Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills returns with an all-new swoon-fest of a novel about what happens when you look beyond labels and take a chance on love. Badass Athlete: I dare you to… girl.
Lover of fluffy kitties and Star Wars.
Curious.
His dare? Spend one night in his bed—a night he promises will be unforgettable—and she can solve the mystery of who he is.
She knows she shouldn’t, but what else is she going to do with her boring Valentine’s Day? One sexy hook-up later, her mind is blown and the secret’s out.
Maverick Monroe.
Bad boy.
The most talented football player in the country.
Just ask him.
Too bad for him Delaney’s sworn off dating athletes forever after her last heartbreak.
But Maverick wants more than one night and refuses to give up on winning Delaney’s heart. She isn’t one to be fazed by a set of broad shoulders.
Will the bad boy land the nerd girl or will the secrets they keep from each other separate them forever?
I DARE YOU is a full-length stand-alone novel. For a limited time, when you buy or download the book in KU, you’ll also receive an extended excerpt of her #1 Amazon romance Dirty English!
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If I Dare You is anything to go by The Hook Up Series is going to be brilliant, this book captivated me and once I started there was no putting it down until I had read the last word.What happens when the cocky jock who really does have a heart of gold sets his sights on the nerdy girl who is in love with kittens and Star Wars well you get an adorable romance.
Mav is the strong, confident, independent hot football player who will do anything for his family, a family who haven’t had it easy and if he can make things better for them he will do whatever it takes.
Delaney is loyal, kind, strong and fully understands the problems families can cause could this nerd and the jock become the perfect couple……
This book has it all, it’s about two people who on the face of it are very different but when it boils down to it they find they are very similar, it has the perfect mix of love, humour and sadness and the witty banter between Mav and Delaney is perfect. If you love sports romances you will definitely want to one click this must read, can’t wait for the next instalment in The Hook Up Series.
It’s been a little while since I’ve read a book by this author, but as much as I loved the ones before, it should be no surprise that I loved this one as well. Once again I was made to long for the school year to be over so I could start my summer break and be able to stay up all night to finish a book. This one I could barely put down. I loved the characters. You had the wonderful chemistry between our main characters Delaney and Maverick. You had the best friend Skye that you couldn’t help loving. Then there was Delaney’s ex, who is actually a much more relatable and almost likable character in the end. Especially because there is someone for you to hate, Muffin-Martha. Even with the sweetness of the romance, I appreciated the more realistic aspects. For example, the whole secret admirer with the texting didn’t last longer than made sense. Delaney figured it out in a very perfect/reasonable amount of time. Then there was the way Maverick acted at what ended up being the final conflict of the story. He didn’t go way overboard in how he pushed Delaney away, and I feel like she behaved perfectly reasonable, not like a crazy shrew. The consequences of everything Maverick had done also were realistic, but still had the HEA we wanted and needed. I’m excited for this to be a series, and I have a guess at who the next story might be about. But I can’t wait to see! Another great sports romance.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Mary –
Delaney Shaw is a nerdy girl, loves Star Wars and kitties. But don’t dare her to do something because she will do it just to prove she can. At a freshman bonfire, she meets Maverick Monroe, the it man on the football field. They seem to be drawn to each other. When he approaches her and lightly kisses her, he tells her that she will always remember her first kiss at the freshman bonfire.
Maverick Monroe knows one thing, football. And he knows that it is the only thing to get him and his sister to a better future. After he hears that Delaney has broken up with her boyfriend, he wants to ask her out but doesn’t want to seem to push too fast. After all, Delaney has sworn off athletes because the last one broke her heart.
When Delaney gets a text from someone she doesn’t know, there is a dare she can’t refuse. And the text becomes something she looks forward too. She wants the texter to be Maverick, but can she handle another athlete? Can Maverick hold on to Delaney or will he lose her because of the secrets he is holding?
I have come to love everything I read from this author although I would have liked more in the end, it seemed a little rushed. But I did love the storyline and hope there will be more, maybe from Ryker’s story. If you haven’t read anything from Ilsa Madden-Mills yet, pick any of her stories and you will not be disappointed, just sit back and enjoy!
Mary Jo –
A chance encounter brings Delaney and Maverick back into each other’s lives after meeting two years ago during their freshman year. Maverick has fulfilled the expectations everyone had for him to be a phenom on the football field and Delaney has just ended a two-year relationship with Alex, the kicker on the football team.
Mav knows that you don’t date a teammate’s ex, but he’s wanted to pursue Delaney since they first met at the bonfire freshman year. Delaney has sworn off football players but there is something about Mav that calls to her.
As she gets to know the real Maverick and the reasons why he takes chances he shouldn’t, she vows to stand by him no matter what. Maverick decides that coming clean with the powers that be is the only way to keep the girl of his dreams and will let the chips fall where they may.
Overall a good story, but there were a few transitional issues that confused me and the ending seemed a bit rushed.
Lee’Anne –
I absolutely loved this incredible book! Nerdy girl plus super-hot football star = happy reader!
Maverick was in a car accident that killed his mother and left his sister with a disability that requires she have extra care. He’s also in his junior year at college and being on the football team prevents him from getting a job to be able to help out with his sister’s care. Right after the accident happened, Maverick met Delaney but before he could act on the attraction he felt for her she was snatched up by a teammate. Now, two years later, Delaney’s single and Maverick isn’t letting her get away this time… only life throws him multiple curve balls at once and things spiral out pretty quickly.
Delaney is nerdy but so very awesome, she’s one of my all-time favorite characters. I love that she’s so relatable and though she’s hot for Maverick and doesn’t think he’s interested, she also never has insecure thoughts about not being good enough. Maverick’s character is also seriously awesome – he’s a player in the prologue but it’s explained and he’s not making a sudden change for Delaney, he’s already a great guy when their relationship starts. I just found this entire story refreshing and I’m already highly anticipating the next book in this series!
Avid Reader –
M/F Sports Romance
Triggers: Cheating, alcoholism, TBIs
First off, I think that the blurb for this book is misleading…
Maverick seems to have it all. He is successful in school, a football star, and has a lot of friends. But behind that confident exterior, he also is hiding a part of his life that he would rather not have in the limelight. His family life is less than ideal and it’s wearing on him to be both jock star and helping brother/concerned son. When he needs to let loose a little, he attends a party with his friends and sees Delaney. There is nothing he can really do about it, but he gets a kiss from her and then disappears into the crowd.
Delaney is a quirky woman who wants nothing to do with football players after she finds her boyfriend of a while cheating on her. Not only is she done with dating football stars, but her best friend is dating a baseball player who definitely leaves something to be desired. Delaney is never one to back down from a dare and when she starts to receive anonymous messages from someone who knows this about her, a romance is born… but with whom?
This was a sweet read with a young adult feel to it. The innocence between Delaney and Maverick is sweet, but with the underlying issues in Maverick’s life and Delaney wanting to help, it can’t help but turn in to a great story.
I can’t wait to see the next one.
Ruthie –
This is the start of a new series, and I think it is going to be a hit!
Whilst a story as old as time – the gorgeous jock with a slightly tortured past and the nerdy librarian girl fall for each other – there are some excellent elements here which rise it well above the average. I think I would have liked some of the issues at the end to be clearer – but maybe that comes in book two.
The links between the first time they met, and today, are used well, even Muffin adds to the layers. The texting is also fun, and of course, the dares. Interestingly, in spite of those elements which are pure college, the characters are pretty mature (most of the time) and life’s cruel twists helped that be the case. There are some really fun moments, as well as some sexy ones in the least expected scenes – donut sparkles?!
Good read, and more to come from the series no doubt.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of I Dare You (The Hook Up #1) by Ilsa Madden-Mills to read and review.
4.5 Stars!
Football fans rejoice, I Dare You is a Sports Romance you don’t want to miss! It’ll have you wishing the story had gone into overtime; it ended way too soon for me, I would’ve loved to spend more time with Delaney and Maverick. Or, “Mr. Tall, Blond and Football” as she referred to him. What is it about texting that somehow removes our filters and lets us say the first thing that pops into our heads? You’ll see what I mean, after reading the funny and honest back-and-forth these two have. Told in alternating POV, something I’m a huge fan of, I loved everything about this romance! And another plus to this story is the mean girl, Muffin, someone we love to hate and always a necessary evil in a college romance. This is a clear this winner!
Delaney Shaw and Maverick Monroe met at the infamous annual bonfire, her freshman year. It’s a tradition Waylon University students don’t want to miss, especially due to the legend that goes with it.
“Legend says the first person you kiss at the party is the one you’ll never forget. It might be years later, and still their face is the one you dream about.”
As Maverick explains it to her before kissing her, telling Delaney she’ll never forget him. Two years pass before they see and speak to each other again. It’s not that Delaney hasn’t seen him, Mav plays on the football team as a middle linebacker and is a hot jock, she’s avoided him on purpose. Knowing he’s a player, on and off the field, she thinks he doesn’t remember her. And the legend seems to be irrefutable; she hasn’t forgotten him and thinks about Mav often. Especially now that Delaney broke up with her cheating boyfriend, also on the football team and she’s sworn off athletes, and especially all football players, as potential boyfriends.
Now that she can’t stop bumping into Maverick, and they even have a class together! When she gets an anonymous text on Valentine’s Day she almost blows him off, until he quotes The Princess Bride and decides to play along. He tells her to call him He-Man, since he claims to be a comic geek. After a while, she finds herself looking forward to the funny messages he sends her, and even starts to look for advice and share secrets with. Is it wrong that she hopes and wishes he were Maverick?
When Maverick decides now’s the time to make his move on Delaney, she really doesn’t stand a chance. The more she gets to know him the more her misconstrued opinions about him are proven false.
“It’s all about the money.”
“Especially if you’ve never had it.”
Mav’s worked hard for everything he’s achieved and his future depends on being chosen by an NFL team. Someone depends solely on him, and he can’t disappoint, their lives depend on him being successful. He hates asking for help and as a result this jeopardizes everything he’s worked hard for. Especially his relationship with Delaney.
Your heart is going to melt, I promise you! This is one couple that seemed to be made in Heaven, I loved them both equally! Again, don’t miss out on this winning romance.
I wasn’t sure about this one at first, especially after reading the blurb. To say that the story isn’t exactly what’s represented with the description would be an understatement and normally, I would be much more critical of that. But, by the time, I realized that I wasn’t getting exactly what I thought, I was already rooting for Delaney and Maverick. She’s an absolutely adorable nerdy girl and Maverick is just so darn lovable that you can’t help but want good things for him. He doesn’t always get those good things and has more than his share of trouble, which makes him even more endearing. Needless to say, this sweet couple won me over and I enjoyed the read. To sum it up, I Dare You is a wonderful blend of fun, witty, sweet, and sexy with some angst thrown in to keep the story moving.
Maverick is one of the best football players the college has. He’s super popular with the lady’s. He’s cocky but at times it comes across as funny. There is so much more depth to him. He’s intelligent and a very caring person.
Maverick has set his sights on geeky girl Delaney. He has watched her from a distance and finally made his move when she becomes single. Her confidence is shaken after her ex cheats on her. Not only that I don’t think she sees herself as someone who can catch someone like Maverick’s attention for more than a notch on his belt. Because she doesn’t take him seriously she’s able to throw his cockiness back at him. If there was any chance of him not being grounded she would of made sure he got there.
Maverick slowly works his way into a relationship with Delaney. The banter these two have is great and really adds a more realistic vibe to the story.
When Maverick is against the wall trying to help his sister the choices he makes can cost him everything including Delaney. She sees through him and makes him rethink his choices.
There are several good sayings in this book but the one that really stayed with me was “Legend says the first person you kiss at the party is the one you’ll never forget. It might be years later, and still their face is the one you dream about.” I think it’s because it’s actually true in this story. Maverick told Delaney this line and then made sure he was the first one that kissed her at this party and then walked away. These two never stopped thinking about each other. Two years later they give into their dreams.
The only dissappointment I had, Only because I have a little bit of vindictiveness in me, was that karma didn’t come back and kick Muffin’s butt.
This book flowed so easily that I couldn’t put it down. I read it straight through and was sad when it ended. I really connected with Maverick and Delaney.
4.5 stars
I Dare You…to avoid Maverick Monroe’s advances.
I Dare You…to look at him and not think dirty thoughts.
I Dare You…to not smile at the Star Wars references.
I Dare You…to not crush on any football players mentioned in these pages.
I Dare You…to eat glitter donuts.
I Dare You…to love Han Solo #2.
I Dare You…to like Muffin. Just kidding, no one does!
I Dare You to read this book!
I Dare You to not beg for more stories about these characters.
I Dare You
Reviewed for Sweet Spot Sisterhood
Oh my …I Dare You .
This was a romance that will have you swooning.
Delaney and Maverick they have a slow sizzling burn that last through college . I mysterious text sent to our smart, nerdy, sassy ,quirky Delaney that includes a Dare. Maverick a man who sees what he wants and waits to go after it or shall we say her until the time is right! Loved it !! I couldn’t get enough of their funny sexy banter through those messages ! Great read!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
What a cute, romantic story. I absolutely loved this story. This is the first book I’ve read from Ilsa and definitely won’t be the last. I love sport romances and this book is the reason why. Delaney and Maverick, both, touched my heart in this story. Especially Mav’s sister. My heart ached for him and Raven and I’m so glad that Delaney was there for him. Their love story makes you believe that true love exists, no matter how long it takes to get it. Fantastic book.
I had a smile plastered on my face the whole time I was reading this. This book was engaging, funny, sweet and sexy in all the right places. Something about Maverick&Delaney keeps you rooted to your seat until you realize it 2 am (on a work day) and you finished the book that you started to read with words just a chapter or two.
What an adorable couple these two make. I love how she’s this super cool nerd girl and how he never forgot her or their kiss. I loved how everything he did he had his sister in mind (though I got to say some of his decisions were questionable but OK). Most of all I loved the salsa dancing – who doesn’t love a man who can spin you around on the dance floor.
It’s been a while since I last read an Ilsa Madden-Mills book and this one just reminded me how good she is. Can’t wait to start the next one in line
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! Ilsa Madden-Mills is one of my all time favorites and this story just made me love her more! I fell in love with Delaney and Maverick right away! Great Story with an HEA!! FIVE STARS!!
I Dare You is a unique, deliciously hot, endearingly sweet, laugh out loud, good time romance that i gobbled up quite fast! A typical trope where the famous football player falls for the nerd,except this book made me swoon hard at the Maverick,our hot jock and crushed hard on our sassy,fierce and geeky heroine.Sports romance are not really my thing but Ilsa Madden Mills just made me a fan with this book!
You guys!! There is something about football books that gets me going. I am absolutely obsessed! I love the comraderie on and off the field among the players and the swoony moments they always deliver. I thought I Dare You was just fantastic! It had everything you’ve come to expect from an Ilsa Madden-Mills story: sweet and endearing characters, a sexy hero and a sassy heroine. I absolutely loved Maverick and Delaney and their romance.
I Dare You was such a fun, low-angst football romance that hit the spot. Delaney and Maverick had great chemistry, banter and their text messaging love was just the icing on the cake. For some reason, text messaging and emails in a story are just my favorite thing in the world as the rapid-fire humor and chemistry was just amazing to watch. I loved how Mr. Big man on campus, Maverick loved Delaney for her quirky sense of humor and style and appreciated her for the gem she was.
All in all, this was a great story and I look forward to more books from this author in the future. Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula
God, what is it about a fun, flirty football romance that I just love so much? And I really loved I Dare You. A lot. It ticked off all the boxes for me.
Smart, funny leading characters
Witty banter
Charming, engrossing storyline
I Dare You had all this and more. I loved the connection between Delaney and Maverick. Loved their interactions, their inability to stay away from each other. Loved Maverick’s deep seeded protective nature. Loved Delaney and her adorable neediness.
And I loved their communication abilities—their text chats are some of the best scenes in I Dare You. Best scenes. Hands down.
I Dare You was a quick, fun, flirty read that you won’t put down until the very last word is read.
4.5 Stars!!
What a read!! Maverick and Delaney were a lot of fun to spend time with. Although the time with them flew by since I couldn’t get enough of their story.
