Dare You To
4 starsA book that managed to suck me in and not let go.
Beth's life has changed drastically in a short amount of time. She was doing just fine, living with her problem-riddled mother (alcohol, abusive boyfriend)and spending as much time with her best friends Isaiah and Noah. And then it all crashed. Now she's living with her rich uncle in a small town in which she simply doesn't belong. It seems like there's not a person there she could relate to, especially not Ryan, the town's golden boy.
Ryan's life seems pretty perfect. He's popular, his family is like from a poster, he's got good friends and he rocks at baseball. Things are not what they appear, though. And the last thing he needs is to get involved with a girl as troubled as Beth. But he simply can't help himself. And things start to spiral out of control.
I really liked both Beth and Ryan. They are so wrong for each other, they are perfect. :D Beth, with her not-so-good childhood, who was forced to grow up way too fast, and Ryan, the boy with a perfect family, who simply has everything. I love their interactions, and I especially love Ryan. He is amazing.
There were some things that were less then perfect, namely Beth's behavior at times. I understood her, but she still didn't endear herself to me. Don't ask me why...
One thing I particularly liked is that the entire mess with the dare didn't drag on for too long. No unnecessary drama, which is always a plus in my book. :D
As for the other characters, I'm really glad to see Noah and Echo again, and Isaiah - well, I really hope Ms. McGarry writes him a book soon, because that boy deserves a story of his own.
ARC received from Harlequin via Netgalley