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A Sweet Mess #2
The Dating Dare
With witty characters and heartrending romance, Jayci Lee, author of A Sweet Mess, returns with The Dating Dare—where two people might just find out how hard it is to resist falling in love with the right person.
No serious relationships. This is the one rule Tara Park made for herself and it has been working swimmingly, thank you very much. The occasional fling is fine, especially since she’s busy with Weldon Brewery. But when Seth Kim, temptation personified and her best friend’s new brother-in-law walks into her life, Tara might be willing to bend her golden rule…but only for four dates—the four dates she agreed to after a few good rounds of beer and a game of truth or dare. It’ll be fun. No biggie.
Seth Kim can’t believe Tara agreed to his dating dare. He’s leaving for a new job in Paris in a month and a no-strings attached fling seemed like a nice little distraction for both… But their secret dates, while sweet and sexy, always hit roadblocks straight out of a romantic comedy. Thankfully, their non-dates and chance meetings are smoother, frequent, and heated. However, the more Seth sees of Tara, the less willing he is to let her go—and what was supposed to be a little fun game turns into something that neither of them are ready for.
But sometimes, the best things in life are the ones we never see coming.
No serious relationships. This is the one rule Tara Park made for herself and it has been working swimmingly, thank you very much. The occasional fling is fine, especially since she’s busy with Weldon Brewery. But when Seth Kim, temptation personified and her best friend’s new brother-in-law walks into her life, Tara might be willing to bend her golden rule…but only for four dates—the four dates she agreed to after a few good rounds of beer and a game of truth or dare. It’ll be fun. No biggie.
Seth Kim can’t believe Tara agreed to his dating dare. He’s leaving for a new job in Paris in a month and a no-strings attached fling seemed like a nice little distraction for both… But their secret dates, while sweet and sexy, always hit roadblocks straight out of a romantic comedy. Thankfully, their non-dates and chance meetings are smoother, frequent, and heated. However, the more Seth sees of Tara, the less willing he is to let her go—and what was supposed to be a little fun game turns into something that neither of them are ready for.
But sometimes, the best things in life are the ones we never see coming.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 3, 2021
333 people are currently reading
26686 people want to read
About the author
Jayci Lee
57 books1,257 followersJayci Lee writes poignant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud romance featuring Korean American main characters. Her books have been in O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, Hollywood Reporter, E! News, and Women’s World. Jayci is retired from her fifteen-year career as a litigator because of all the badass heroines and drool worthy heroes demanding to have their stories told. Food, wine and travel are her jam. She makes her home in sunny California with her tall-dark-and-handsome husband, two amazing boys, and a fluffy rescue.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,664 reviews
September 14, 2022
This book is extremely cuteeeee! Great 4S ( sweet, soft, swoon,smile) plus feel good reading which should be consumed with delicious bottle of chilled Sonoma-Cutrer rose, Ritz Toasted Chips and red pepper humus! I know how to turn my reading into a delicious book date, a literature feast, don’t I?
I saw some mixed reviews and I asked myself why people didn’t like this book so much! It’s so strange! I know there are cliches and a little cheesiness in the story but aren’t those most popular romcoms also having all of them? You know from the beginning how the story will improve, how MCs fall for them, how they fall apart, a little groveling and angst moments later we always get our marvelous happy ending!
And yes, this book works incredibly well with this formula! So you know what you will get in the end: extremely happy mood and smiling face. Aren’t we needing this kind of relaxation in our lives?
I also read Sweet Mess, but I’m telling you, I actually loved Tara and Seth a little bit more! Both of them are easy to connect and root for!
Their story is simple: they met at Tara’s best friend’s wedding. Seth was the youngest brother of the groom. Seth is leaving the town in a month for a new job in Paris and he offers dating dare including four dates.
Both of them are already suffering from old relationship baggages so they don’t look for anything serious but this dating dare seems like harmless game. No one can hurt. No one can fall for each other with four dates, right? You already know your answer and you already know their predicaments.
I enjoyed their dating experiences and their chemistry was steamy, nope, steamy is not enough to define it! They’re fiery, combustible, volcanic! Just get ready to hyperventilate when you follow their intimate and blooming romance!
Overall: Easy, fun, soft, so much likable four star reading for me. Highly recommended beach read or pop corn& wine read! I absolutely had so much fun!
Special thanks to St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts .
I saw some mixed reviews and I asked myself why people didn’t like this book so much! It’s so strange! I know there are cliches and a little cheesiness in the story but aren’t those most popular romcoms also having all of them? You know from the beginning how the story will improve, how MCs fall for them, how they fall apart, a little groveling and angst moments later we always get our marvelous happy ending!
And yes, this book works incredibly well with this formula! So you know what you will get in the end: extremely happy mood and smiling face. Aren’t we needing this kind of relaxation in our lives?
I also read Sweet Mess, but I’m telling you, I actually loved Tara and Seth a little bit more! Both of them are easy to connect and root for!
Their story is simple: they met at Tara’s best friend’s wedding. Seth was the youngest brother of the groom. Seth is leaving the town in a month for a new job in Paris and he offers dating dare including four dates.
Both of them are already suffering from old relationship baggages so they don’t look for anything serious but this dating dare seems like harmless game. No one can hurt. No one can fall for each other with four dates, right? You already know your answer and you already know their predicaments.
