What happens when a dare goes too far?Maddox Coulter. Reckless bad boy. Infamous playboy. My nemesis. And now my best friend.I know he’ll never leave me hanging. He knows I’ll never refuse a dare. Everywhere we go we turn heads, but it’s not like that.Until it is.For one of us, anyway.I’ve always known he would be my downfall. But I trusted him to catch me.He proved me wrong.Maddox has gone too … me.
He proved me wrong.
Maddox has gone too far, and I don’t know if I want to rein him in or push us further into dangerous territory.
He tells me those three little words that I crave. Three little words I want from no one else.
“I dare you.”
Except this time, it’s no simple dare. This could burn us to the ground.
(This is book one of a duet)
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What is up with that insane ending?!?
Maddox is the ultimate bully. He is cruel and ruthless but I KNEW he was hiding deep feelings somewhere in that heart of his. I really really like him in spite of him being a colossal mofo. I absolutely fell for his charm and I cannot wait to see what’s next in store for him.
I was a little worried about Lila but I shouldn’t have been. She gave much as much and as bad as she got. I love her determination and honestly I won’t be shocked if she starts drop kicking punks who wrongs her.
This book defines slow burn . There were points where I just wanted both of them to abandon the ‘friendship’ and confess their real feelings. But I also realized it was really important for them to build a solid foundation.
I sort of felt disconnected with both of them at times and I think that I was I couldn’t fully relate to them. The story is beautifully written and that cliffhanger deserves one extra star. I am super pumped to see what happens next because I definitely want more Maddox and Lila.
Oh my god! Can I have the continuation ASAP? I seriously need it! This was so deep, intense and emotional.
Maddox & Lila were fucked up in their own way. But together, they’re just them. They started as enemies, returning pranks and dares on each other. For years, they’ve promised to be only friends. For years of built-up tension, man, the slow burn was real. But I love every second of it.
I seriously need the continuation. PERIOD!
This book is not what I expected, but definitely what I needed. Lila and Maddox are well.. they started as enemies and became besties… we go on their journey and let me just say there are times I’m like FFS just do it already..
I’m dying for the 2nd installment, I need to know what happens
This is the first time I’ve read this author and I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t this.
Maddox and Lila are best friends. But they have a weird friendship. I’m going to be 100% honest, I HATED Maddox at the beginning. Straight up hated him….and then he started to slowly win me over. Lila is sassy enough to give Maddox as good as he gives, she’s not one to back down and I liked that about her.
The mutual attraction and chemistry that they’re both trying to ignore, their messed up friendship, the banter, it’s all done really well and I’m fully invested in their story. I can’t wait for the second book in this duet to get some answers.
This is a fantastic enemies to best friends to possibly more romance. Maddox and Lila are both broken spirits that find they sooth some of the hurt in each other. The longer they are friends and the closer they get, the harder it is to ignore the attraction. Boy do they fight it! They would rather push those feelings away than ruin their friendship. Just when you think they might have pulled their heads out of their butts and give them a chance…their story continues in book 2.
Do you dare…
I did dare, and let me tell you…
Lylah James killed me! This book is my first Lylah James and she didn’t disappoint…she gave you everything and wanting more.
You feel you were there with Maddox and Lila, you just want to say ‘Just be together and happy’
The Dare they are playing, for me this makes them individually strong and by doing this they are both avoiding what matters…the Truth.
It’s so intense and and very thankful for a chance to review this book.
Lylah James You are AMAZING
5 YES, YES, YES, STARS!! OMG…..All I can say is Yes, Yes, Yes!!! I need more, more, more of Maddox and Lila!!! These two were amazing and I loved their story. The story had it all from bullying, great banter, best friends, enemies, sexy times and all the feels. This is my first book by this author and I love her writing style, I can’t wait to read more books by her.
Do You Dare left my head spinning! From Enemies to Best Friends and all the craziness in between this book was one wild ride; with an ending that will have you begging for more. Lila and Maddox will have you screaming at your kindle & smiling from ear to ear. Jam packed full of all the angsty goodness, one epic slow burn & all the witty banter..you will honestly not be able to put this book down. Lylah James did not disappoint with this one! && I cannot wait to see what happens next.
***ARC Provided in Exchange for an Honest Review/ Megan Scandalous Book Blog***
Lila and Maddox are enemies from the start. Maddox is the star quarterback who can get any woman he wants but when Lila doesn’t fall for him right away he’s shocked. Will he move on to next girl or take that as challenge? Lila is focused on school and her grades. She’s a woman who doesn’t take anything off anyone but when Maddox starts tormenting her what will she do?
For the sake of a place to begin: would you like to hear about my bookgirlcrush and story savior Lila Garcia?
Do You Dare is a slow-burn romance that had me scratching my head as to what genre it was supposed to be through the first dozen chapters. This is not Erotica–or at least nothing at all graphic happens for roughly 96% of the book. There is more of a tell-the-dirty and less show-the-dirty story-driven narrative. It leaves a lot of room for character development, and that in itself is why Lila is my current bookcrush.
Maddox Coulter is afforded plenty of indulgences due to his family’s wealth and influence. His looks and talent are icing on his expensive cupcake-like existence, which is a good thing for most of these hungry bitches, but Lila already knows boys like him taste like regret. Without meaning to incite the predator, Lila dared to commit the ultimate sin; she waited for coffee while having boobs.
The reason that alpha animals fight for dominance is that they are pushing mates and peers to test stamina. Who is tough enough to hang around? Two alphas are double the trouble, double the fun; Lila doesn’t like to lose, and Maddox lives for the win. When all their battles end in stalemates, an alliance is the only way to go. And finally, the story took off, and it became fun to read.
I loved the never-back-down Lila who would kick the game board over and start a riot. When Lylah James began to show us that Lila could be charitable to her enemy, I began to understand what made Maddox worthy. And conversely, seeing Maddox move from needling her to respecting and protecting her, it was clear to me that Lila isn’t just an agitator. She is a warrior — a queen. And I love the hell out of her.
Now back to the genre thing and pacing.
I was completely confused because I thought this was some steamy taboo romance based on the blurb. It felt like maybe it was a trading partner thing or revenge romance–but this is nowhere near either suggestion. The book starts in the present with the mic drop ‘I dare you’ and then flashes back to high school. The majority of the book takes place in a YA+ almost NA slot. The plot-driven struggles of the two main characters are the only thing that pushes this into a mature audience demographic. It’s a trigger dense novel. But the classification as Erotica is overkill. I am assuming that book two is going to be the tipping point.
Although I found the first couple of chapters plodding, the payoff was good. I am excited to read the second half.
Oh, wait, I do have a complaint. Lylah James needs to learn about football. Like what season it’s played and when championships games take place. It might be useful for her to go back and check out her timetable, too, because the weather is a constraint she isn’t working within.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary advance copy of this book.
OH MY GAWWWWWD! WHAT did I just read? Who did I just fall for?? Why do we always fall for the bullies? And not just any bully….but that real cruel, dark-souled, broken bully. Maddox is just that guy, and as much as I wanted to hate him. I just couldn’t.
This enemies-to-friends-to-lovers-to-I-JUST-NEED-MORE blew me away! This was my first book I have read by L James and it certainly won’t be my last. These characters had me addicted from the beginning and they embedded themselves into my mind and heart with every.single.page. Maddox & Lila’s push and pull, love/hate, enemies to friends roller-coaster of a relationship was not one that I was expecting, but I fell for them deeper with each chapter.
I absolutely loved Lila – her unique sense of self, confidence, how she holds her chin high no matter the circumstance, and her loyalty and passion for Maddox. It was apparent from the very beginning that these two had a connection and chemistry that was waiting to explode…and explode it did. It was a slow burn that I wanted to ignite with each and every page they were together. But I loved how they grew as individuals AND together, they evolved organically – it was real and all-consuming. Maddox’s character development was so significant…his obsession with Lila was both swoon-worthy at times and borderline crazy. But he remained loyal to her, and put everything on the line when it mattered.
Their relationship is tested so many times throughout this book, and each time they walked away stronger. They are addictive, and I was so emotionally invested in them that it caught me off-guard when I shed tears for them, whether they were happy or sad. I am ALL-IN with this couple and will be waiting on pins and needles for I Dare You which is the 2nd book in this duet. Well done L James! I am officially a fan!
I seriously and officially hate this author. I’m wrong out. This book has my emotions all over the place, that I probably will have a book hanger for at least a week. I only rated this book give stars because I couldn’t rate it a ten.
I absolutely love this book. This was my first book by this author and it was amazing. I love how Maddox and Lila were together. Their chemistry is off the charts. I need the second book now to see how their story ends.
“One dare at a time, I’d chase his smiles–because I realize Maddox needed someone who cared enough about his happiness and his anger. And I did.”
Ok so I’m a newbie to Lylah’s writing so When I saw all of my bookstagram Friends talking about this book I figured why not I’ll give it a shot and
WOW, Just WOW
Do You Dare exceeded all of my expectations! It wasn’t your typical NA with sex exuding on every page, instead it was one of the longestttttt, most sexually charged slow burns I’ve ever read. I felt the tension from Lila and Maddox, JESUS it was intense!
“But somehow, Lila Garcia became more than just my prey. She was someone I wanted to protect. From the world. From me.”
The books prologue basically sums up the synopsis in a longer version, giving us the present where as the majority of the book follows the past of how, when & why The unlikely pair become best friends.
It’s a “classic” tale of poor girl attends elite school & unwillingly gains the attention of the resident hotty who acts like a dick but is genuinely a good guy. I won’t give away how the story goes so that’s your summary for now 😉
Together the two rage on at each other with endless pranks. Eventually they see how good they are as enemies they would make an even better team. But all that sexual hate tension just builds into a Enemies to Lovers to Friends tension and that tension is probably thicker than the damn paperback copy!!!
“Maddox Coulter was still an asshole behind a pretty mask. And I was the stupid girl who fell in love with her best friend.”
And the fucking ending??? Yes that fucking ending made me want to slam my kindle. Now that I finally got what I wanted at the end Lylah James totally played me and I have to wait for the juicy details of the damn epilogue in the next book.
I cannot wait for that copy, I’m already desperate for more of these characters and Lylah’s writing. If that doesn’t tell you it was most certainly a 5 star read idk what will!
My rating: 5/5 stars
This is an enemies to friends story that has both the protagonists realising that the lines are blurring in the relationship. Maddox and Lila are an interesting pair. They are both a little broken but rather than fixing each other, they help each other by holding together the pieces. Of course they started out making life hell for each other. And slowly over time, something changes. Something they aren’t willing to risk no matter what feelings start stirring. Maddox seems like the typical spoiled rich boy with parents who can pay for everything. But there is so much more hidden underneath his layers. I won’t lie, he is an arrogant so and so and such an annoying a**. However, it is hard not to like him at certain points. Lila is a fiery woman who isn’t afraid to step up when needed. She is a fighter but sometimes needs that shoulder to lean on. It makes her all the more human. This is a duet so their story isn’t over and there are still many questions especially after the ending. I had mixed feelings about it but I’m still eager to know what happens to Lila and Maddox.
Want to know what I hate about duets? Freaking cliffhangers and feeling as if a book has just stopped in the middle of it, oh wait, it kind of has….
Do You Dare? is a bully/enemies romance to friends to more? Then just stops at the end with me wanting so much more, but that is the work of a great author right?!
I really liked this book. I liked how things progress, it is like super slow burn though. The initial energy between the characters is like freaking fire then it kind of just sizzles a bit and then it is a freaking blazing inferno. The blurb does a great job of giving you an idea bout what is going to go down, but I have to tell you that you are not prepared for the emotions that it will provoke in you. I can tell you that I am SUPER excited for the next part of the duet, but I need it in my hands like right now.
OMG, this book was amazing! I literally binge-read it in one sitting. This is not your average bully romance, firstly it ends on a cliff-hanger (yes, I know) and secondly, not all is what it seems between both the bully, Maddox Coulter and bullied, Lila!
