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Enemies to best friends to lovers

Maddox Coulter.

Was my enemy. Now my best friend.

You know him... Popular jock, rich enough to buy a town and a modern day casanova with a dirty smirk.

He's every girl's wet dream. But he wants me.

Maddox needs me.

One night of untamed passion has us dangling over the edge of something dangerous and it could forever break us.

Our hearts are on the line.

Maddox is keeping secrets.

I vowed to never give up on him but I'm not sure he's the same man I fell in love with anymore.

I'm scared he'd leave my heart bleeding at his feet.

But worst, what if we go back to...

... hating each other?

333 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2020

453 people are currently reading
4642 people want to read

About the author

Lylah James

27 books4,971 followers
Author of The Mafia and His Angel. Creator of Alessio Ivanshov and Aylessio.

Reading is her first love and always will be.
Writing is her passion. She writes because the voices in her head won't stop and because they deserve to be heard and read. Lylah James writes about drool worthy and total alpha males, with strong and sweet heroines. She makes her readers cry - sob their eyes out, swoon, curse, rage and fall in love. Mostly known as the Queen of cliffhanger and the #evilauthorwithablacksoul, she likes to break her readers' hearts and then mend them again.

She uses all her spare time to write. If she is not studying, sleeping, writing or working - she can found with her nose buried in a good romance book, preferably with a hot alpha male.

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5 stars
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Profile Image for Mali Mor ❤️ The Romantic Blogger.
454 reviews624 followers
June 25, 2020
i-dare-you

The book begins where the first book ends - and the truth is, it has been so long that I have almost completely forgotten what it about ... 🙈
But after reading my previous review, like the first one, this prologue also starts with a big BANG: Maddox is desperate and Lila is heartbroken - but what happened between them that led to this situation...? 💥💥💥

📚 "𝙒𝙚 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙪𝙜𝙡𝙮, 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙚 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙩. 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙗𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨. 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙚. 𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨." 📚

Than, the plot goes back to the time when they were best friends in Paris - and after their crazy dare, they spend a hot night together... after which, nothing can ever be the same between them. 💣
But they are so different - Lila is insecure and Maddox is battling his own demons... They were best friends, but can they become more? Or maybe they'll just lose everything...? 😱😱😱

Maddox and Lila are so intense, whether they were friends, enemies or lovers. They fight each other, push boundaries and try to break one other - But they are always there, when one of them falls. This is a book about second chances and forgiveness... anger and hate... love and hope. 💛

📚 "𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙚𝙣𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚, 𝙇𝙞𝙡𝙖 𝙂𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙞𝙖.” 📚

The plot went from sexual tension (in the first book) - to a lot of hot and steamy sex (in this one) - it wasn't a bad thing, because they were SO HOT together (Lila was still a little annoying but Maddox's dirty mouth? Yummy!!! 🔥😋) but there were parts that it was a bit too much for my liking... 😬
Plus, they certainly made quite a few stupid decisions along the way that made me roll my eyes, like I felt in the first book - yet I enjoyed this one much more. 💛
This book was fun, intense, full of dramas and totally filthy!!! 🔥🔥🔥

ARC

*** 𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟 𝔸ℝℂ 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ***

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💕 לקריאת הסקירה בעברית, כנסו לבלוג: https://books-romance.com/ 💕
Profile Image for vee.
885 reviews397 followers
October 11, 2021
well this was messy

so I was expecting more from this (considering i loved the 1st book), but the the constant back & forth were pretty unnecessary imo, they could’ve just talk and listen to one another to avoid the whole drama. i live for drama & angst, tolerate a lot of ott shit in books too, but this one was just plain stupid. when the drama was revealed i was like,



the constant fucking got me bored more than anything. I get that it's trying to make up for lost time from the 1st book, but I was here for the tension. so no, I don't really care that much for the actual constant fucking. though smut’s cool, too much will get old. honestly prefer smut-less book than sexfest. also, I didn’t have any problem w/ lila before but here she was pretty annoying.

as a slow burn lover, i’m all about the chase, the development between the characters before they decided to be together, it’s really rare for me to care about the relationship after they’re together (there’s a lot of books that did it right & kept me interested still, just not this one), overall still enjoyable, I still finished this in a day (just skimmed the repetitive smut scenes)

11 oct : why this is showing on my feeds idunno ignore it but aww im missing maddoc-lila (book 1 tho)
Profile Image for Bella -.
124 reviews145 followers
January 23, 2021


4,4 or 4,5 in between Stars

“Love is messy… love is ugly. Love is roses and thorns. Love is… unconditional. You don’t give up on love. You fight and fight… and fight for it, because it is worth every tear, every ache… every smile, every laugh.”

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Wow, there, I thought Maddox would be a compassionate lover. This sexual Maddox at the beginning is an - I own the world because of my big cock type of - alpha (basically who he was in the first book, but because they were best friends I thought maybe he would act differently towards Lylah) – Not that I couldn’t like this Maddox (definitely, the heart wants what it wants). Plus, in my eyes, he managed to be a good lover throughout the book, like how he managed to be a best friend.

PROS

*All the sexual acts

*Even though Maddox's parents are not so favorable, I liked that they were rooting for Lila.

*‘‘I dare you’’ elements

*I still love both Lila, Maddox, and them as a couple. I like their couple balance. I ship this couple. Seriously I ship this couple so hard.

''You are not the damsel in distress, but I still want to be your knight, Lila.”