I enjoyed their dating experiences and their chemistry was steamy, nope, steamy is not enough to define it! They’re fiery, combustible, volcanic! Just get ready to hyperventilate when you follow their intimate and blooming romance!
Overall: Easy, fun, soft, so much likable four star reading for me. Highly recommended beach read or pop corn& wine read! I absolutely had so much fun!
Special thanks to St. Martin’s Press/ St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts .
November 17, 2021
Recently I read A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee and because I enjoyed it so much, I decided to dive immediately into it's sequel called A Dating Dare.
Guess what? I loved it even more.
As I stated in my review for the first book, I started the series with low expectations, and I ended up appreciating it so much that I hope the author will continue giving us new books featuring characters we already got to know (for example, Tara has brothers who would make awesome MCs or that girl who works in bakery).
The writing style was very good, easy to follow and it felt kind of... comfortable.
The characters I liked even better then our first MCs, from A Sweet Mess.
Being honest is one of great sides of Tara's personality and I found her so relatable.
It was also a blast to read about her siblings and their brothers-sister relationship.
Seth is a brother of Landon who we already met in the prequel, so we were kind of familiar with his background.
Once again, honest and that up front approach is what got me to like him.
The book is written in first person, following our MCs POVs.
Both of views sound similar, which can sometimes be a miss, but here I didn't mind it.
As for the plot itself, it was good, although at some point it felt like Seth and Tara only hung out with each other, even though their whole dating dare started with an aim to have only 3 dates.
This is another love story where couple get together early in the book and then conflicts happen and they have to figure out how to be together for real.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, I do recommend it, and I hope the series will grow.
Guess what? I loved it even more.
As I stated in my review for the first book, I started the series with low expectations, and I ended up appreciating it so much that I hope the author will continue giving us new books featuring characters we already got to know (for example, Tara has brothers who would make awesome MCs or that girl who works in bakery).
The writing style was very good, easy to follow and it felt kind of... comfortable.
The characters I liked even better then our first MCs, from A Sweet Mess.
Being honest is one of great sides of Tara's personality and I found her so relatable.
It was also a blast to read about her siblings and their brothers-sister relationship.
Seth is a brother of Landon who we already met in the prequel, so we were kind of familiar with his background.
Once again, honest and that up front approach is what got me to like him.
The book is written in first person, following our MCs POVs.
Both of views sound similar, which can sometimes be a miss, but here I didn't mind it.
As for the plot itself, it was good, although at some point it felt like Seth and Tara only hung out with each other, even though their whole dating dare started with an aim to have only 3 dates.
This is another love story where couple get together early in the book and then conflicts happen and they have to figure out how to be together for real.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, I do recommend it, and I hope the series will grow.
August 14, 2022
This is a Cheesy Romance, and this is the second book in A Sweet Mess series. The two main characters (Seth and Tara) in this book goes on four dates together because of a Truth or Dare game. I found this book to be a fun, cute, and funny read. The two main characters goes together so perfectly. When I started this book I did not know if I was going to like this book because of some of the reviews I saw about this book, but I am so happy that I really enjoyed this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (St. Martin's Griffin) or author (Jayci Lee) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
April 7, 2023
“He wished he were her jeans.” what😭
July 24, 2021
A Sweet Mess had so much potential, but I didn't end up loving that book. The Dating Dare sounded cute, so I was all for giving Jayci Lee another chance. But like other traditionally published books lately, this book just ended up being okay.
Tara and Seth are undeniably attracted to each other, but Tara has sworn off serious relationships and Seth is leaving in a month to go to Paris. One night leads to Seth daring Tara to date him until he leaves and Tara says yes. The beginning of this book took me a long time to get into and care about these characters. I actually started to enjoy the middle when Tara and Seth spent more time together and were truly falling for each other (though it did feel a bit insta-love), but the ending was aggravating and left me really annoyed with Tara. They would get mad at each other for not communicating, but then they themselves wouldn't communicate. And then when one would communicate, the other freaked out because they had sworn of serious relationships and didn't really want to hear how the other one was feeling. It was just tiring and dropped the book to a three star for me.
Tara and Seth are undeniably attracted to each other, but Tara has sworn off serious relationships and Seth is leaving in a month to go to Paris. One night leads to Seth daring Tara to date him until he leaves and Tara says yes. The beginning of this book took me a long time to get into and care about these characters. I actually started to enjoy the middle when Tara and Seth spent more time together and were truly falling for each other (though it did feel a bit insta-love), but the ending was aggravating and left me really annoyed with Tara. They would get mad at each other for not communicating, but then they themselves wouldn't communicate. And then when one would communicate, the other freaked out because they had sworn of serious relationships and didn't really want to hear how the other one was feeling. It was just tiring and dropped the book to a three star for me.
August 3, 2021
Last year I read Jayci Lee's A Sweet Mess, a charming story of a match made in heaven- a baker and a food critic. The food descriptions were so mouth-wateringly good that I immediately became Jayce Lee's fan and couldn't wait for her new book, The Dating Dare. And it didn't disappoint!
The plot is fairly straightforward- Aubrey's best friend Tara whom we met in the previous book loves her job in her family brewery, loves her home town Weldon and her supportive family. Tara is a independent, funny, loyal...but she isn't exactly in a hurry to settle down. Aubrey's brand-new brother-in-law, Landon's younger brother Seth is moving to Paris to start his dream job of a fashion photographer in a month. So when Seth comes up with a dare to go on four dates with the condition of Not falling in love, the arrangement suits both to a T. Whatever happens in Weldon, stays in Weldon, right? well, Tara doesn't like to keep her personal life and her 'real life' separate, so they try to keep the dates (and non-dates) secret.
