The Dating Dare is the sequel to A Sweet Mess (which I loved!). However, you could definitely read this as a standalone, but I strongly encourage you to read A Sweet Mess first.

I loved the premise of the book. The "dating dare" is 4 dates in a month before Seth leaves for Paris to pursue his fashion photography career. The first rule is DO NOT FALL IN LOVE. Well, you can imagine how that goes!

It's a sweet, quick read that makes a great beach read. While I liked both characters there was something that was just a little off for me. I could never quite put my finger on it. I was hoping to love it as much as A Sweet Mess, but while it was enjoyable it didn't quite live up to my expectations. I think there will be a book 3 and I'll definitely read it.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

So glad I came across this super cute contemporary romance new release! The Dating Dare is the sequel following A Sweet Mess. While this is book 2, it can be read as a stand-alone in my opinion but I always suggest reading books in order. I really enjoyed listening to this addictive story between the strong, independent and sarcastic Tara Park & the sexy, charming playboy Seth Kim. After a game of truth or dare at the local brewery, Tara shockingly agrees to Seth’s dating dare- to go on four dates with Seth before he is set to leave the country in a month for his fabulous new job in Paris. While Tara isn’t interested in a one night stand or any serious relationship, an occasional fling is okay, right? She admits to herself that she is attracted to her best friend’s brother-in-law. Seth really wants to hang out with the irresistible Tara while he’s house sitting for his older brother Landon since he’s on his extended honeymoon with Tara’s best friend Aubrey. (We originally meet Landon & Aubrey in book 1 A Sweet Mess as they’re the MC’s). While I’d love to tell you more in detail about what happens in this book but I don’t want to give everything away. I highly recommend reading or listening to this book to find out what exactly happens between these these two adorable characters! I can’t wait to see if Jayci Lee will be writing more sequels… will Jack & Juliet be next?

As far as the audiobook is concerned I tend to have difficulties listening to a narrator voicing all sexes because it can done terribly but Natalie Naudus did a great job. I was glad that she wasn’t monotone like a lot of narrators tend to be. I especially liked her portrayal of the characters sarcasm. I actually found myself hooked on this story from the beginning!


I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Dating Dare
Author: Jayci Lee
Narrator: Natalie Naudus
Presented by Macmillan Audio

Rule 1 - DO NOT Fall in Love

Tara Park had been burned before so she swore off relationships period! So when she met Seth Kim at her best friends’ wedding, the situation she found herself in was perfect. Seth was taking off to Paris in a month for his dream job anyway, and with their attraction through the roof, how perfect it was to agree to a Dating Dare of four dates and with a deal to absolutely and one hundred percent not fall in love.

I love Jayci Lee! She writes characters who are bold, confident, sassy, and have that vibrant spirit full of joy. They are also characters that are relatable - they are not perfect, they make mistakes, and have moments of weakness. This is why I love Jayci Lee’s writing - the juxtaposition of the feels I get when reading her books. They may be light read romcoms but the depth of the characters always get me.

And because this is also an audiobook review, I just want to say that Natalie Naudus’ narration brought these already amazing characters leap off the page bringing all the heat and sexiness through!

The perfect summer read! Filled with heartfelt characters that will have you laughing non-stop with their witty banter and flirting. Seth and Tara both have pasts that make neither of them want a serious relationship, but their chemistry is undeniable and leads to some fun "non-dates."

This is the second book in the series, but can be read as a standalone. Highly enjoyable and a great escape from reality. My cheeks still hurt the next day from laughing so hard. Tag along on this wonderful adventure that all starts with a fun game of Truth or Dare!

I enjoyed this fake dating to lovers book! I don’t read many Romcom books. I found this one to be a light, easy, fun read for the summer! I loved both main characters. Tara and Seth set out to play Dating Truth or Dare to have some fun before Seth leaves for his new job. Tara was smart and sassy! Seth was a very attentive boyfriend. I especially enjoyed their banter back and forth. They were hilarious together! The steamy parts were a tad bit unrealistic and cheesy but not too terrible. I’d recommend this to others for sure!

Thank you Netgalley and McMillan audio for a free copy of this audiobook for my honest review

Tara Park has strict rules about dating. She avoids serious relationships like the plague, but she won’t sleep with a man she barely knows either, especially when the man in question is her best friend’s new brother-in-law. But Seth Kim is hard to resist given his good looks and endearing charm.

A casual post-wedding game of Truth or Dare results in a Tara’s agreement to go on four dates with Seth, it seems like a good way for them both to spend the next month before Seth moves to Paris for his new job. The lack of commitment works for them both and the arrangement seems like it will be a simple way for them to find some companionship, but things between them rapidly grow heated. Seth quickly sees that Tara is everything he’s not allowed himself to want or hope for and never thought he’d find. They both have trauma from past relationships that needs to be addressed, and each has to decide if what they could potentially have together is worth risking their hearts again.

This was such a cute and surprisingly emotional story. It was so heavy on the feels that it was hard for me to read or listen to much of it all at once; I had to take time to decompress and process a bit. I listened to the audiobook as well as reading the text and I think that helped to add another layer to the story, making it more realistic and relatable, even though the narrator definitely had to grow on me. The relationship between Seth and Tara was so sweet as they each began to take small risks and confide more and more in each other as they overcome the pain of their past relationships. It was so refreshing to see a modern man exhibiting chivalrous and respectful behavior in planning real romantic dates that would be special for the heroine. I also loved that it was the heroine who chased after the hero and made things right in the end. That reversal from what we typically see in romance was so nice to read and the ultimate declaration of feelings and revelation of past relationship trauma was moving and both heartwarming and heart wrenching. I loved Seth and Tara together, especially once Tara finally admitted her feelings and stopped trying to hide her association with Seth because that part got old fast. Seth’s vulnerability beneath his charm was incredibly endearing and I loved his decisiviness about what he wanted and his willingness to fight to make it happen, even when circumstances weren’t ideal. I’m glad I had the audio version of this as well because it really helped to read and listen simultaneously to really draw out the emotional depth of this story. My only disappointment was that after such an incredibly delicious build-up of sexual tension between this couple, most of the steamy scenes, save one I believe, were fade to black. This was a new to me author and I’m very glad I tried her work and I’ll look forward to more.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book/audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book! The Dating Dare by Jayci Lee was such a fun ride! This book had enjoyable main characters, a little bit of cheesiness, and a great amount of steaminess! It was a quick and easy read and I loved the audiobook! I didn't realize this was a sequel but it can be read as a standalone and I didn't feel like I was missing anything. That being said I cant wait to read the first in the series and more from the author!

I received this book from Netgalley, this review is my opinion.

I actually liked this book, it had moments that made me really get excited. I kept going between a 4 and a 5, and landed at 5. Why? Because while the book was a bit predictable at times, it was also one of the rare books that maintained the chemistry during narration. I have read many romances and love most of them, but some don't come across right in narration. This one did. Therefore, I moved it up a star. Butterflies happened a couple times and that rarely happens for me when listening to a book. I liked the characters, although he seemed a little too perfect. I also don't understand how some people found her unlikeable and rude. I didn't at all. Except toward the end where she told him to shut up, another approach might have been nicer, but that is small really, when there were so many other nice moments. Maybe she was meaner in the first book?

Loved this book so much! This is a solid 4 stars, and a very sweet read. I love the banter and interaction between the main characters. There was a scene with some back patting over not sexually assaulting someone, which seemed like a poor choice. Otherwise, I did enjoy the arc of the story and it's a fast read. You could easily devour this book in one day.

The narration added so much to this story. The French words and phrases were perfectly incorporated. Each character also had very distinct voices, and they fit the character's personalities really well.

Thanks to Jayci Lee and Macmillan Audio for the free review copy of the audiobook. It did not influence my opinion of the book in any way.

This book follows our main character Tara and Seth, they make a deal-they will go on four dates over the course of a month and the rule is no one can fall in love with the other. Tara works at a brewery and has sworn off love forever. Seth is a fashion photographer who is moving to Paris at the end on the month.
The Dating Dare seems like the perfect dare, they get to fill all there desires with no strings attached. Personally, the fake dating trope is one of my favourite in romance novels. I loved the main characters in this book. Tara is a big personality, I love her sarcasm and how she speaks her mind. Seth is just a genuine sweetheart but who uses his playboy image to protect himself. I loved the banter that goes on between Seth and Tara. I love how adorable they acted in each others presents and I loved watching them overcome their past that were holding them back.
I loved the narrator Natalie Naudus. Her voice definitely showed emotion where necessary. I also found it very easy to follow when someone else other than the main character was speaking. She did an amazing job.
I gave this book 4/5 stars because the sex scenes weren't realistic and the insta love factor. I did enjoy the insta love in some bits but others I just found a little overwhelming but overall I loved this book. I would highly recommend listening to the audiobook.

Tara doesn’t do love, so when her best friend’s brother-in-law, Seth dares her to go on 4 dates with him without falling in love, she sees no problem with it. Neither of them are in a place where a relationship makes any sense, but the more time thy spend together, the more the attraction grows on both sides.

I loved so much about this book - the premise of dating on a dare was so unique and fun. Most of the book was very cute and the banter and chemistry between Seth and Tara was great. There was one scene in particular that rubbed me the wrong way - in the beginning Seth was proud of himself for not taking advantage of drunk Tara, and that just didn’t sit well with me personally. Other than that I thought his was a cute read.

Thanks to Macmillan audio for the gifted audiobook. It was narrated by Natalie Naudus, who in my opinion, is one of the best narrators out there. I always enjoy listening to her work!

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.

I had issues with the Netgalley app so was unable to give this a listen, but I enjoyed reading it and loved the characters. This is my first book by Jayci Lee and I hope to read more of her books. This was a fun fast read for me and one you could read in a day!

I'm sorry to say this one wasn't for me. I don't have high standards for romances, because all I need is a cute/hot/predictable story and I'm sold. But this one just wasn't my cup of tea.
The female main character was incredibly annoying. She was 28 years old and constantly behaved like she was 15. She was like a disney princess: all her emotions were over the top.
The male main character was way better, but it still took him until the 73,5% mark to realize he was behaving like a fool.
The dialogue was a bit forced, everything was cheesy and I almost did not finish it. Fortunately, I love happy endings and they had a cute one, so that made me feel good :) Also, the narrator was GREAT and she made it all better. 2,5 stars!

Tara meth Seth at her best friend's wedding, who also happens to be Seth’s new sister-in-law. Their chemistry is phenomenal, and they have a lot of sweet and steamy moments, but one problem, Seth is set to move to Paris for his dream job, and both agreed to stop everything once that happens.⁣
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I adore Tara and Seth; both are cute, funny, and easy to connect with. The love story may be a little cheesy but also sweet and delightful. Their take on the relationships was also interesting. I truly enjoyed listening to the audiobook and adore the small-town setting. ⁣

Thank you so much Macmillan Audio for my audiobook!

A sweet, dual perspective, closed door romance between two Korean Americans looking for a short-term fling but finding a lot more along the way. I really enjoyed A sweet mess, the first book in this series and a few returning characters show up in this book but it does work as a standalone if you haven't read the other one yet.

Seth is in town for his brother's wedding to Tara's best friend Aubrey (the MCs from A sweet mess). The two strike up an instant connection but since Seth is moving to Paris in four weeks they agree to go on four dates with no strings attached. I loved the chemistry and the witty banter between Seth and Tara and absolutely adored how Seth went out of his way to plan a surprise prom for Tara who never went to hers in high school. I also really enjoyed that Tara works at her family Brewery coming up with creative recipes and names for their beers.

This was great on audio, with Natalie Naudus as returning narrator. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a feel good summer romance with lots of chemistry and fun banter. Much thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan audio for my advance review copy.

The Dating Dare follows the pattern of one of my favourite tropes, and the characters were well done.

As much as I had hoped to love this one, elements such as the dialogue just didn’t hit the mark for me. This could be because of the way the narrator read them, and I’m definitely going to try a physical copy to see if that makes a difference.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn't figure out if this was a steamy romance or a cozy sweet one. The story was not bad, but the writing was just decent at best. This was definitely not my favorite.
Thank you Netgalley for letting me get an early copy of this book!

The Dating Dare is a witty and fun-filled addition to the Sweet Mess series.
A quick rundown: Tara and Seth meet while attending the wedding of Tara's best friend and Seth's brother. The two play an explosive game of Truth or Dare in which Seth proposes a four-date dare to Tara. Tara takes the dare because the four dates allow her to stay within her prescribed rules like "no serious relationships" and "no sex with strangers." When Seth originally suggests the dare, he feels like it's a nice and easy, no strings attached method to have a connection before he moves away to Paris. Before they know it, they find their hearts telling them to take a chance on something more.

My thoughts: I found both Tara and Seth super easy to relate to. Their previous relationships have left them with seemingly insurmountable baggage... At least until they connect with each other. While this book definitely falls into the rom-com genre, it still felt refreshing and sweet and I loved it. I think that Tara and Seth are the type of protagonists you can't help but root for and connect with. Their connection is dynamic and I loved reading a romance where the couple leans into their passion for each other right off the bat. Even though this is the second book in Lee's Sweet Mess series, it can definitely be read as a standalone book. This is a perfect read or listen for a beach day or for a night where you curl up with some chocolate and a good drink.

Overall rating: 4/5

The Dating Dare will be available for purchase on August 3rd. Be sure to add it to your Goodreads shelf. Also, be sure to check out Jayci Lee's website!

I was lucky enough to be able to listen to this Advanced Reader's Copy through my partnership with NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was a fun story. I really enjoyed the characters and their backstory. It has a small amount of enemies.to lovers and I always love a good hidden dating story.
The audiobook was good and I enjoyed the narrator.