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Katie Donato and Dean Manion are total opposites. She's straight, he's gay. She's a serial monogamist, he's never been into commitment. But they both love sex, and a challenge.

So when Katie tells Dean she thinks she could pleasure him better than he could ever satisfy her, he dares her to prove it—by sleeping together. Soon Katie and Dean are taking their friendship to places they never imagined.

But what about the guys they're really interested in dating?

47 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

12 people are currently reading
460 people want to read

About the author

Megan Hart

265 books4,058 followers
Megan Hart has written in almost every genre of romantic fiction, including historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, romantic comedy, futuristic, fantasy and perhaps most notably, erotic. She also writes non-erotic fantasy and science fiction, as well as continuing to occasionally dabble in horror.

--from the author's website

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

For Megan Hart, the nutritionist, click here

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5 stars
44 (10%)
4 stars
106 (24%)
3 stars
157 (35%)
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101 (23%)
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31 (7%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Rose.
2,016 reviews1,095 followers
September 25, 2023
Initial reaction:So I'm aware that this story was written a while back and has had a few cover changes (I actually like the newer cover; it's really cute.) But oof, this story wasn't one of the author's better ones, especially for a short read.

I'm probably being very generous giving this 1.5 stars. Hart's writing is usually rather solid, but the execution of this story was not only all over the place but had several lines of dialog and assumptions that made me want to sink in my chair as I read it. Was looking for a quick steamy read but this didn't work for me.

Full review:

Okay, let's rip the bandaid off this one. I did not care for this story, despite the cute cover. This short story was originally written in 2010 as part of Harlequin's Spice Briefs, then included in the "12 Shades of Surrender" anthology and then published under Chaos Publishing. Of those three editions, the Chaos cover for me was the most adorable, but the type of story this comes across as is...not really meeting the tone of the cover. And I predict some people picking it up will probably regulate it to a dumpster fire because of it feeling not okay for how it treats this couple.

Let me say this right off the bat so people can understand - put it in virtual neon letters if you have to remember it: GAY PEOPLE DO NOT EXIST FOR THE SEXUAL WISH FULLFILLMENT OF STRAIGHT PEOPLE. AND GAY PEOPLE DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE SEX WITH STRAIGHT PEOPLE TO REALIZE THEIR FEELINGS FOR ANOTHER GAY PERSON. Okay, keep these ideas in mind, because you'll understand in a little bit why this short read pissed me off. N.B. I'm reflecting on this read as a straight person, so I may miss details/cues that someone who is LGBTQIA+ may pick up on. But hoo boy, I...have a hard time figuring out why this wouldn't be considered offensive AF.

When you are writing characters of different identities, especially marginalized ones, it is VERY important that you respect the agencies of both characters and acknowledge their identities - sexual identities included - in a way that creates space for both of them where they are. Like, acknowledge that this is a spectrum because people can be in different places on that spectrum before they determine and are like "Okay, I know this is who I am and what I want". Ideally, you hope that you're with someone who respects that you may not necessarily know where you are on that spectrum and can give you space to figure it out - without putting their wants and needs over your wants/needs.

Or, at the very least, if the course of figuring out where the person or people are on that spectrum is messy, acknowledge the complex and complicated feelings/experiences that come with it. As this was presented, it did not do that. It's...way too neatly tied and in a way that feels unrealistic and VERY one-sided.

Look, I know this was written back in 2010 (13 years ago as of the time I picked this up). But I felt so uncomfortable with how the lens of this was done. Namely because I've read so many more books that deal with romantic relationships with both straight and queer representation much better than this. Heck, Hart herself has written gay relationships better than this book my thought reading this was WTAF?

Leagues better, with the sensitivity needed to boot. And that actually hurts to say about an author I've enjoyed. Granted I haven't loved everything Hart has written - but at least I can say I respect some of the work, even if it didn't quite gel with me. Let's talk more about why this work isn't okay, though.

The premise of this focuses on best friends Dean and Katie who work together. Workplace romances are hit/miss (mostly miss, some exceptions) with me depending on dynamics. But I figured I'd try this one. Dean is very much a coded gay man with a partner he's currently with. Albeit Dean has complicated emotions in tow with this relationship, but he's known he's been gay since he was eight according to in-text. Katie is a straight woman who isn't getting the attention she wants from the man she's with. So they're in different spaces when this short read starts but they care about each other.