Yes, you can probably guess (in broad terms) what is going to happen, but here the magic is in the execution, and I have to say I liked this book even more that the first one. First of all, the attraction between these two is really strong- the scene with the desserts in the park- hot, hot, hot... In case you were wondering, Jayci Lee is a master of fade-to-black at the right moment, so if you choose to listen to The Dating Dare instead of reading, you don't need to worry about desperately trying to skip some tracks.
Secondly, there's so much romance! I'm dying to tell you about the dates, and all the cute, sappy things these two get to do. Thirdly, there's a lot of emphasis on treating each other with respect and consideration in everything, dreams, feelings, choices (big and small).
Tara is one of those rare case where I liked the protagonist, but didn't exactly relate to her. She has her reasons for avoiding any serious commitments and, although we don't get many details of her past, I admire her for recognising and dealingwith it. Seth also has his own emotional baggage he needs leave behind before he can truly fall in love. The ending is sweet, melodramatic and satisfying (we knew all how it was going to end!).
Once again, I loved the food descriptions. There were fewer of them- understandably, with Tara and Seth's jobs being different from Aubrey and Landon's- but they were absolutely delicious.
Sweet and fun, The Dating Dare was exactly what I needed on a hot summer day like this!
Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin's Griffin for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
August 1, 2021
The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee
2nd book in the Sweet Mess series. Contemporary romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Achingly sweet and wonderful. A romance with laughs and potentially a few tears with a heart melting finish.
Her answer to his “where do you live” question when she was drinking was amusing. I also loved the family closeness - working together and listening when needed.
The “emergency” code precious a d heartwarming.
Tara Park isn’t interested in a relationship but the attraction to Seth Kim is too much to ignore. They agree to a limited number of dates but the Sparks soon turn into a flame they can’t ignore.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I have also purchased a copy to share.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version after reading the ebook. Narrated by Natalie Naudus, the text flowed smoothly as she switched from Tara to Seth with a distinct change in the deepness of the voice. Stress, tentative action and happiness were clearly vocalized. The narrator sounded like a native with the French words and locations.
I listened to this mostly at my standard 1.25. I felt 1.5 was a bit too rushed.
2nd book in the Sweet Mess series. Contemporary romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Achingly sweet and wonderful. A romance with laughs and potentially a few tears with a heart melting finish.
Her answer to his “where do you live” question when she was drinking was amusing. I also loved the family closeness - working together and listening when needed.
The “emergency” code precious a d heartwarming.
Tara Park isn’t interested in a relationship but the attraction to Seth Kim is too much to ignore. They agree to a limited number of dates but the Sparks soon turn into a flame they can’t ignore.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I have also purchased a copy to share.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version after reading the ebook. Narrated by Natalie Naudus, the text flowed smoothly as she switched from Tara to Seth with a distinct change in the deepness of the voice. Stress, tentative action and happiness were clearly vocalized. The narrator sounded like a native with the French words and locations.
I listened to this mostly at my standard 1.25. I felt 1.5 was a bit too rushed.
dnf
October 29, 2021DNF at 21%
Seems to be a couple of late 20-somethings acting like pre-pubescent teens....
She goes from relatively sober to blind, blackout boneless drunk in less than a minutes....pukes on his shoes, etc.
?? And he's interested in pursuing her????
Why?
Seems to be a couple of late 20-somethings acting like pre-pubescent teens....
She goes from relatively sober to blind, blackout boneless drunk in less than a minutes....pukes on his shoes, etc.
?? And he's interested in pursuing her????
Why?
February 22, 2021
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review
Let me preface this by saying I love cheesy, predictable romance stories. They are fun to read and that’s why I wanted to read this book. The issue I had, however, was that the “cheesy, predictable” part of this book seemed so forced. The guy knowing he had a player persona that he puts on was a little irritating. The girl refusing to answer who and when her first kiss was, though, simply because he broke her heart in college? That made me roll my eyes. I can’t handle the over the top reaction to something as simple as a truth or dare game. At that point, I lost interest in the story and where it was going to go.
The chapters felt too long and like too much was happening in them for the story to flow well. Not to mention, I felt like there was too much detail added into some things and not enough in others. I was so confused at first when they went to the brewery because there was nothing that let you know that the girl worked there, but you sure knew everything about every beer that they had and what prizes they won. I don’t know, it just felt like there was attention put into the wrong things.
To be fair, this was a DNF for me, so it may have gotten better. But the fanfic-esque writing style was just too much for me to handle. I wasn’t a fan of the parts I did read.
Let me preface this by saying I love cheesy, predictable romance stories. They are fun to read and that’s why I wanted to read this book. The issue I had, however, was that the “cheesy, predictable” part of this book seemed so forced. The guy knowing he had a player persona that he puts on was a little irritating. The girl refusing to answer who and when her first kiss was, though, simply because he broke her heart in college? That made me roll my eyes. I can’t handle the over the top reaction to something as simple as a truth or dare game. At that point, I lost interest in the story and where it was going to go.