FOOTNOTES

*Maddox has a hard vulgar language – If you can handle his speaking and manage to love his personality the way he is he might be your guy too. With all of his cockiness, his charms totally worked on me, he is very lovely and sweet too.

“I am serious. I’ll give you romance, flowers and all, with a side of dick to go with it.”

*Both Lila and Maddox are overdramatic, real drama queens, afraid of love and heartbreak like hell. (Oh, young love)



*Of course, there are: you are mine, I am yours, his, her,… blah blah… This much possessiveness always personally irritates me and makes me feel uncomfortable but they love it, so who am I to judge?

*I forgot to mention this in my first book's review but Netflix advertisement much?

*Sexism does still exist in this book, but where it doesn't? (Shame)

WHAT YOU WILL GET

The first book was the slowest burn, but this book is on FIRE!
SEX + SEX + MANY MORE SEX…

“That’s four years of sexual frustration, Lila. Trust me, I’m not nearly done with you. In fact, I’m just getting started.”



then about %50 DRAMA comes...



AND They both act so dramatically to those drama elements.
Especially Lila acted really annoying for a specific moment, but sadly I could relate to her sense of logic… (I have to say, this might drive many crazy for real!)

“You didn’t leave me once, Lila. You walked away from me three times.”
...
“The third time was the worst. ... and I needed you. But you walked away, without a second glance.”


BUT with all this drama happening there is always sexual tension in between.

OVERALL

*%50 Sex + % 50 drama

*The amount of ‘‘drama’’ words I used in this review might explain how dramatic this book is. If soap opera angst + telenovela vibe works for you too, you might also love this book as much as I do!

*If there’s no drama there’s sex. So much sex, hard sex, anger sex, public sex, angst sex, nonsex-sex… Yeah, too much sex. BUT after everything that happens, It offers a lovely and cuddlesome HEA.

*Shortly Great MCs, good story, awesome couple, lovely HEA.

*This ‘‘drama + sex’’ combination works perfectly for me and I love this duo soo much. So much that Miss Lylah James earned my loyalty with one shot. Oh, I will be reading more from her.

“Pinky promise? One last time?”
“There’s no one last time. We’re forever, Baby.”


Profile Image for ❤️ Nanda ❤️.
781 reviews422 followers
July 2, 2020
❤️ Follow me on Instagram 💋

I'm giving 3.75⭐ for this one...
I really liked the friendship and how things evolve between Maddox and Lila.
They always share a deep connection and I was cheering for them since book one... But then they surrender to their libido and ruined their friendship?
It's a lot of unnecessary drama between them and I won't even start with all the trust issues and lies.
I looooved how good they were together, and I hated that Lila just walk away when Maddox needed most.
Their couple relationship were based in sex... So a lot of misunderstandings and avoidable situations happened between them.
Their love were strong and fierce but also stubborn and messed up.
I loved that in the end, Maddox was able to built some kinda of relationship with his parents, and Lila got closure from her past.
Their happy ending was beautiful and perfect...
But I'm still struggling with unnecessary drama and the pace of the story.
This could be an amazing 5 star Standalone, but with all the dragging is just a 3.5 stars duet, in my opinion.
Profile Image for Anne OK.
4,110 reviews555 followers
August 1, 2020


The first installment was terrific and the beginning of what I thought was going to be a great duet. It left readers hanging from a cliff begging for a hand-out. But, as so often happens, the second installment fizzled and left me totally bummed.

Heads-up – it’s recommended that you read the first book so you’ll get acquainted with the characters in the early stages of their relationship. While the first part of the duet was more of a slow burn build from friendship, this one explodes H-O-T-to-trot right out of the gate straight to the finish line.

I’m going to be blunt and straightforward when I say that I was sorely disappointed in this book. So, prepare yourselves because I’m about to start with a major rant. That old adage “less is more” enters the picture far too frequently. The graphic and vulgar language and detailed minute-to-minute sexual encounters between these two grew old real fast. Not every time, but most, it was a case of sex on steroids – rough and way over-the-top page-filler – same-old each and every time – downright boring and had me skimming too often– nothing emotional about it – just rote sexual acts with no enticing intimacy.

I struggled with the relationship being based mostly on the sex. Maddox was a mess in this book. And Lila was a crier. A little less of that – the drama-escapades that included lies and trust issues and maybe the book would have succeeded in a more meaningful feel overall. Otherwise, it was minus the passion and breathless magic of real love.

The dares between Lila and Maddox got a little out of hand in my opinion. They played it like some kind of psychological warfare – always managing to mess things up between them. Sometimes, you can get too much of a good thing as was the case here.

The dirty talk also got old and boring real fast. Every conversation began and ended with some four letter word. After so many F-bombs, I hit my limit, and started yelling “Screw you!” And then there was the case of Lila’s a$$. Maddox totally made an ass out of himself by constantly going on and on and on about that particular part of her body on a never-ending cycle -- enough to fill three books.

Lots of missing words and bad editing popped up in this book that I didn’t notice in the first one. Originally due to be released in February 2020, it didn’t hit the one-click button option until four months later in June. So maybe the author was hurriedly trying to make deadline or amends to her readers, but whatever the reason, it was still disappointing.

Readers will find I Dare You to be a hot, steamy and whirlwind enemies-to-friends-to-lovers romance between two very opinionated, fiery, frustrating and demonstrative personalities – both of whom are carrying some tough baggage around. But there’s so much unnecessary angsty page-filler that it chokes the main plot. The book would have been just fine without those additions. Believe me, Lila and Maddox alone could have used the extra pages to haul themselves out of doomsday scenarios.