Katie and Dean agree to a really odd bet. They agree to sleep with each other to see which one of them can get off first. Now you might be thinking, regardless of how you yourself identify - "Oh NO, Rose, this is going to be messy, isn't it?" And my first response and thought going into this was "Oh yeah, I expect this to be MESS, but at least I hope it's realistic mess and addresses the problem with that proposal and respects the agency of both people involved." Because this isn't just a matter of best friends sleeping with each other or friends with benefits, this is two people who have very different levels of attraction and comfort zones who are doing something that is different for the both of them...over a bet associated with presumed toxic masculinity. And I know there are going to be readers and other people screaming about this premise with the same intensity as the meme "That's not how this works! That's not how any of this works!" But let me continue.

If you have two consenting adults doing things sexually that they're unfamiliar with and they're comfortable with each other, I think it's worth saying that that's fine as long as it makes space and respects preference & agency for both (all, in the case of multiple partners) of them. But this short narrative isn't really making space for the multiple people here nor their agency. That's what makes it NOT cool. On one hand, we have Dean, who is sexually and at least somewhat emotionally involved with Jacob. On the other, Katie is with her partner (Jimmy) who gives her no quarter for intimacy. And at least part of the reason why Katie agrees to this bet is because she wants a body to fulfill her. Dean feels like Katie's insulting him and wants to prove something to her otherwise. Despite the fact that Jacob does not want Dean going over to her place (I don't know if he senses something with them or not, text doesn't say), Dean goes over anyway.

So...at first Katie and Dean get each other off, and then they eventually have sex, but closer to the ending of this short story has Katie basically telling Dean "Oh, it's okay that you and I are trying things and it doesn't change your sexuality. It was good for me! I needed a body." But Dean has regrets and realizes that this "bet" made him realize "No, I don't want that". (That's really how it sums it up and...I had MANY issues with that.)

Somehow this short read has an HEA that's really neatly tied for the conflicts it presents. I was not okay with how this started, dealt with the takeaway and ended. Like that's REALLY not how that would work. I realize that people are in different places with how they sexually identify and try things with the people they're comfortable with, but a straight person's gay BFF is not just going to sleep with them and then feel good about the fact that the straight person used them as a body to get what they wanted. And I don't think a gay person would necessarily have the same feelings that Dean had here, almost to a point where it felt like he was speaking in the same way a cis male straight virgin would think. (It's hard to tell, because the narrative never really details where Dean's at with his previous relationships. In which case...it might have helped to have him unpack his experiences and emotions that didn't center Katie's experiences so that he wasn't used as a means to an end. This is a VERY generous assumption, because I think if you're reading this from the perspective of someone on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, you're going to take note of the fact that these thoughts and feelings don't add up or feel like they're in the interest of your experiences. It isn't in Dean's favor as much as it is Katie's.)

So I left this read feeling really bummed and disappointed. I'm not saying that the love scenes weren't up to the caliber of Hart's usual writing, but there's definitely an issue here that throws off the entire narrative from feeling fulfilling or resonant. I'm being generous giving it 1.5 stars, but if you're looking for something to start with in terms of Hart's writing that treats both people better in the spectrum of the story, better to not start here. Usually Hart's writing has more nuance with it, but this one did not. And that's disappointing.

Overall score: 1.5/5 stars.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
August 21, 2012
Normally this author is a hit for me, but this one just didn’t work. The premise of it is just a little too far fetched, a boy/girl friendship, he is gay, she is straight and they have a sex bet, one where each thinks the other can’t get them off. First off, why would you even want to go there, it isn’t like he will change what/who he is interested in. Second Dean is in a relationship, even though he denies it. I couldn’t believe he told his boyfriend what he was going to do. Third, Katie is smitten with a guy, but things aren’t moving as fast as she wants, meaning not at all. I also found it hard to buy into that after the sex they each have a revelation and go for what they really want. Not believable at all for me.
Profile Image for Laura.
258 reviews24 followers
December 22, 2010
After having just finished a fantastic book by Megan Hart, I was very eager to read something else of hers as quickly as possible.
Katie and Dean are coworkers who are also very good friends. They confide in eachother about everything including their sex lives with different men. Dean also happens to be gay. They challenge eachother into having sex to seeing if they can do it for one another eventhough he's gay and she's not interested in him like that at all.
This was alright I guess, the sex was written fantastically, but the whole plot of it really just wasn't believable to me.
The Challenge is a quick read and does have some erotic scenes in it, but overall it was just ok for me.
Profile Image for Chiara Cilli.
Author 58 books630 followers
May 2, 2014
Un ragazzo gay e una ragazza etero che si lanciano una sfida di sesso e... scintille, ragazzi!!! Davvero molto interessante :) Finale strappalacrime e sorrisi!
Profile Image for May Kathryn .
1,305 reviews23 followers
February 13, 2022
What the heck?!

I didn't expect that ending. Like, I really don't know what to think. Like sex here is like a casual thing and I do not know what to really think about that.

The premise intrigued me, to be honest. A gay hero challenged our straight heroine that they have sex to prove that he can easily let the heroine get off or something. But they are also dating somebody on the side. And I will just end there because after this, it's the WTH moment.

Good thing this was short. And the writing is also good. But I am just baffled on how it ends.
Profile Image for Sherryle.
1,388 reviews
June 23, 2017
It doesn't go long enough for my liking. I'd love if this was turned into an actual novel ☺
Profile Image for Taylor.
1,564 reviews56 followers
April 10, 2020
I didn’t realize where this was going. I thought the main characters we’re supposed to be together in the end. Seemed like that’s where it was at the start but then it just went the opposite way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ad 🤍.
125 reviews
May 25, 2024
Intérêt 0 mais pour ma curiosité j’étais obligé de voir ce qu’il allait se passer
Profile Image for elle.
246 reviews183 followers
March 1, 2025
Meh, I'm not really sensing the chemistry there. It’s a cringey storyline.
3,416 reviews24 followers
August 28, 2011
Katie, Dean, Jacob, Jimmy...

Katie and Dean are coworkers, and close friends... Dean is gay and gorgeous... dean and jacob have sex - dean is relationship shy, and jacob is pushing... Katie met Jimmy at a coffee shop, and they've had nightly phone calls since - but he doesn't seem to want to actually get together.

Katie & Dean are teasing - and somehow challenge - she says she can make him come (and she does), and he says he can make her come (and he does - an interesting scene where he actually finds he enjoys discovering her body)... but afterwards - he realizes he really wants more with Jacob - and brings him flowers... and then Katie calls Jimmyk, meets him... and its a bit awkward - and she walks away with tears, and he catches up to her - and kisses her... he stuttered as a kid, and feels more in controlon the phone, but he really wants to be with her... ahhhhhh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Tiffany Callan.
85 reviews6 followers
September 21, 2013
The Challenge - Megan hart (Part of 12 shades of surrender - Undone)
What a wonderful short story, i love a short story that doesn't leave me hanging but does make me want more and this was one of them, it was sweet and caring and funny and sexy all rolled into one, i wanted to know more but didn't feel like i didn't know enough, maybe i'm just greedy :), it went into the relationship between two best friends, the crave and need for something more, the small acts that can often be forgotten and the lust found when letting go of worry and inhibition, i'd definitely look at reading not only more on the characters from this story but also more of Megan Harts work.
Story:5
Characters:5
Cover: N/A it's part of a 6 story book by 6 different authors and put together by someone else so it's unfair to comment
Profile Image for AlenGarou.
1,739 reviews135 followers
July 25, 2015
Lettura flash
Giustamente, mi sono ritrovata in treno con la batteria dell'ebook reader scarica, per cui ho voluto sfruttare appieno il tempo che mi restava prima della sua dipartita.
Avevo ancora un paio di racconti delle 12 piccole sfumature e, andando in ordine, mi sono ritrovata a leggere quello della Hart.
Prima di tutto devo ammettere che come scrittrice non mi dispiace e si nota la differenza con i precedenti. Il suo stile è lineare, semplice e descritto in modo discreto.
La storia non è male, considerando le assurdità nei libri passati, ma il finale mi ha lasciato un pò perplessa sebbene fosse prevedibile. Ma d'altronde, l'amico gay non può trasformarsi nel principe azzurro dopo una scopata.
Profile Image for Rachel Vorster.
7 reviews
February 21, 2014
Wow. Just wow. I really wished so badly that Dean and Katie would end up falling for each other and getting together. The ending, for me, was unexpected and I felt quite sad. But I guess life goes on. Guys don't just suddenly stop being gay after being with a woman. This was a great book and the scenes were HOT. But it lost a star for the slight anti-climax. At least they found people that make them happy. I suppose that's what matters most.
Profile Image for Stace.
1,597 reviews22 followers
December 1, 2010
I try to be lenient when it comes to short stories especially erotic ones but...in the end I didn't care about these people at all. A few of the scenes were pretty hot which almost led to 3 stars but I was left feeling disappointed. Maybe 4 people & 2 relationships was too much to tackle in 36 pages.
Profile Image for Tori.
2,844 reviews474 followers
December 3, 2010
A naughty little erotic niblet about 2 best friends who are each on the cusp of a serious relationship. But the fear of the unknown has them reaching for the one constant thing in their lives-each other.

