setting. I want to walk the streets, attend the festivals, eat the food (well, some of it), and drink the drinks. Dance to the music and maybe take in a certain film. Cherry Valley was so well described, it became a character in its own right.
The lead characters are adorable and relatable, the secondary characters compelling. The plot is fresh and fun, and the setting still beckons me. I’m thrilled this is a series and hope it will continue for a long time to come. Cherry Valley is now on my auto-buy list.
June 27, 2019
First sight of this sleepy little town is the best gossip column, I mean Blog: Checking in with Cherry Valley by Abby. She is downright hilarious and nosy. And then you get Mandy’s first interaction standing at the counter of "Screaming Beans Coffee Shop". I burst out laughing at the name. I knew I was going to love this book at that sentence. I mean seriously “avocado toast and 3D-printed pork pie hats” who can write this stuff. Zach and Barry are so opposite on their opinions of Cherry Valley. I want to smack Barry and then they get Dirk, who is in his own reality, as a Lyft driver and I crack up. Serves Barry right. Zach and Mandy instantly heat up the pages with their banter. Mandy tries to not like Zach for a long time because of her past with out of towners. And then those dares (not dates) start, they are so funny and seriously competitive. Hilarious romance is what I would call this. Cady Gillmore had me laughing so much while I was reading.
November 26, 2019
This is a HEA story, although, you wade through some rough emotional rollercoaster stuff, before the end.
Small town girl, shattered previously by an out-of-towner taking her for a ride, has her shields up around all males. She has her dreams, but no one seems to be backing her in what she wants out of life.
In walks the city slicker nerd. He has meet most of his dreams, and wants a place to start up a tech business. He believes Cherry Valley would be perfect. However, he's got to convince the whole town that his business would be good for the whole community.
His biggest opposition is the you girl barista, that isn't backwards in coming forwards, as to why their quiet piece of heaven doesn't need pretentious city folk ideas, in their small town.
He dares her to widen her horizons, she dares him to get to know what's good about her home town.
Yes, excellent read! I enjoyed it immensely!
Small town girl, shattered previously by an out-of-towner taking her for a ride, has her shields up around all males. She has her dreams, but no one seems to be backing her in what she wants out of life.
In walks the city slicker nerd. He has meet most of his dreams, and wants a place to start up a tech business. He believes Cherry Valley would be perfect. However, he's got to convince the whole town that his business would be good for the whole community.
His biggest opposition is the you girl barista, that isn't backwards in coming forwards, as to why their quiet piece of heaven doesn't need pretentious city folk ideas, in their small town.
He dares her to widen her horizons, she dares him to get to know what's good about her home town.
Yes, excellent read! I enjoyed it immensely!
July 28, 2019
A sweet sundae with a cherry on top
One big city tech geek + one country girl + one small town filled with characters = One great romantic comedy
Dare To Do Me is the debut book by new author Cady Gilmore and boy did she start off on the write foot. This book is a wonderful mix of comedy, romance, drama, gossip, believable characters and a take on the changing times in many small towns all over. This story is about Zach, a big city tech geek who wants to move his company headquarters to the beautiful small town of Cherry Valley, and Mandy, a born and bred country girl who is working as a barista.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
One big city tech geek + one country girl + one small town filled with characters = One great romantic comedy
Dare To Do Me is the debut book by new author Cady Gilmore and boy did she start off on the write foot. This book is a wonderful mix of comedy, romance, drama, gossip, believable characters and a take on the changing times in many small towns all over. This story is about Zach, a big city tech geek who wants to move his company headquarters to the beautiful small town of Cherry Valley, and Mandy, a born and bred country girl who is working as a barista.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
July 6, 2019
Cute read, country girl and the tech nerd. Fun with country vs. city, typical scenarios but with the twist that all is done on a dare. It’s quite funny how each is each is trying to educate the other on different types of food, cars, shoes, and to compromise in expanding your views and open your mind to new experiences. Oh and don’t forget the Cherry pie.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 17, 2019
I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. I enjoyed this story about Zach and Mandy. She is a local girl that works as a barista while going to college. He's a up and coming tech guru looking to make Cherry Valley their headquarters. There is a spark between them but she's afraid to give it a try since she was broken up over her last romance with an out of towner. Great HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2019
I loved this hilarious look at the romance between a country girl and a city nerd. The descriptions and narratives will have you laughing out loud. What a delightful story to take you into a fun small-town romance. I would love to read more of this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 12, 2019
4.5 stars
A country gal and a city nerd make for an interesting couple that uses dares to teach each other about their likes and lives. It's quite a fun read and I can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A country gal and a city nerd make for an interesting couple that uses dares to teach each other about their likes and lives. It's quite a fun read and I can't wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2019
Will the small town win a big tech company?
Wonderful story. Nice start to a new series will the small town girl win the tech geek? I would recommend this contemporary story kinda hot!
Wonderful story. Nice start to a new series will the small town girl win the tech geek? I would recommend this contemporary story kinda hot!
Want to read
March 5, 2024Prch Amz May 29, 2020
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews