With all nine of my best friends reunited for a destination wedding, I was not surprised someone suggested we play Truth or Dare. The secret exposing truths and the harmlessly fun dares bonded our close-knit friend group in college and kept us close throughout the years. So, when Kingston Wright was dared to kiss me, I didn’t think anything of it. Harmless kisses were always a part of Truth or Dare.
But there was nothing harmless about that kiss. I felt something between us that I shouldn’t have.
Truth or Dare can be risky when you’re twenty. But when you’re thirty, it can be reckless.
Well hello Danielle Allen! This was my first book by this author and I loved it! It was a bit on the short side, but the perfect steamy friends to lovers book.
Eight best friends from college are together for two of their best friends wedding. They’re all in their thirties now and in different places in life, but they’ve kept their bond and friendship intact. It all started with a game of Truth and Dare and a scorching kiss between Kingston and Simone.
Simone and Kingston have always been thick as thieves but never have they felt that spark between them. Until now. Things are complicated though. They don’t live in the same state for one, and for two, the bride is trying to set up Kingston with her sister. Even though it may not be a great idea, they can’t seem to stay away from each other.
I love books about friend groups like this. They’re so much fun, and you can just tell this group will be lifelong friends. I enjoyed reading this so much and can’t wait to read more by this author. I’m hoping down the line she writes about some of the other single friends!
This was SO FREAKING CUTE and now I need to pick up everything Danielle Allen writes. I loved how we got a quick flashback to college when the group of friends played truth or dare and flashed forward to 10 years later when two people in the group are getting married and they're all together again. And play truth or dare. Simone has an unexpected spark with someone in the group that is ignited even more thanks to a drunken night of truth or dare before the wedding. I looooved Kingston and Simone's chemistry and just NEEDED them to get together already. I enjoyed how there was also a slightly forbidden aspect to their romance, which added to the angst of the story. I couldn't recommend this enough!
I dare you to read this book and try to put it down. I've read this one pretty much in one sitting, instantly pulled within by the main characters and the easy banter they had going on. Next up went the chemistry and I was literally glued to my kindle the whole time. Truth or Dare was equally fun and sexy. Nevermind that, it was freaking HOT.
Friends to lovers reunited at a destination wedding, playing their own version of truth or dare unbeknownst to the rest of the group. The secret trysts between Simone and Kingston 2.0 were so addicting. I literally couln't get enough of them two. The banter, the secret looks, the smiles, the sexting, the fingers under the table (my gawwwd), the dirty talk, the constant teasing between them revved up the steam to another level! Seriously, their moments together were INTENSE. Insanely hot sex scenes and blazing chemistry.
And Kingston... SIGH.
I adored the whole group of secondary characters too. Their friendship was totally #goals.
This book is perfect if you need something light, fun and sexy. Also I need ot point out it felt refreshing to read about mature characters, we have +30 years old on pages here. My first book by Danielle Allen and definitely not my last! Truth.
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I absolutely loved this book! Eight best friends since they were freshmen in College meet up yearly for vacation together! What happens when you start having feelings for one of your best friends and it’s reciprocated. One game of truth or dare brought out the truth of what was there. This book was spicyyyy! Kingston was sexy, and the way he talked to Simone made me squirm in my seat. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Is it possible to get pregnant after reading a book?!!! If it is, I need to file for child support neowwwww because Kingston is definitely the father! Lawd, Truth or Dare was hot! Simone and Kingston, along with their other college friends, meet up for a four day weekend of wedding festivities. While on a yacht, the group begins to play Truth or Dare which, is something they’ve done since college. Kingston, who apparently has transformed himself while living in Atlanta, is dared to kiss Simone for 30 seconds. The sparks fly from there. The chemistry between Kingston and Simone was so intense. I loved how they sneaked around with each other for most of the book because, they didn’t want their friends all up in their business. The sneaky link ups and BDE energy throughout the book had me on edge. Honey, they risked it all the entire weekend. And, those sex scenes!!! 🤯🤯🤯 Lawd, the sex scenes were EVERYTHING!!! They went beyond pearl clutching. The only complaint I have is the conflict between Simone and Corrine. That whole issue just didn’t make sense and wasn’t really realistic. How do you get mad because the dude your sister was trying to set you up with (behind his back I might add) is attracted to someone else?!!! And, the way Chloe reacted was just immature. I shook my head at that entire scene. Then, she starts all that drama and, come to find out, Corrine has been sleeping with Omar on the low. Yeah, I didn’t like that heffa at all. Simone should’ve beat her azz. Truth or Dare was an incredibly sexy book. I loved the dynamic of their friend group and how they managed to maintain their friendships. Kingston was the perfect book bae. I hate the word bae but, he really was one. I would love to see Tish and Eli get their own story. I feel like what was going on with them was kind of left up in the air and we didn’t really get any closure. This was my first book by Danielle Allen and it did not disappoint. I look forward to reading more from her.