Definitely a case where the first book set the standard high, and the second book didn’t get there. So this time around I wasn’t a happy camper and can’t say I enjoyed much of the wrap-up. I know I’m in the minority on my feelings, but sometimes that’s what happens.

At least the cute epilogue several years forward put a twinkle in my eye and a smile on my face, so that was a plus – even though Maddox was still yapping non-stop about Lila’s rear-end!

Profile Image for Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora).
2,420 reviews302 followers
June 16, 2020

Rate: 5 / 5 stars

Uh let me tell you... the wait? It was worth it!

Maddox and Lila are a wild freaking ride!! They're fun, filthy and so angsty! I Dare You is perfection!

Maddox Coulter is on another level of hotness man. I hadn't read a hero like him in a while. He's so filthy and delicious. My my. Lila is one lucky lady.

There were some questionable decisions these two made that well felt pretty stupid but it all added to the angst factor and y'all know how much I love my angst. But for real... even those decisions were made out of love and to protect each other and I loved that. These two had the most amazing connection and love for each other. Their journey was complicated, sad at times but also so great and beautiful! Their love man, their love *sigh*

There were so many things I loved omg. Their week spent in Paris was amazing! I freaking loved reading that part and my hands were hitching to edit those scenes. Once they go back home, it's so cute to see them start really dating and exploring this new dimension of their relationship. They are so fun and cute.

There is a lot of stuffing happening in their lives that combusts in a bad break up, we all read that last chapter in Do You Dare... well there was so much I hadn't expected to happen and it all added to the turmoil and angst regarding these two. So many emotional moments. The back and forth. Push and pull. The lies. The need to make each other hurt. Darn my heart suffered along side them. But even when they were suffering and pretending to hate each other, they were looking out for one another and gah I just loved that about these two!!! They truly were a fantastic couple, even in the midst of the mess they made.

I Dare You is amazing! It's a beautiful, angsty conclusion to Maddox and Lila that you need more than you know. And have I mentioned how filthy it is too? Maddox is a dirty talker and I was so here for it! And y'all the freaking epilogue had me swooning. It was sooooo cute.

➳ARC kindly provided by author, in exchange for an honest review.

➳ Follow me on: BlogInstagramFacebook Twitter
Profile Image for mel ☽.
374 reviews12.4k followers
December 5, 2020
#1: do you dare?3.75 stars
#2: i dare you(tbr)

i can't wait to read my bb's HEA

Profile Image for Sakshi.
259 reviews51 followers
January 13, 2022
First things first, I can't really believe this is the same author who have written 'A Vow of Hate'. I mean, there are similarities (like the characters acting crazy and immature beings), but the writing skill, I believe, is different.

Secondly, I wanted to read this series, because the cover of 'Dare to Love' (which is books: 'I Dare You' and 'Do You Dare' Duet + bonus scenes). Yeah, I did become a shallow person to judge a book by its cover. (My friend, Rosh, will definitely attest to it! 🤣🤣) Oh, but the cover is so beautiful! 😍😍😍 Pinky swear!!!

This was a enemies to friends to bestfriends to lovers romance.
Maddox and Lila.

“So foolishly in love, doing foolish things, and protecting each other like a fool.”

Um, that would sum the entire review and the duet. 🤣

(P.S. In the bonus Christmas Novella, Lila was suffering from Postpartum depression. Some would think it was unnecessary. But we forget there's always a story after HEA. So, I respect and commend the author to discuss such an issue. Many women don't come forward because they feel guilty. By talking about such topics in open would help them to feel less alone, and guide them to talk, and navigate through their emotions.)
Profile Image for Rohina .
582 reviews139 followers
June 19, 2020
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I don't know... I'm just meh about the book. This could very well be the case of "It's not you, it's me" since I am definitely in the minority but you never know.
While I did finish the book in under a day, I wasn't bursting at the seams trying to find out what was going on. Additionally, the climax fell a bit flat for me. All of this angst and secrets piling up and then poof it all comes down. It also kinda doesn't help when everything is right in front of me and I could guess what was happening.


2.5 Stars! It was okay.

Buy I Dare You? (Kindle)
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*ARC gifted by the author in exchange for an honest review.*
Profile Image for Sentranced Jem.
1,232 reviews613 followers
June 22, 2020
3.5 stars

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Hmmmm… I am slightly confused about how to go about this book.
On one hand, I admit that I Dare You is HOT. The “you have no idea how hot their chemistry by me just saying it out loud…you have to read it!”
There is also a part of me that is completely swept off my feet by Maddox and Lyla’s love story….Swoon worthy.
BUT! BUT! BUT! There is also a part of me that acknowledges the fact that I felt a little let down. The drama at times felt a tad dramatic and convenient (like the story of Maddox’s parents) and there were also moments where I sort of figured out where the plot line was headed…oh! I was so bummed when it came true.

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Overall, I more than enjoyed this book. If there is one thing that you can count on when it comes to a Lylah James book…it’s the unbelievably AMAZING relationship between the hero and the heroine. It is downright sexy AF, swoony as hell…like the type that makes you envious of these fictional characters.
Profile Image for nikita.
148 reviews64 followers
July 15, 2020
THREE STARS
This book was an easy read but was fully loaded with angst. Lylah james’s writing was brilliant. The quotes she writes… wow im a fan

“This isn’t the movies. Or a romance book. It’s real, and it’s going to hurt."

I have been desperately waiting for this book for what seems like ages. The first book in the duet, Do you dare was pretty good and I loved it but the second book is a let down probably because I thought this book might be something else considering the time gap between the publishing date and hence, I had quite high expectations from this book.

The first thirty to forty percent of the book was sex. Just sex.
Pure sex.
Sex in paris.
Sex in the hallway.
Sex on the roof.
Sometimes I even skipped a few pages because it was too much sex ugh. I don’t have a problem with sex scenes i like them but there was just too much sex in the beginning of this book and honestly, it seemed like a plot deflection. Further, the climax felt flat judging by the secrets that were pilling up.

"Lila was sweet like an angel and as devious as a she devil."

I really liked Lila Garcia in the first book she seemed strong, and a person with an adequate amount of sassiness who took a stand for themselves whenever necessary but in the book she downright acted as a drama queen. Yeah we get it Maddox fucked up but her reactions seemed a bit too much and after a while poof she was all buddy buddy with him.

"Maddox was a king, and he wore his crown, filled with thorns, with an unmatched arrogance and a dirty smirk to go with it."

Coming to Maddox Coulter , he was a cocky asshole with a capital c. Sex was the solution to almost every problem for him. Sometimes it was just too cocky and it became cringy.

It scared me. being so addicted to him
God, it scared me shitless.
And this was why...
"Maddox?" He hummed. "What?"
"Can you promise me something?"
"Babe, I'm dick deep inside your soft pussy. You can ask me anything and I'd say 'yes' before you can finish your sentence."
I gave him an internal eyeroll. Of course, I should have known he'd spout some shit like that. Maddox had a one-track mind.


This scene got on my nerves. Lila wanted to talk about a serious topic and here Mr Cocky goes with his dick comments. I can list more than five of my highlights in which Maddox was being his cocky annoying sex fiend self. Yeah I get it the character is supposed to be this arrogant jerk but oh my god it got so annoying reading about Maddox and his magical dick.

I wanted to rate this book two and a half stars but I couldn’t because of the epilogue. Lylah does know how to deliver an out of the world epilogue. It was the best part of book I was smiling like an idiot throughout it. It basically is a seven years later breakfast scene with Maddox and Lila’s children and aahh the cuteness in that scene made me soft.
Profile Image for julia.
36 reviews15 followers
August 27, 2020
(ARC review)

Lila and Maddox.

Where do I even start?

I say this a thousand times with every book character I love but with them? I truly felt like they were a part of me. This book ripped into my heart and somehow despite the heartache of those chapters when I was sobbing into my pillow while frantically trying to clear my eyes of my tears, i have never felt such an immense love for characters (besides Lylah’s other books.)

I always tell myself that while reading Lylah’s books, I possibly can’t fall in love with yet another character of hers but the way she writes is simply beautiful, especially with Lila and Maddox.

Their moments of dares and laughter then seconds later, they are breaking each others hearts. You get angry, you smile unbelievable big and the rush of feelings comes. the despair, the heartache, the pain, the longing and then the love, the happiness. Despite the anger of Lila and Maddox, you knew that they couldn’t stay away from each other. when lila was upset, I felt every. single. emotion. When Maddox was afraid, my heart seized up and I felt like my chest was closing in on me

Maddox was faced with the reality of several different things all the while he thought he was losing Lila while she was faced with revelations & realized she couldn’t hate Maddox no matter how hard she tried. maddox and Lila were irrevocably in love with each other and it took them a while to realize it but they knew all along. They knew that they were made for each other.

If you haven’t saved this to your tbr along with do you dare, i promise you, that it will not disappoint.

also who decided 5 stars was enough? give me 10 stars pls.



“pinky promise? one last time?” his pinky tightened around mine.

“theres no one last time. we’re forever baby.”

also the sex and the tension was some of THE hottest stuff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ✨ Lucy ✨.
328 reviews91 followers
July 4, 2020

WOW
I couldn't wish for a better end for this beautiful and tormented story.
I loved every single page of this book.
I wasn't able to put it down until I find out what was gonna happen .
After some pretty big bombs were dropped ,and after some heart broken plot twists I didn't know how their relationship was going to survive .



But at the end I'm always sure of one think:
if they're meant to be they'll find their way back to each other...

Profile Image for vanessa.
219 reviews19 followers
October 23, 2020
SO GOOD.
the smut, the pain, the love....
AAAAAAAHHHHHHH
Profile Image for Zainab M..
188 reviews24 followers
June 13, 2020
I Dare You (Truth and Dare Duet #2) by Lylah James conclude its run in the most aching way. Kicking things off from Book 1, it takes off right where it ended with Maddox confronting Lila after a night of thorough fucking and daring her to Stay! This story felt like a game of TRUTH AND DARE & LOVE to me. Between friends, who are as stubborn as Ox. Bull heads, both of them.

IDY shows a remarkable growth of Maddox's character in a painstakingly breathtaking manner. He undergoes through various phases : Lust - Heartbreak - Misunderstanding - Longing - Love - Playful - Angry - Hurt and what not. Narrated from dual POVs, I truly enjoyed each and every single line, much less the chapters. Time didn't seem to matter as I went on reading, devouring this story. Through out the process, my kindle stayed on fire. If you felt they were short on romance or sex in book 1, James satisfies us with more than enough for a lifetime in this phase. For a reader to get as enthralled as I was, would be a big freaking deal for sure. When friendship crosses a boundary, there's no going back to the old ways; no matter how hard you deny or try. There's an invisible line between friendship and love - once you tread past it, one or both of you are bound to hurt by either one's actions. I guess, the same could be said for both Maddox and Lila. There wasn't much to hate. Though, I felt Lila behaving extreme too much or at times, felt her negative vibes through the story straight to my brain. Yes, it felt fuzzy to like her but given the situation, if I, as a woman, in love with an asshole is put through the same, I wouldn't behave any less than this little dragon.

IDY deals with heartbreak the most. While the couple tries their best to hold on to their budding relationship, things tend to go haywire when past comes knocking their door. It's only a matter of time until their friendship cum love turns into something indistinguishable. And neither of them seem to have even thought about the destruction that their lies might bring. In a con to protect each other, both of them fall hard into the pit of lies, misunderstanding, hate and absurdity. But, hold on there tigers! There is much more than the measly fights. Living lives with constant Dares might be the next best idea to save their budding love. I felt each emotion. Each tear. Each thud of their hearts. Each reunion. Each shatter of their hearts. I cried with them and laughed with them. I screamed at them and thwarted my surroundings with them - such is the power of Lylah James' writing. She made me fall in love with MALA all over again. She made me hate Lila. And she made me cry for Savannah Coulter with her emotional speeches. The dialogues were painfully throbbing throughout my heart. After each chapter or a particular scene, I had to take a breath. It was all too much and all too less. I could not settle for one emotion at all. That what makes this author my favorite of all time. She made me wait for this story for quite long but I'll say this, wholeheartedly, I DARE YOU was worth every frustrating second of my time. I'm sure it'll be yours too.

Let's fight with Lila to save Maddox, again. Let's fight with Maddox to keep Lila his forever, again and again. I DARE YOU to read one of the achiest books of 2020 by Lylah James now. It had ANGST. STEAM. An Asshole Alpha Male who is possessive, obsessive, romantic, teasing, broken and everything that is Maddox Coulter, A Sassy Garcian who is every bit of fiery and feisty to match our hero's temper and we get the perfect cast of supportive characters to back the story up.

- I thank the author for providing a complementary copy in exchange for an honest review -
Profile Image for Book Maniac Forever.
1,147 reviews390 followers
June 17, 2020

⭐️ 5 "Little Dragon" Stars ⭐️
I impatiently waited for the conclusion of the Truth and Dare Duet and I Dare You didn't disappoint in the least. The wait was totally worth it! Lylah James penned an intense sequel to Do You Dare? packed with all feels that had me utterly captivated!

In the first novel, I adored Lila and Maddox’s magical relationship. Their friendship with a palpable underlying attraction was powerful and entertaining and the slow burn romance was killing me. In this second book, we can finally appreciate this amazing pair as a real couple and it’s just everything I wanted! Their physical pull is as compelling as their emotional bond and let me tell you that the sexy encounters they share are so freaking hot!! Maddox with his dirty mouth is just something else! Every occasion is good for him to be crude and funny at the same time. This smug guy is so charming and irresistible truly! Lila is the same little spitfire we met in book one, always ready to put Maddox in his place when he’s too much. Their relationship evolves beautifully into a romance that had me delighted!

Their happily ever after isn’t easy to obtain though, with some unexpected difficulties in their way changing their dynamic. The friendship turned love story turns around again and both Maddox and Lila are struggling with their new separation. As much as their love is evident, they have some hurdles to overcome before finally seeing the light. All the back and forth between them was so heartbreaking; the angst level reaching a new peak!

Between sweet and funny moments, emotional and highly seductive scenes, Lila an Maddox enraptured me completely in I Dare You! Lylah James created the perfect ending to a fantastic duet! This story is the perfect new adult romance!!!

** ARC received in exchange for an honest review **
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
41 reviews13 followers
June 13, 2020
THIS IS MY REVIEW FROM THE ARC. There may be some spoilers so FAIR WARNING.

Where do I even begin? Maddox and Lila? I LOVE THEM.

I remember reading Do You Dare and feeling so much tension and passion between these characters like I’ve never felt before. Every time they dared each other my heart broke but beat 100 times faster. Their need to push each other’s boundaries doesn’t seem to end in I Dare You.

I Dare You starts off right where we left off. In pain. So much hurt. Crying! GOSH I CRIED. Maddox realizing he was losing Lila...

The book takes us through the reality of a relationship that is based on passion, obsession, addiction, and love. Lila learns to put her heart on the line for Maddox. Maddox learns that his love for Lila goes beyond the kisses and the love making. HE IS TRULY CAPTIVATED AND IN LOVE WITH LILA. He happens to make mistakes that cost him the trust Lila put on him.

Be prepared to be fall in love, to hurt, and feel some of the most excruciating pain. Watching my favorite characters hurt each other and fight against their true intentions and feelings had me gasping for air.

Lila and Maddox are one of a kind. Their relationship is possible one of the most realistic relationships I’ve come across in fiction. Making them one of my all time favorites! Lylah never ceases to amaze me on the way she writes the most beautiful and chaotic stories. It’s intense! ♥️

The pinky promises? PERFECT.

Those longing stares and smiles. The blushing. The groaning. Pardon my French, THE HOTTEST FUCKING I’VE READ. Their sex and love making doesn’t compare! OOOOOF SO HOT.

But most importantly, I Dare You is a book about learning how to TRUST, LISTEN, and LOVE UNCONDITIONALLY.

Lila and Maddox learn all of this. Through ups and downs they manage to find themselves and to find each other.

Quote from the book that sums up everything I felt:

“But it was the intimacy that had my heart clenching and stomach fluttering like a silly teenage girl with a new crush.”

ALSO, LYLAH...babe, any plans for...RILEY, COLTON, and GRAYSON?? 👀 I LOVE RILEY!! 💞

In conclusion, this duet deserves ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Not only was the epilogue PERFECT, it was the most realistic closure! There are books that leave you wondering “wait, that’s it?? What happens now??” BUT, I Dare You is wonderful in having the perfect closure to one of my favorite stories and couples of all time!

THANK YOU LYLAH ♥️

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Aundi Living That Book Life.
796 reviews63 followers
June 19, 2020
5 Little Dragon Crowns

Pics-Art-06-17-06-24-17

I have been dying for the conclusion to this duet, simply dying and Lylah did not disappoint. It was worth every single soul crushing minute we had to wait, to get our hands on this tumultuous romance. She has crafted such an addictive, unputdownable read that will have you incapacitated until you’re finished! Lylah will have you on the edge of your seat with all the twists, turns and revelations that are sure to have your heart beating uncontrollably and your palms sweaty with anticipation.

Lila wasn’t monochrome in my black and white world, she was a kaleidoscope of colors.

This story takes place immediately where book 1 ended. And where in book one we got blue balls waiting for the steam this book throws you right into it. And let me tell you Lylah writes some damn hot scenes. Maddox and Lila are pure freaking FIRE!!! Their passion and chemistry are off the charts hot, nearly causing my Kindle to spontaneously burst into flames. And Maddox is without a doubt one of the most possessive Alphaholes that I have read this year, and I am absolutely obsessed with him and his filthy, flithy mouth.

He was King, and he wore his crown, filled with thorns, with an unmatched arrogance and a dirty smirk to go with it.

I cannot adequately put into words how much I love Maddox and Lila. They are so intense together in whatever state they are currently in; whether that’s friends, enemies, or lovers. Their emotions run so powerful and vibrant, they are this collision of so many feelings and thoughts. They hate and love equally with this pure force that is enough to heal them or decimate them at any given time. And all these feelings just pour from the pages in such a visceral way that you become consumed by them causing your soul to ache for this beautifully broken couple.

“You’re no princess, and I’m no prince charming.” She rolled her eyes.
“What are you then?” “Your king, Baby.”


Both Maddox and Lila have a lot of growing up to do in this book. They are so incredibly stubborn, and bull headed that many of their mistakes could have been prevented had they just talked to each other. But it’s those mistakes that bring them ultimately closer together. Lila has always been insecure and runs away instead of facing her feelings and it’s in this book where she doesn’t have that option anymore. And watching as she realizes her mistakes and tries to rectify them was gratifying to watch. And Maddox what he goes through in this book broke my heart but his growth though different than Lila’s was equally as important. Ultimately you get to see Maddox in a whole new light that is sure to make your panties wet and have you falling even more in love with him.

Her lips were swollen and red, ravished. Beautiful. Mine.

Lylah has created something so real and genuine with this couple. Maddox and Lila’s journey is not an easy one, they go through so many trials and tribulations both of them making many mistakes. But it’s the purity of their love and the soul deep connection that brings them together, and even though their journey was not easy it was theirs and it was PERFECTION. I couldn’t have asked for a better conclusion to this duet. Lylah absolutely SLAYED this, if I could give it more stars I would!!!

Voluntarily Reviewed an Advanced Complimentary Copy
Profile Image for Diana.
691 reviews166 followers
June 20, 2020
goodreads2

Do You Dare? (Truth And Dare Duet, #1) Review

WORTH THE WAIT. Smutty, Emotional & Twisty
*arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*

What’s this book about? (I'm trying to give as little spoilers as possible)
Maddox and Lila finally get there, to the point they’ve been after for so long. But he’s not telling Lila everything and that might be the thing that breaks them.

This is the long-awaited conclusion to the Truth And Dare Duet and it was everything I wanted and needed! Lylah James kept us waiting, but the end result was so worth it. I loved being back in Maddox and Lila’s world. Their chemistry is out of this world. Their steamy scenes are scorching hot. Their banter is hilarious. Maddox is such a lovable legend, but he is also infuriating sometimes LOL. I had a couple of issues at some point where I ended up yelling at my Kindle. But Maddox ended up turning it around in the end. Lila is a strong heroine and I admire her a lot even though I don’t agree with her level of righteousness. Here, she showed how much she’s worth as a person and that’s a lot. Maddox is very lucky to have her in his life. FOR REAL. When she snapped…. UFF, GO GET IT, GIRL.
The premise of the story is not very mysterious, but I feel like that’s the intention anyway. We get to go on an emotional rollercoaster with Maddox and Lila guiding us through doom and wonder.
I recommend this to fans of steamy enemies to lovers, feisty and gorgeously kind lead heroines, and lovably hot lead jocks. And a love story that has you hooked from that very first page in DO YOU DARE?.

ORIGINAL COMMENT: LOVELY. Worth the wait. So emotional. EVERYTHING I WANTED.

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Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
807 reviews715 followers
September 10, 2021
Such an unexpected book of perfection. Okay it wasn’t actually perfect, but I loved every single second of reading.

First, there was so much angst. Second, a great amount of groveling from BOTH Lila and Maddox. Third, they had an insane amount of chemistry. Fourth, the spice was amazing. Fifth, the ending was so fucking beautiful I could have cried.

Maddox and Lila truly loved each other so much. I never could get tired of the two of them. They both equally messed up in this book, but it was so worth it because they got such a good happy ever after. So many aspects (that I won’t spoil) of this story made the slow burn of the first book worth it. I honestly am a bit speechless with how much I loved this and the writing was incredible.

I also loved every side character and the family aspect to these book. Def recommend to read asap if this has been on your tbr because I wish I read it sooner.
Profile Image for Bia.
275 reviews6 followers
May 25, 2021
4.5 stars

First of all i wanted to say how much i love maddoxlila and their history.

”Love is messy… love is ugly. Love is roses and thorns. Love is… unconditional. You don’t give up on love. You fight and fight… and fight for it, because it is worth every tear, every ache… every smile, every laugh.”

This book only served to show how much i am in love with this couple, i confess that in the first 30% i was a little discouraged with reading because i was having a lot of unnecessary things (a lot of sex) but soon it was over, i loved all the drama, angst, broken heart, i cried three times reading but in the end my heart just got warm with them... and seriously i’m so proud of both, finally seeing how much they have evolved in this relationship and taking on their mistakes and learning from it.

And i couldn't not saying how much i loved seeing Maddox's relationship with his family finally being a good thing, they had to go through a bad time to wake up but i thought it was beautiful, and of course Lila finally rested because of her parents.

”Lila Garcia… I dare you to be my wife. I dare you to spend the rest of your life with me. I dare you to make me the happiest man by saying yes.”

These two won my heart, and this book only served to have a beautiful conclusion to this story, they are soul mates, like literally... what i love most about them and see how much they complete each other, and love each other and are always there one for the other, and the EPILOGUE just perfect. and i hope Lylah give me a Riley book.
Profile Image for C.P. Mandara.
Author 35 books538 followers
October 24, 2020
Utterly brilliant.

So, while the first book was a slow burn, this certainly wasn't. There was plenty of heat, and lots of angst which is exactly how I like it. Maddox was endearingly scuffed and ripped around the edges, and Lila is the perfect antidote for him... before it all goes horribly wrong.

Then all of my questions were finally answered as we learn a bit of backstory to Maddox's upbringing. The author kept me guessing on that one until right the very end.

All in all, a brilliant series!
Profile Image for Inês.
361 reviews39 followers
March 28, 2021
This duology both broke and mended me.
All the angst and the waiting... Let’s just say I’m still recovering.
But then the short novella was like a balm.

Truly a great and beautiful story. A bit too angsty at times but still so amazing.

Again, Maddox and Lila’s connection... *swoons*
They went a long way before they were able to love and protect each other in the right way, but it was so worth it.

5-pinky-promise-stars ✨
Profile Image for • Island Queen Reads • Ofa •.
765 reviews90 followers
June 15, 2020
I Dare You is book 2 and the finale in the Truth and Dare Duet, and it's a rollercoaster ride of ANGST. I can't believe it's over. I'm at a loss for words on how I'm feeling right now. I'm happy but I'm not. It's just this deep feeling of dissatisfaction in my gut because I didn't want to leave the world of Maddox Coulter and Lila Garcia. If I could stay in their world forever, I would. I hate endings as much as I love them because I always have trouble separating myself. It leaves me satisfied and dissatisfied at the same time. It makes absolutely no sense but that's what has me so annoyed about it.

I love this duet because of how completely different it is from this author's usual work. I don't know how to describe it but this book is pure sorcery. It wasn't anything big but it's like a deadly viper, the feelings, the angst, the pain, and the love slowly slithers around your body and then grips onto your heart with no intention of letting go. It took me by surprise how much this made me ACHE.

We pick up where book one left off and there is a pivotal change in the relationship Maddox and Lila share, and it's anyone guess how it turns out. These two bugged the shit out of me. They had a serious communication problem. I feel like most of the drama could have been avoided if they just talked (even if they had to scream) everything out. And most of their problems were of their own making which was sooo frustrating and made so mad. But alas, that would be too easy. There was so much unnecessary pain and heartache but I think it was something they both needed to go through. If you think about their ages, they are definitely still young and it was something they needed to deal with so they could grow up a bit.

I loved this book! We went from so much sexual tension and banter in the first book, to just non-stop sex, which I am definitely not complaining about. I loved watching these two together. They were already best friends, so that transition from friendship to love-ship was so wholesome. They made me feel things, they made me ACHE. Literally ache with feeling. There is soooo much angst and the emotions messed with my head. I'm lying in bed, feeling like I left a piece of myself with them.

This is a book about forgiveness, second chances, healing, and love but it's also about anger, hatred, and obsession. It's a love potion for one of my favorite couples ever. You won't regret taking a chance on these two. They are everything you need and more.
Profile Image for heareads (Debbie).
742 reviews61 followers
June 17, 2020
Overall Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+

Holy Maddox! Where can I find me one?!?!

We’ve been waiting a little for the conclusion, but Lylah does not disappoint in the story she brings. The all-consuming love and passion completely takes over and I was totally swept away in it.

“I’ll treat you like a princess, but I’ll fuck you like an animal, like the dirty pervert I am, because you like it.”

Maddox. What. A. Man. What we didn’t get in DYD was dirty Maddox. But he sure makes up for it in IDY. His mouth if filthy, his demands enough for you to drop to your knees, his love intense and his heart is pure gold. And although he had this side to him, he is also tortured, hiding behind guilt, which broke my heart with his pain and struggle.