The chapters felt too long and like too much was happening in them for the story to flow well. Not to mention, I felt like there was too much detail added into some things and not enough in others. I was so confused at first when they went to the brewery because there was nothing that let you know that the girl worked there, but you sure knew everything about every beer that they had and what prizes they won. I don’t know, it just felt like there was attention put into the wrong things.
To be fair, this was a DNF for me, so it may have gotten better. But the fanfic-esque writing style was just too much for me to handle. I wasn’t a fan of the parts I did read.
September 10, 2021
Another winner. The Dating Dare certainly have all that feels for rom com. Miss Lee is a talented writer. The meet cute between Seth and Tara is appealing. Their first encounter and their banter got me.
The story continues with Seth proposol of no string attached four dates. I have to say their dates are certainly fun. And through out their dates, their relationship grows.
I hope Miss Lee still write another story in this series. And I hope her next story will also be fun and captivating.
4 stars
The story continues with Seth proposol of no string attached four dates. I have to say their dates are certainly fun. And through out their dates, their relationship grows.
I hope Miss Lee still write another story in this series. And I hope her next story will also be fun and captivating.
4 stars
June 29, 2021
Such a delightful couple. Sweet ending.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had such a fun experience with the authors prior novel I definitely wanted to read the next publication that is coming out in August. Based on two best friends, who each get their own story, both can definitely be read as a standalone, but lovely to have them intertwine as well.
Lee created two fabulous characters in Seth and Tara that will capture your complete attention. A little bit of love-hate to start, and definitely heavy on the love and attraction scene as the story builds. The Dating Dare is a sweet and spicy riot of wit and personality that you cannot help but love.
These two try to keep it casual but the heat is radiating off the pages and you know they are going to be in for a big crash of feelings. Lee captures their intense feelings perfectly and builds a sweet romance that leaves the reader with a huge smile.
A delightful and fun romcom that hits the sweet spot perfectly!
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-dating-d...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I had such a fun experience with the authors prior novel I definitely wanted to read the next publication that is coming out in August. Based on two best friends, who each get their own story, both can definitely be read as a standalone, but lovely to have them intertwine as well.
Lee created two fabulous characters in Seth and Tara that will capture your complete attention. A little bit of love-hate to start, and definitely heavy on the love and attraction scene as the story builds. The Dating Dare is a sweet and spicy riot of wit and personality that you cannot help but love.
These two try to keep it casual but the heat is radiating off the pages and you know they are going to be in for a big crash of feelings. Lee captures their intense feelings perfectly and builds a sweet romance that leaves the reader with a huge smile.
A delightful and fun romcom that hits the sweet spot perfectly!
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-dating-d...
June 14, 2021
2.5 Stars
Tara is not looking for a serious relationship, ever. She doesn't do love and is happy with her very casual hook-ups every once in a while. Seth is known as a playboy. He's a successful fashion photographer and it's constantly seen with a new fling.
When Seth's brother (Landon) marries Tara's best friend (Aubrey) they both end up drunk after the party and playing a game of Truth or Dare. That's when the Dating Dare starts, they must go on four dates and not fall in love with each other.
The premise is outlandish but cute. This was a light rom-com, but, from the very first chapter, the dialogue seemed so awkward. It was extremely difficult to connect to the characters.
The plot was very cheesy and predictable. And although I enjoy a low angst read from time to time, there was barely any conflict, and it got a bit old reading how they were both fascinated with each other but ignoring their feelings over and over again.
One positive was Tara's job as a master brewer. It's not every day that you read about a heroine that works brewing beer, and that was refreshing.
Unfortunately, although the premise is entertaining, The Dating Dare didn't deliver, and its fanfic style writing made the plot feel contrived.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for approving me for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Tara is not looking for a serious relationship, ever. She doesn't do love and is happy with her very casual hook-ups every once in a while. Seth is known as a playboy. He's a successful fashion photographer and it's constantly seen with a new fling.
When Seth's brother (Landon) marries Tara's best friend (Aubrey) they both end up drunk after the party and playing a game of Truth or Dare. That's when the Dating Dare starts, they must go on four dates and not fall in love with each other.
The premise is outlandish but cute. This was a light rom-com, but, from the very first chapter, the dialogue seemed so awkward. It was extremely difficult to connect to the characters.
The plot was very cheesy and predictable. And although I enjoy a low angst read from time to time, there was barely any conflict, and it got a bit old reading how they were both fascinated with each other but ignoring their feelings over and over again.
One positive was Tara's job as a master brewer. It's not every day that you read about a heroine that works brewing beer, and that was refreshing.
Unfortunately, although the premise is entertaining, The Dating Dare didn't deliver, and its fanfic style writing made the plot feel contrived.
Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for approving me for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m keeping this review short because I don’t want to speak negatively about it needlessly; this book might be other’s cup of tea but it was not mine.
Right from chapter 1, I was put off by the writing and dialogue. Everything felt very awkward, overly cheesy, and contradicting. The whole premise, while sounding good in theory, was not developed is a logical way. I wanted to DNF at less than 10% in but I powered through solely because I don't like to DNF ARCs (unless they're harmful/triggering to me).
I simply could not get into this book, or say I enjoyed anything about it, as badly as I wanted to fall in love with Tara and Seth.
I’m keeping this review short because I don’t want to speak negatively about it needlessly; this book might be other’s cup of tea but it was not mine.