The problem with novellas are that you always want them to be longer once you’re done with them. But, only if you enjoyed them, obviously.
This was a lot of fun! The steamy scenes were so intense and so good! The friendship group stood out as much as the romance and I was so on board with the relationship that developed.
4.5 Exactly As Good As Advertised Stars * * * * * Spoiler Free-A Quick Review I bow down to Ms. Allen. She is a Goddess, wrote a fun, extremely sexy book and I enjoyed it from start to finish. My friends told me to read it, as I am a Dirty Talker lover. This hit all the right tones with a group of friends from college who stayed friends over the years.
The reason for these friends to come together was the wedding of friends who became a couple from this group. One of the games they usually do when together is a holdover from school, truth, or dare.
The main action and sexy fun are between Simone and Kingston. Hardcore best friends who have an attraction that bubbles up during this gathering. They are older, their bodies have filled out nicely and before you know it, they are Happening.
This was a quick read, lots of chemistry, and a little conflict to fill out the story. Yum
TRUTH: My Besties Here On Goodreads Are The Best... April made a comment on Ⓐlleskelle - teamSøren♗ ⊲I like big b00ks⊳’s review of Just a Heartbeat Away (Forever Yours #1) saying She Was Sold on it. That led me to read my other pal, Ⓐlleskelle's review...
Bammmm, I was sold too! So this is me saying Thank You to both of them for enlightening me.
This was such a cute friends to lovers romance!! Simone and her group of friends have been friends since college. They are all coming back together for Chloe and Dominick’s wedding weekend. We see a flashback from ten years ago in college when they played truth or dare. Then in the present, they decide to play truth or dare again for old times sake.
Simone and Kingston get dared to kiss and then dance, and things get very heated between them. Their friend group has always had rules that no flings or friends with benefits are allowed. If you are going to be together, you have to actually date. This is to keep their friend group from falling apart. This attraction is new to Simone and Kingston, so it was a surprise to them. They begin to explore it, but keep it a secret from the friend group for a while and for some other reasons.
I loved how Simone and Kingston continued to use truth or dare when talking just to each other throughout the weekend as well. This had a great ending too. I loved what a quick read this was without feeling rushed.
I'm blushing while writing this review because this book—because KINGSTON—is FAN YOUR FACE HOT.
*gulps*
I want to talk about how Allen is an expert at writing banter. It seems like it would be a good idea to tell you how I felt like a member of this group of friends. I should probably go out of my way to describe how I felt like I was at the freaking wedding and a witness to this whole storyline playing out but ...
KINGSTON IS HOT. I keep going back to that. ;)
Can I just make him real and keep him for myself? Please? (I also want to be an official member of this friend group. They're total friend goals.)
Allen has crafted the absolute perfect summer read. Truth or Dare is a sizzling, hilarious, and unputdownable romance that I read in one sitting. It's a gem!
This is a highlight of my book year and I can't wait to see which couple comes next. Because another couple IS coming next, right? *side-eyes Allen*
Truth or Dare gets 5 stars from me! It's going on my re-read shelf for those nights I need something a little dirty. ;)
Danielle Allen is a new to me author and with Truth or Dare she’s gained a fan. I enjoyed this story so much. Around 170 some pages and I read it in one sitting. I had so much fun with Simone, Kingston and Latisha to name a few. The truth or dare aspect was incorporated into the story flawlessly. Simone and Kingston now in their thirties had so much chemistry. Phew..... SMOKIN! And the dirty talk from both of them. Yes, please. It’s a quick read but it hit all the right buttons for me. The perfect escape and especially when I had just finished a dark read.
I read my first Danielle Allen book, Work Song, for the very first post of this feature, so I had full intentions of also picking up Truth or Dare. Also, look at the abs on this cover hunk ... 👀 What gave me the push was Sharonda's TikTok and bless her, because Truth or Dare was exactly the steamy read I needed in my life.
Danielle Allen writes fun books that transport you for the few hours that you get to spend with them. In Truth or Dare, nine friends head to a destination wedding and wind up playing truth or dare, which of course ends on a sexy note for two friends. Simone and Kingston have never viewed each other as anything other than friends. The truth or dare challenge draws out sexual tension so hot it could set fire to the yacht they were on. The chemistry between the two is hotter than hot. It is intense and delicious and when I tell you I couldn't get enough of the two of them together, it would be an understatement. If you run warm like me, you're going to need a fan when you get to the bedroom scenes because HOLY FLAMING CHEMISTRY AND DIRTY TALK AND PHEW!!! I know I'm starting to sound like a complete perv, but I actually enjoyed every aspect of Simone and Kingston's relationship, not just the sexy times. Their friendship provides a good foundation for a romantic relationship. I thought the progression from friends to lovers was done really well. Simone and Kingston are also entertaining protagonists. They share a great rapport which meant we get heaps of flirty banter between the two. I loved them together and truly enjoyed every scene they shared as a couple.
I found both Simone and Kingston to be great characters as individuals too. Simone, especially, is a total queen with all the confidence she exudes. She is unapologetic, secure in her skin, and genuinely admirable. I really loved how her voice came across. Kingston is just as fantastic of a character as Simone. He is a total gentleman in the streets (but certainly not in the sheets 😳😳) and is really good at communicating his feelings. A lot of readers are going to thoroughly swoon over the man and I mean, how could you not? Truth or Dare also depicts wonderful friendships. I loved Simone and Kingston's friend group so much. Their bond and genuine love for each other is prevalent in every page of this book. They'll definitely make you laugh and at times, have you pulling your hair. I also loved the destination wedding setting which gave a breezy vibe to the book.
As you can probably tell, I had a really fun time reading Truth or Dare. I think we really need books that take our minds off real life this year, so if you're in the mood for a smoldering friends-to-lovers romance, this is the right book for you.
This was my first time reading this author and I loved it. This was such a fun best friends to lovers romance to read. I loved the friend group dynamic and banter. The MCs had such great chemistry and the sex scenes and dirty talk were so hot 🥵. I just wished it wasn’t on the short side.
I love a good friends to lovers story….these two were in a group of best friends from college….after going to a tropical island for a couple in best friends’ group…the group play there traditional game of truth or dare and after Kingston and Simone are dared to kiss….sparks fly.
This was SO GOOD!!! This was my first Danielle Allen book and it definitely won't be my last. I really loved how this was laid out - you get little flashbacks to the friends in college and I loved getting this glimpses into their history. I also loved the friend group. They were absolutely ride or die and it's something I always love seeing in books. But the romance stole the show. While I wish we had gotten to see more of their emotional relationship develop, the physical chemistry between these two was out of this world. This book was hella sexy I was living for it. And the truth or dare element was really clever and so well done!
This was a cute friends to love story. Kingston and Simone have been friends for over a decade and they have always been cool. After not seeing each other for sometime, for some reason the vibe is 'different," between them. A game of truth or dare expose the chemistry that both of them seem to be feeling for each other. I liked the push and pull between them and even the confusion they first felt.
I do think they truth or dared me to death though 🥴. They are in their 30s and shouldn't need a game to generate conversation. Nor should a friend be able to dictate whom you are interested in. The conflict just gave unrealistic vibes and seemed childish.
Other than that I liked the mcs and enjoyed their chemistry.
I debated how I was going to rate this but I have to go with a 3. The story started out real strong. A group of friends who were close in college getting together again for a wedding between two of their own. Guaranteed to be lit especially when they bring out their favorite game to play: Truth or Dare. Simone gets dared to kiss Kingston and what was supposed to be a fun kiss turned into a steamy kiss and two friends who thought that they were just best friends start to think maybe they need to be more.
Simone and Kingston were absolutely, hands down a very sexy combination. They had really good banter and could just be real with one another. I enjoyed every part of their exploration of each other figuratively and literally. I also highly enjoyed Simone’s friendship with LaTisha. They were definitely ride or dies in any situation and I just loved how they were always just there for each other.
What lowered my what could have been a 4 to 5 star rating was he entire Corrine storyline. I felt as if it was tossed into the middle of something great for no good reason. Her theatrics later on almost made me close the book entirely because it was so over the top and again, completely random. I loved Simone and Kingston so much however that I was willing to just hurry and skim past the drama and just focus on them.
This was my first Danielle Allen book but I would definitely read another!
Okay so 2020 is the year I discovered I like friends to lover romances! I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about Danielle Allen so I’m glad I finally got to read something by her. This was so fantastic and I cannot wait to read more of her books!
“Kingston Wright has been walking around with all that d*ck this whole time?”
I wasn’t ready!!! 😩
This book right here!!
I had to fan myself while reading. I knew it was going to be hot, but holy smokes it was off the charts hot and combustible. The chemistry between Kingston and Simone was very intense and I felt all the emotions while reading.
Even though this book was on the shorter side it didn’t lack the character development, the connection between the couple wasn’t forced and the story didn’t feel rushed at all. I liked how it ended on a realistic note.
I would have preferred a point of view from the almighty Kingston, but aside from that this book was a good read. I do hope we revisit this bunch in the future. My girl Tisha needs a book ASAP!
I liked this one! The friend group dynamic was really fun, and each member felt distinct. The chemistry between Kingston and Simone was EVERYTHING from beginning to end and their steamy scenes....yeah. Overall, a fun summer read, definitely perfect for the time I read it.
I wasn't really vibing with some of the Corinne stuff. I understood where she was coming from, but the drama didn't really hit for me. Also, although I know this was a novella, I still felt like there was a little something missing for me. Maybe a few more pages towards the beginning to add some tension?? Idk.
Anyway, one thing is for sure, I definitely need to read more Danielle Allen.
HOLY HELL THIS WAS SO GOOD?!?!? I had this on my TBR since January bro and I randomly decided to read it last night and damnit I’m in love!
Finding black authors is one of the best feelings ever. Reading their work and reading about people who look like me, talk like me and go through the same troubles as me is better than I can describe.
Getting to know this group or friends felt way too real, like I could be apart of their friend group in real life and they felt like family. God it was soo good to read the lingo and terminologies in here that I use in my day to day life! Can I tell you what a difference it makes seeing the word “dick” instead of “cock” or “pussy” instead of “cunt” ! Lmao I never thought there was a difference until I experienced it myself.
Kingston & Simone? GOALS. The chemistry between was THICK. The entire book was dripping in angst I could barely stand it, it was just so good and so consuming I’m obsessed. The steam????? SHEESSHHHHHH 5/5⭐️ period. I can’t wait to read more by Danielle!
"Truth or Dare" by Danielle Allen was hot, hot, hot! I love a good friends to lovers story and this one definitely hit the mark. The characters were all very well developed. I loved the tight knit bond that that these longtime college friends had. It was so relatable. I've always loved the idea of a destination wedding so that was very enjoyable to read about.
There was just the right amount of drama sprinkled into this story and I loved the truth or dare elements. The cover definitely does the book justice. I would love a followup or spin off book. Now I just need to know where I can find a Kingston in real life.
Truth Or Dare was soo sweet, so cute. These friends were everything. The laughter, the banter, the secrets. It was all so good. I loved each of these characters. Truth Or Dare was so well written. I loved that it was a feel good story about celebration and friendship. These girls go hard for one another. Then there's Kingston and Simone 😍🥰😍 And those sex scenes, especially the first one!?! With all that teasing....Speechless. Ms. Allen did an amazing job with this story, but she left me with no epilogue. But this was a great read. First book by Danielle Allen, definitely not my last.
I liked the two main characters. I enjoyed seeing them go from friends to lovers. And I really love the whole idea of college friends making it a priority to stay in each other's lives even with the hustle and bustle of life that can separate us. I love that they had a friend's trip every year. What I didn't love so much was how much those friends played a part in the will they/ won't they or even the can they/ are they allowed? I couldn't wrap my head around why their friend would care so much or get so much say. Even after it was explained I was still thinking, So what!? Happy reading!