Enjoyable, spicy hot, but much to short. :( I found that with Megan Hart she defines her characters so well that I never want to leave them.
Profile Image for Dhfan4life.
269 reviews10 followers
May 27, 2015
Megan Hart is a real hit and miss author for me at times. But with this particular story it was definitely a real hit. Who knew one crazy challenge between good friends Katie and Dean could lead to them both finding what they were really looking for all along. Great quick read. Now on to tracking down Reason Enough, from somewhere in my library stacks.
Profile Image for Tina Nguyen.
120 reviews31 followers
March 13, 2013
This story has huge potential. As a short story it was okay. The characters have weird quirky moments, but nothing too special. If the story was longer and in more detail I'm sure I would rate it more than just 2 stars. I guess you could call this a quick "pick me up?" It did put a smile on my face so you know it can't be too bad.
Profile Image for Natasha.
686 reviews8 followers
May 22, 2013
Really did not get this one. I mean I could understand if Dean decided that he really wasn't gay and that he was perhaps in love with Katie but for Katie to go off with Jimmy and Dean to go off with Jacob in the end I just really did not see that point in Katie and Dean being together. They should have just got it on with their own prospective partners like they both wanted.
Profile Image for Lapis Lazuli.
331 reviews27 followers
November 18, 2013
Niente da fare, Megan Hart è sempre Megan Hart. E anche quando leggi una storiella di sole 35 pagine e non ti aspetti niente di che, riesce a stupirti ed emozionarti. E in 35 pagine ci mette sesso, sentimenti, amicizia e un finale colmo d'amore che ti riempie di un totale senso di appagamento. Anche se è un finale che non ti saresti mai aspettato all'inizio.
459 reviews
July 7, 2011
This is not a romance at all - it is one sexual encounter between a straight woman and a gay man who think they are in love with others. Oh, please give me a break.... from women's fiction. I wish this book had been labeled properly.
Profile Image for Leah.
223 reviews9 followers
January 4, 2015
Idea for this one, not believable. However, the characters were at least somewhat believable. Do I believe this situation could EVER happen, no. But I was impressed with the way she executed it. For a short story it was enough for me to feel like I should read another one of her books.
Profile Image for Paula.
168 reviews28 followers
February 12, 2013
Very short. Interesting.Straight Gal and Gay Guy make a bet to see who is better and can get the other off best.Katie, who is a serious monogamist, challenges Dean, who is afraid of commitment. They learn a lot about themselves rather quickly. Fun fast short story. I liked it.
Profile Image for Andi.
878 reviews
July 16, 2015
Good but...

I'm still confused about the two friends sleeping with each other. I know it's not the author's fault because the story was well written. I'm confused over the ambiguity of desire and sex drive. This story was sweet and I would want to read more about these characters.
Profile Image for Maria  Almaguer .
1,397 reviews7 followers
June 20, 2015
One of the best stories in Megan Hart's Erotic stories collection volume 2. Two best friends who fear their own troubled relationships embark on a sexual challenge that surprises them. A realistic ending about true friendship. My full review coming soon in the collection.
Profile Image for Megan.
275 reviews5 followers
December 2, 2011
**Note all books marked as finished today were read sometime between Nov 20 and Dec 1
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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