Right from chapter 1, I was put off by the writing and dialogue. Everything felt very awkward, overly cheesy, and contradicting. The whole premise, while sounding good in theory, was not developed is a logical way. I wanted to DNF at less than 10% in but I powered through solely because I don't like to DNF ARCs (unless they're harmful/triggering to me).
I simply could not get into this book, or say I enjoyed anything about it, as badly as I wanted to fall in love with Tara and Seth.
August 26, 2021
I just---thought it was so strange that they 'just so happen' to bump into each other so many times in the beginning to force them to be together. The book also lacked focus on character development in the beginning and focused a lot on them flirting/yearning/pining for each other. It felt like two ppl who were in love but i knew nothing about them beyond that. I also lacked empathy for our two characters who didn't communicate if it's a fling or not or if they wanted something more. The whole dare part was also bit of a stretch tbh. If someone dared me to date them, I would be like no im good. LOL
August 3, 2021
This was such a cute, fun read! Perfect for the summer and an afternoon with some down time and the desire to dive into something that will allow you to escape into a sweet but steamy.
Tara and Seth were both super cute. With a promise to not fall for each other, of course you know what’s going to happen. But I was fine with that. Sometimes the predictable is like coming home. It’s a comfort all on its own.
Their dates were a combination of everything, ramping both the humor and emotions up the further into their relationship they grew. While this had a lot of fun, it also had an extreme amount of steam when this couple finally took that step. And holy prickly pears! There is some serious tease going on before they ever reach that point.
Overall, a great read with secondary characters that helped to support the hero and heroine. I did not read the first book. While I think it would have added to my enjoyment with this one, I never felt lost without it.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Tara and Seth were both super cute. With a promise to not fall for each other, of course you know what’s going to happen. But I was fine with that. Sometimes the predictable is like coming home. It’s a comfort all on its own.
Their dates were a combination of everything, ramping both the humor and emotions up the further into their relationship they grew. While this had a lot of fun, it also had an extreme amount of steam when this couple finally took that step. And holy prickly pears! There is some serious tease going on before they ever reach that point.
Overall, a great read with secondary characters that helped to support the hero and heroine. I did not read the first book. While I think it would have added to my enjoyment with this one, I never felt lost without it.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
July 3, 2021
I read A Sweet Mess last year and I enjoyed it but it wasn't one of my favorite romances of the year. The Dating Dare's cover caught my eye and the premise sounded interesting enough. Plus I recalled the ballzy Tara from the previous book.
Tara and Seth have both been burned by past relationships and neither is looking for something serious. They meet at the wedding of his brother and her best friend and there's an instant attraction. They dare each other to go on 4 dates and not fall in love with each other.
One minute this book would give me cuteness with the dates and the next it would give me janky dialogue and awkward situations. These two were on a picnic date that started off so cute the next minute they were practially groping each other in front of the kids they were playing a game with at the park.
I couldn't quite buy their love for each other because they jumped from extremely horny over each other to unable to live without each other real quick. The chemistry was kind of hot and cold throughout and it didn't help how irrationally jealous Tara would get.
The middle part of this book also needed a lot of work. And that's where the story truly fell apart for me. If it wasn't an easy read that I felt I could complete in a day I would've DNFd.
Tara and Seth have both been burned by past relationships and neither is looking for something serious. They meet at the wedding of his brother and her best friend and there's an instant attraction. They dare each other to go on 4 dates and not fall in love with each other.
One minute this book would give me cuteness with the dates and the next it would give me janky dialogue and awkward situations. These two were on a picnic date that started off so cute the next minute they were practially groping each other in front of the kids they were playing a game with at the park.
I couldn't quite buy their love for each other because they jumped from extremely horny over each other to unable to live without each other real quick. The chemistry was kind of hot and cold throughout and it didn't help how irrationally jealous Tara would get.
The middle part of this book also needed a lot of work. And that's where the story truly fell apart for me. If it wasn't an easy read that I felt I could complete in a day I would've DNFd.
August 10, 2021
dnf @ 46%
This book was so so so bad. The dialogue is so cringe. It’s like torture to my ears listening to this audiobook. I know it’s hard to come up with original plots but God this was the lowest of the low. I absolutely despised this story.
This book was so so so bad. The dialogue is so cringe. It’s like torture to my ears listening to this audiobook. I know it’s hard to come up with original plots but God this was the lowest of the low. I absolutely despised this story.
August 27, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up
Ahh I absolutely loved this. The story started very quickly, so I was worried it was going to be a case of insta love, but there was the perfect amount of mutual pining and sappiness balanced out with some serious discussion and topics. Don’t get me wrong, I was swooning for practically the entirety of this novel, but there were enough unfiltered moments between the two main characters that I hardly ever felt like the romance was veering into cheesy territory. Overall, I loved this and flew through the audiobook. I’d highly recommend The Dating Dare to any romance readers who like dual POVs and pining.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ahh I absolutely loved this. The story started very quickly, so I was worried it was going to be a case of insta love, but there was the perfect amount of mutual pining and sappiness balanced out with some serious discussion and topics. Don’t get me wrong, I was swooning for practically the entirety of this novel, but there were enough unfiltered moments between the two main characters that I hardly ever felt like the romance was veering into cheesy territory. Overall, I loved this and flew through the audiobook. I’d highly recommend The Dating Dare to any romance readers who like dual POVs and pining.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2021
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by St. Martin's Press)
Tara Park is a 28 yr. old woman from a small town in Southern California called Weldon. She comes from a big, close Korean family that lives and works together. They own a brewery and she loves her job and her life which includes being single. She doesn't do serious relationships and enjoys her freedom. Then she's pursued by her best friend's new brother-in-law. Seth Kim is a talented fashion photographer with a reputation as a player. He's devastatingly handsome and she's helplessly drawn to him. When a game of truth or dare leads to a four date arrangement she's suddenly in over her head. She will never be able to resist this sexy beautiful man, but decides to quit overthinking things. He's only in town temporarily, so their time is limited. She could give in to their attraction, have some no strings uncomplicated fun without expectations, and still keep her heart safe. The problem is she underestimated the effect he could have on her, and soon he was getting under her skin and breaking all her rules.