The book opens with Lila first meeting Maddox and him setting his sights on her. You are never quite told the reason why he bullies her in the book. There is so much banter between the two characters, it is amazing as well as the setting each other up and joking…at times hilarious!
Lila is so sassy and strong and she isn’t going to put up with Maddox’s crap and she certainly doesn’t! She has been through some horrible things in her life and she isn’t going to let Maddox get in her way of her ultimate goals. Maddox on the other hand is the star football player, golden boy of the school, but not everything is as it seems and it takes Lila a little bit of digging to find out what makes Maddox the man that he is. You see the development of these characters throughout the book as though you are aging with them as they go from being high-school students to college students and that shows in their emotions and duel POV.
What starts off as bullying develops into more for these two characters, but they can never quite stop pulling dares on each other. There is an underlying sexual tension between the two for most of the book and it will be interesting to see what happens in the following book with that as well as knowing what happens with the cliff-hanger!
Do you Dare is an enemy to best friend bully novel which I can’t wait to see what is coming in the next installment. You’re not going to want to put this book down, so make sure you put it on your to read list or buy it now!
ARC received for a fair and honest review.
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
Do you Dare? I have to say I have been dying to read this book since I first heard anything about it. It immediately drew me in with the synopsis. I mean, come on! Bad boy best friend who the heroine winds up falling for?! It’s my Kryptonite.
I really enjoyed this book. The development of Maddox and Lila’s friendship was really fun. There is so much sass and sarcasm going back and forth between these two. I loved all of the jokes and humor. And obviously the sexual tension is on point.
“Lila Garcia straightened her own crooked crown because she didn’t need anyone else to do it for her.”
And even though this book is about our maine characters I seriously loved getting to hear about the side characters as well and found myself really interested and excited when we got updates on them as well. I’m kinda hoping they get a book lol.
But it’s so great when a book has, not only great maine characters, but awesome side characters as well. It just makes it so much more enjoyable.
I very much loved Lila’s strength and just general badassery. She doesn’t need no man to save her, and Maddox agrees. It makes the book so much better for me when the female character is strong on her own. And Lila definitely is that!
“She was mistaken. I was my own hero.”
This one was my first read from Lylah James and I really enjoyed her writing. I wasn’t ever bored. She kept the momentum and tension going throughout the book.
While I do really enjoy and thrive off of angst in books, the back and forth and denying their feelings for each other between Maddox and Lila went on a little too long for me. It’s pure torture! So, if you’re a fan of angst you’ll love it lol.
Overall it was so much fun to read and I am definitely looking forward to the next book! Especially after that killer cliff-hanger.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thought’s and opinions are my own.*
This book owned me! Maddox and Lila’s story consumed me whole and left a mark in my heart. Deliberately written, gripping, slow-burn to the core romance with explosive heroes and amazing plot. I could not put it down! And when I read the last chapter, like million times, I almost cried. Because let me tell you readers: Maddox rhymes with everything.
Maddox Coulter has it all: the money, popularity, football field and every girl he desires. He is a cocky, arrogant and very competitive man. And when he set his eyes on Lila Garcia, he swore to leave a mark on her bedframe. But Lila despises Maddox and everything he represents. She is a smart, funny and very caring girl. Maddox, intrigued by Lila’s lack of attention, starts to treat her like a challenge. But Lila is as fierce and competitive as Maddox. He pushes hard and Lila pushes even harder.
But what happened when they both see each at their lowest point? When the mask of bravery falls bearing the vulnerable inside? When innocent dare put Lila and Maddox supposedly unbreakable friendship at risk?
Do You Dare is a very addictive and unputdownable read. A story about an amazing friendship between two young people from a completely different world. Lila and Maddox balanced each other, made me laugh and my heart beat faster from excitement and hurt. Their loyalty and honesty toward each other were amazing to witness and I can’t wait for the next book.
I dare you to read this book!
Slow burn, enemies to lovers perfect read. Maddox and Lila go from being on a bully relationship, to friends and then lovers, making the story richer and way more appealing than the usual bully – lovers one. The angst from this trope is always what draggs me in, but having a slow burn story surprised me in the best way. I can’t wait to read the next part, it is one you must read if you love this type of stories.