Book one gave us the building and almost unbearable tension between them and this book brought the angst. I wanted to scream at them. Particularly Lila as I felt she was too hard and stubborn at times towards MY Maddox, he was only looking out for her ☺️. But that is Lila’s character, who she stayed true to.

I hate that moment when you feel the change coming and know it’s going to destroy the couple. From the ending in DYD, we knew it was coming, yet it still hurt, particularly because we were so swept up in them. I understood how Lila felt and I admired her strength unlike a lot of heroines who forgive easily, she isn’t one of them and vowed to stay away from him. Maddox, on the other hand, went a little crazy and started to lose himself and the only person able to bring him back was the only person who didn’t want him back.

There is so much in this story, secrets, lies, twists and turns making it an enjoyable angst-filled read. The book makes you take note that love is ugly and how you must fight for it to survive, especially when two souls were meant to be.

“Before Maddox… I didn’t really know me”

I absolutely devoured this book, to the point I was obsessed. Maddox and Lila are everything, they are all consuming and one of my favourite couples I’ve read in a long time. I definite must-read.

To end though. That epilogue, pure perfection, I could clearly picture the scene in front of me, giving me all the feels ❤️. Outstanding.

ARC received for an honest review

____________________
Overall Ratings;⁣
POV - Dual
Hero - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
Heroine - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
Steam - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+
Chemistry - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,800 reviews400 followers
June 13, 2020
I Dare You by Lylah James was incredible beyond my wildest imagination. This is sexy, sinful and downright dirty that gave me shivers and goosebumps. This is intensely emotional and brilliantly heartbreaking. My heart is wrecked and my soul is glowing from this mindblowing enemies to best friends to lovers romance.

Lila Garcia protected her heart and resisted her best friend Maddox Coulter as much as possible. The ahole badboy alpha and notorious playboy has broken his walls only to let Lila in. But friendship is not enough to cover all the soul deep feelings. But they are a disaster waiting to happen anytime. Secrets and lies will tear them apart. Their love will destroy them. Can two broken and shattered people find happily ever after?

I am mad for Maddox Coulter. His intensity is almost too much to bear. No can save my heart from the scorching hot sex appeal, cocky arrogance and broody personality. And when the author takes us inside his dark and tortured heart, you will be completely destroyed! Lila is the perfect soul mate for him. The nerdy girl with sass and fierceness in abundance brought him to his knees. She has her own tragedies and excruciating pain hidden inside. Together they are an imperfect couple. They break each other. They hurt each other with equal amount of desolate love! I could literally feel every tear and every wound in my heart! The chemistry was all consuming! Lylah James' words were no less than weapons and she made me bleed all the agonizing feels!

I Dare You is a messy, heart-rending, sultry and explosive romance by Lylah James. Be ready to get your heart ripped out from your chest and to feel the most gorgeous emotions!

Received ARC for honest review
Profile Image for M..
510 reviews735 followers
September 21, 2020
SO....... as you can see here →Do You Dare?, I didn't like the first book in this duet, and it took me six months and a great desire and need to read something painful and heartbreaking to finally read the second installment AND NOW I REALLY REGRET NOT HAVING DONE IT EARLIER, there you have it.

I just wanted to give this author that everyone seems to love a second chance and her mafia series was too long so I settle for finishing this, and it's like Lylah James knows exactly the kind of heartache and drama that I love and crave so I'll probably end up reading her other books at some point too

This is by no means a work of art or the most painful book in the world, but it made me feel things so four stars it is (more like 3.5 if I'm being honest but the epilogue,,,THE EPILOGUE!!! cutest thing ever and everything I love). I'm a sucker for soft epilogues after an emotional book and there's nothing I can do about it 🤧😭.
Profile Image for Sarah.
961 reviews22 followers
June 17, 2020
What do you do when one of your favorite duets is over? When one of your favorite couples' stories is complete? Well I'm about to start reading it all over again because I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH OF MADDOX AND LILA!!!! GAHHHH their story picked up right where it left off...in the city of love, Paris....

Once again, L James had me pulled in from the first pages of the Prologue with a broken and desperate Maddox and a heartbroken yet determined Lila. What had happened? The passion, love, hate, angst and deep connection that grew between these two in Do You Dare? was still there...the underlying current that hums throughout their story. But this pain went even deeper. Their story took a turn and their emotions and feelings were no longer surface-level or "just friends." But SO much more.

In this book, you will see Maddox & Lila fight both for and against each other. They push each other to their limits; they try and break the other down, yet are still there for the other when they fall; they give in to their attraction and feelings, but one is always second-guessing the other. They know each other better than anyone else, yet still can't figure out what it is that truly makes the other happy without breaking them. You will scream and cry for them; fall in love with their love, and then gasp and sigh at the lengths they will go to for the other, or to see the other crumble. The way they test each other is often painful at times, and yet L James writes their story so beautifully broken and emotionally stirring.

"We turned something beautiful into something ugly, without even realizing we were the reason for all the hurt. Our stubbornness. Our pride. Our need to protect each other in our own messy ways."

This quote sums up this book. They are messy, but they are EVERYTHING!!! My heart is still in my throat. My emotions are a wreck, and my senses are working overtime trying to catch up with Maddox and his sexy and charming ways. Oh this man broke me in this book! These two together are lightning, fireworks and a tsunami all rolled into one. They love, hate, fight, and protect at 150%. Their passion is all-consuming, and their boldness is jaw-dropping. I loved every single second of this book. I Dare You to read it and walk away thinking differently. Well done once again L James!!!
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