Seth Kim has a successful career, and is moving to Paris in a month to follow his dreams. He's worked hard for this opportunity and is excited to start the next chapter in his life. Then he's thrown a curveball when he finds himself captivated by the maid of honor at his brother's wedding. Tara is absolutely stunning, and he enjoys flirting with her. As they spend time together she makes him feel alive. He wants to explore what's between them, but since he will be leaving soon they have an expiration date. Will they say goodbye or take a chance on love?
The Dating Dare (A Sweet Mess, #2) by Jayci Lee is a heartwarming friends to lovers romance full of humor, chemistry, and self discovery. It is filled with moments that are sweet, steamy and emotional. It can definitely be read as a standalone. This was my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading more by her. I especially now want to go back and read the first book in this series, A Sweet Mess to get Aubrey & Landon's story. This book also had some great secondary characters I wouldn't mind getting a story for.
-When Seth pulled Tara close, his body reacted as though he’d touched a live wire.
-He’d never felt desire so instantaneous and powerful before.
-She wasn’t just any other woman. She was Tara. He was already well on his way to being infatuated with her. Taking his eyes off of her when she was nearby was a study in discipline.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2Vu2v4F
(ARC provided by St. Martin's Press)
Tara Park is a 28 yr. old woman from a small town in Southern California called Weldon. She comes from a big, close Korean family that lives and works together. They own a brewery and she loves her job and her life which includes being single. She doesn't do serious relationships and enjoys her freedom. Then she's pursued by her best friend's new brother-in-law. Seth Kim is a talented fashion photographer with a reputation as a player. He's devastatingly handsome and she's helplessly drawn to him. When a game of truth or dare leads to a four date arrangement she's suddenly in over her head. She will never be able to resist this sexy beautiful man, but decides to quit overthinking things. He's only in town temporarily, so their time is limited. She could give in to their attraction, have some no strings uncomplicated fun without expectations, and still keep her heart safe. The problem is she underestimated the effect he could have on her, and soon he was getting under her skin and breaking all her rules.
Seth Kim has a successful career, and is moving to Paris in a month to follow his dreams. He's worked hard for this opportunity and is excited to start the next chapter in his life. Then he's thrown a curveball when he finds himself captivated by the maid of honor at his brother's wedding. Tara is absolutely stunning, and he enjoys flirting with her. As they spend time together she makes him feel alive. He wants to explore what's between them, but since he will be leaving soon they have an expiration date. Will they say goodbye or take a chance on love?
The Dating Dare (A Sweet Mess, #2) by Jayci Lee is a heartwarming friends to lovers romance full of humor, chemistry, and self discovery. It is filled with moments that are sweet, steamy and emotional. It can definitely be read as a standalone. This was my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading more by her. I especially now want to go back and read the first book in this series, A Sweet Mess to get Aubrey & Landon's story. This book also had some great secondary characters I wouldn't mind getting a story for.
-When Seth pulled Tara close, his body reacted as though he’d touched a live wire.
-He’d never felt desire so instantaneous and powerful before.
-She wasn’t just any other woman. She was Tara. He was already well on his way to being infatuated with her. Taking his eyes off of her when she was nearby was a study in discipline.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2Vu2v4F
December 15, 2021
The sentences are grammatically correct.
Seth, Jack and Alex are hot.
Author needlessly and repetitively refers to: Tara's ex (Jason), Seth leaving for Paris soon, and flavors of foods and drinks. Oh and she constantly refers to "dating dare," as if we forgot. Can't you just call it the "dare" after a certain point or alternate... or something?
The tone is forced and worse it's simplistic and facile and generally juvenile. There are emotions described here but it is robotic and merely descriptive.
I will not be reading any more from this author.
Seth, Jack and Alex are hot.
Author needlessly and repetitively refers to: Tara's ex (Jason), Seth leaving for Paris soon, and flavors of foods and drinks. Oh and she constantly refers to "dating dare," as if we forgot. Can't you just call it the "dare" after a certain point or alternate... or something?
The tone is forced and worse it's simplistic and facile and generally juvenile. There are emotions described here but it is robotic and merely descriptive.
I will not be reading any more from this author.
May 4, 2021
This book was too cute!!
Tara and Seth are both engaging and their romantic tension is so charming, it had several tropes I’m fan of. Jayci Lee writes her characters really well, and the plot was just a joy to read, I had so much fun reading from beginning to end.
It was just a happy, feel-good read that I highly recommend picking up when you can!
Special thanks to the author and her assistant and St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
Tara and Seth are both engaging and their romantic tension is so charming, it had several tropes I’m fan of. Jayci Lee writes her characters really well, and the plot was just a joy to read, I had so much fun reading from beginning to end.
It was just a happy, feel-good read that I highly recommend picking up when you can!
Special thanks to the author and her assistant and St. Martin’s Griffin for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2021
this was a typical “we only have x amount of time together and we’re totally not gonna fall in love but definitely fall in love but oh no we only have x time together” plot.
we all know they’re gonna end up in the end so it never ~really~ gives any conflict for the reader. instead, it’s just super annoying to constantly hear about this countdown.
the two characters were also just pretty mediocre. and the smut was borderline fade to black so nothing really going for it here.
we all know they’re gonna end up in the end so it never ~really~ gives any conflict for the reader. instead, it’s just super annoying to constantly hear about this countdown.
the two characters were also just pretty mediocre. and the smut was borderline fade to black so nothing really going for it here.
April 12, 2022
This book had been on my radar for a while and I'm so glad I finally got to read it, even though I only realized it was the second installment in a series halfway through. Seth and Tara's story is cuteeeeee, sexy and so funny. A perfect mood lifter!
July 6, 2022
Cute read, I had such a fun time reading this and seeing how much Seth was an absolute cinnamon roll.
March 7, 2023
2.5 Stars The Dating Dare: A Sweet Mess, Book 2 (audiobook) by Jayci Lee read by Natalie Naudus.
I enjoyed the first book but for some reason I just didn’t like the characters and situation in this story.
I enjoyed the first book but for some reason I just didn’t like the characters and situation in this story.
May 26, 2021
The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee is the second book in Jayci Lee’s A Sweet Mess series. It’s just so cute, funny, and adorable. It’s a quick read and has a satisfying end.
Tara Park works in a brewery with her brothers and is not interested in relationships. When she goes to her best friend, Audrey’s wedding, she can’t help but notice the best man, Audrey’s new brother-in-law, Seth.
After the wedding, and a few drinks, Tara and Seth engage in a friendly game of truth or dare, and Seth proposes a dating dare. Seth has only one month before he leaves for Paris for an exciting photography job, but before he leaves, they have to go on four dates, with the stipulation that neither of them can fall in love. A no-strings relationship sounds simple enough, and with an expiration date on their dating, Tara believes this is the perfect time for a little bit of fun.
This book is just so cute. Both Tara and Seth are easy to like, and I just rooted for them both throughout the book. I found their motivations to be believable, and angst-worthy. Their progression into falling in love was also believable, and fun to read.
This book is set in a cozy small town, and I love small-town romances, lots of small-town quirky characters to enjoy here.
Although this is the second book in a series, it is easily a stand-alone book. It’s fast-paced and is a lovely book to read on a weekend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Tara Park works in a brewery with her brothers and is not interested in relationships. When she goes to her best friend, Audrey’s wedding, she can’t help but notice the best man, Audrey’s new brother-in-law, Seth.
After the wedding, and a few drinks, Tara and Seth engage in a friendly game of truth or dare, and Seth proposes a dating dare. Seth has only one month before he leaves for Paris for an exciting photography job, but before he leaves, they have to go on four dates, with the stipulation that neither of them can fall in love. A no-strings relationship sounds simple enough, and with an expiration date on their dating, Tara believes this is the perfect time for a little bit of fun.
This book is just so cute. Both Tara and Seth are easy to like, and I just rooted for them both throughout the book. I found their motivations to be believable, and angst-worthy. Their progression into falling in love was also believable, and fun to read.
This book is set in a cozy small town, and I love small-town romances, lots of small-town quirky characters to enjoy here.
Although this is the second book in a series, it is easily a stand-alone book. It’s fast-paced and is a lovely book to read on a weekend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 3, 2021
"You'll know when I'm trying to kill you... Softly. With my words."
3.75 stars - rounded up
Mutual pining burns through the page in The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee
The first third of this novel was an effort and half to get through because it starts off really rocky. You are thrown into a situation with little context and are expected to read between the lines. Part of me wondered if this was a consequence of not having read book 1 in the series, but after looking at other reviews I can see that I was not the only one.
That being said, I really enjoyed the later two-thirds of this novel. Once I gained my footing, I fell in love with our characters. They both had traumatic past relationships that broke them as people, both Tara and Seth were adamant about never opening their hearts again. They also had some hilarious banter between one another and I vibed with that.
What I really loved was that they felt like friends first and lovers second. There was something really pure about their connection and the way they were vulnerable with one another. That being said, the sexual attraction they felt was palpable. I loved the little innuendos they threw at one another and how they were constantly wanting to be in contact. I also thought it was hilarious how they were mutually pining for one another and would go out of their way to stage coincidental meet ups. They had me smiling at how goofy in-love they were, even though they both refused to admit they were falling.
Also, we get a scene where one character has to look after the other because they get injured and that is one of my FAVOURITE tropes.
Additionally, Tara was a really cool character because I had never read about a woman who were a Master Brewer before. I really loved this aspect of the book and hope one of her brothers get a romance so we can see more of it!
Because the first 60 pages were a real effort to slog through, I had to take off a star. The last .25 star was taken off because we kept getting blue-balled. Like, really. We would get these super descriptive, super hot foreplay scenes and make-out scenes and then... FADE TO BLACK. Argh. I know it happens, but I am still allowed to be salty.
Overall, I would consider reading more from Jayci Lee in the future.
- copy provided by SMP -
3.75 stars - rounded up
Mutual pining burns through the page in The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee
The first third of this novel was an effort and half to get through because it starts off really rocky. You are thrown into a situation with little context and are expected to read between the lines. Part of me wondered if this was a consequence of not having read book 1 in the series, but after looking at other reviews I can see that I was not the only one.
That being said, I really enjoyed the later two-thirds of this novel. Once I gained my footing, I fell in love with our characters. They both had traumatic past relationships that broke them as people, both Tara and Seth were adamant about never opening their hearts again. They also had some hilarious banter between one another and I vibed with that.
What I really loved was that they felt like friends first and lovers second. There was something really pure about their connection and the way they were vulnerable with one another. That being said, the sexual attraction they felt was palpable. I loved the little innuendos they threw at one another and how they were constantly wanting to be in contact. I also thought it was hilarious how they were mutually pining for one another and would go out of their way to stage coincidental meet ups. They had me smiling at how goofy in-love they were, even though they both refused to admit they were falling.
Also, we get a scene where one character has to look after the other because they get injured and that is one of my FAVOURITE tropes.
Additionally, Tara was a really cool character because I had never read about a woman who were a Master Brewer before. I really loved this aspect of the book and hope one of her brothers get a romance so we can see more of it!
Because the first 60 pages were a real effort to slog through, I had to take off a star. The last .25 star was taken off because we kept getting blue-balled. Like, really. We would get these super descriptive, super hot foreplay scenes and make-out scenes and then... FADE TO BLACK. Argh. I know it happens, but I am still allowed to be salty.
Overall, I would consider reading more from Jayci Lee in the future.
- copy provided by SMP -
March 31, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up
The Dating Dare is a cute rom-com about two people who meet at a wedding and drunkenly agree to a no-strings attached dare to go on four dates. But of course it turns into a lot more. Tara Park works at the family-owned brewery and doesn't do relationships anymore. Seth Kim has abandoned his art in favor of fashion photography and is about to move to Paris to pursue it. This was always meant to be a short term thing...
This was fun and breezy, though I do feel like there's a stronger emphasis on the physical attraction between the characters than the development of their emotional relationship. I'm not sure I fully bought that they had fallen in love exactly, but it came close enough that I enjoyed the book. I received an audio copy of this from Libro.FM, all opinions are my own.
The Dating Dare is a cute rom-com about two people who meet at a wedding and drunkenly agree to a no-strings attached dare to go on four dates. But of course it turns into a lot more. Tara Park works at the family-owned brewery and doesn't do relationships anymore. Seth Kim has abandoned his art in favor of fashion photography and is about to move to Paris to pursue it. This was always meant to be a short term thing...
This was fun and breezy, though I do feel like there's a stronger emphasis on the physical attraction between the characters than the development of their emotional relationship. I'm not sure I fully bought that they had fallen in love exactly, but it came close enough that I enjoyed the book. I received an audio copy of this from Libro.FM, all opinions are my own.
June 13, 2025
was so so good i ate this upppp like was it lowk lusty ..? yeah but i think it was executed well enough for it to start as something more physical and then turn into something real and true and emotional! i think the trauma being brought up in the book from both characters and sharing their stories on their past is what made me root for them even harder because im a big empathy girlie but yeah 4 solid ⭐️! i would def recommend and reread
February 19, 2021
Oh my googly eyes!
I have been wanting to read this book since I finished A Sweet Mess so when I got the earc, I was actually jumping for joy and internally screaming!! I fell in love with Jayci Lee's writing and have read other books from her in the mean time, but it is finally the time to talk about Seth and Tara, and I am SO excited!
I am officially turned into pink goo from this book. It was just so sweet, so cute, Seth is so adorable as a character, his passion for art is noticeable in the book, you can feel how passionate he is for it, and Tara is super stubborn and just the best. I loved these characters right from the first book so it was so much fun for them to have their own story. One thing that I actually found very interesting is that eve though this is a second book of the series, the characters in the first book, Aubrey and Landon, actually didn't make too much of an appearance, which was nice in this case as it allowed Seth and Tara to really grow in a relationship and to shine on their own.
I am still a fan of Jayci's and I hope there will be another one in the series, (maybe one of Tara's brothers?? EEK!!) so I'll be here waiting patiently for that day to arrive!
Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for the earc in return for an honest review.
I have been wanting to read this book since I finished A Sweet Mess so when I got the earc, I was actually jumping for joy and internally screaming!! I fell in love with Jayci Lee's writing and have read other books from her in the mean time, but it is finally the time to talk about Seth and Tara, and I am SO excited!
I am officially turned into pink goo from this book. It was just so sweet, so cute, Seth is so adorable as a character, his passion for art is noticeable in the book, you can feel how passionate he is for it, and Tara is super stubborn and just the best. I loved these characters right from the first book so it was so much fun for them to have their own story. One thing that I actually found very interesting is that eve though this is a second book of the series, the characters in the first book, Aubrey and Landon, actually didn't make too much of an appearance, which was nice in this case as it allowed Seth and Tara to really grow in a relationship and to shine on their own.
I am still a fan of Jayci's and I hope there will be another one in the series, (maybe one of Tara's brothers?? EEK!!) so I'll be here waiting patiently for that day to arrive!
Thank you to NetGalley and St.Martin's Press for the earc in return for an honest review.
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