Maverick is the last thing Delaney is looking for after coming off of a break up but she can’t help but look in his direction every time he is near. Maverick and Delaney shared a brief encounter freshman year where he promised that it would be hard to forget him. But in her eyes it was him who forgot.
Add a random text with an anonymous admirer to the mix and Delaney most definitely has her plate full. I loved the freedom that it gave her to just be herself and push the envelope without the fear of consequences.
Maverick would make it hard for any girl to forget him. Not only does he have star quality but as we peel back the layers of Maverick we find that he is selfless and protective in more than one way. I loved the way he casually flirted with Delaney while they were getting to know one another.
The secondary characters in this book were pretty important in my opinion and it makes me wonder if we will be getting a bit more of Ryker’s story in the future. In my experience with Ilsa’s books sometimes those secondary characters can leave a huge impact and demand their own voice.
Let us not forget the Star Wars and Princess Bride references that Ilsa sprinkles throughout the story making it that much more memorable. What more can I say about this book but go #1click….I DARE YOU!
Wow! I really enjoyed I Dare You. Maverick and Delaney’s story isn’t typical.
Hey both have baggage and plenty of good reason to avoid anything personal. Add in that her cheating ex is his teammate. He’s an athlete and she’s a geek.
But he gives her butterflies whenever he’s near. And she makes his heart race. Two years after her welcome to Waylon kiss he takes his chance. The texting is fun. The interactions are pulsing and fun and sweet. The dares are empowering.
But he’s keeping secrets and she wants no part of it. He’s throwing everything away. He’s got good reason but losing her would destroy him more than losing his career.
Here’s to when the good guy (or good gal) win over the evil, manipulative biotch. Good riddance Muffin! Least likable character in the story and I was cheering her on to her own demise.
I’ve only read a couple books by this author but I really liked this one!
I Dare You is one of those stories that leaves you giggling but also swooning. The characters will sweep you off your feet as you are taking on an angsty college ride with Delaney and Maverick that will leave you breathless and begging for more. I think the one thing I adored about this story is that it has these unique twists that breathes a breath of fresh air in a college romance. Hello, girl who adores the nerdy stuff?? That was utterly epic and I could completely relate with it. Mav is sin on a stick and the way that he falls for Delaney was beautiful. They have amazing chemistry and great banter.
This story has a lot of ups and downs with both Delaney and with Maverick. You get to see and really feel the turmoil that these characters feel through each page. Things are not always sunshine and daisies and the grit and pain these two go through at times is real and stunning. It is very much an emotional ride by the end. I am very much looking forward to more in this series! I would highly recommend it to anyone!
I have read other books by this author, and have loved them, but this book, just Wow, i really think this is the best !!!!
MAVERICK MONROE!!! yes a name you won’t forget just as you won’t forget this absolutely addictive, hot, sassy, romance!!
Maverick and Delaney first meet at a party over a year before their story really begins, they share a sweet first kiss that should never be forgotten. Then they go their separate ways.
Delaney has just split up from her cheating football playing boyfriend and suddenly Maverick is showing back up in her life, plus she’s receiving mysterious text messages from an unknown “Badass Athelete and i really began to wonder which guy she would veer towards, because both Maverick and the “Texter” were pretty darn good at leaving you in a puddle swooning !! For Maverick, the coast is now clear for him to make his play for the girl he never really forgot. Added to this Delaney has most definitely sworn off atheletes, especially those who play Football. Her life is most definitely going to change!!
Maverick is just pretty darned awesome, smart, hot, delectable, oh and did i mention HOT?? He’s got a lot going on in his life, yet even though he’s carrying heavy weights on his shoulders, his personality captures you and ensnares you totally!! I devoured every word and nuance, he’s definitely a guy you can’t get enough off !!! His romancing of Delaney has my heart strings soaring and my jaw permanently smiling. I loved every minute of this book and inhaled every page. The chemistry and emotion hit you in all the right places and i found it so easy to get emotionally attached to both characters. I Dare you to read this book and not fall in Love !!
***4.5 ‘Bonfire’ Stars***
I love me a good nerd gets the popular kid romance, but what really hooked me was the line in the blurb ‘Lover of fluffy kitties and Star Wars’, after reading that it was all over (I mean fluffy kitties and Star Wars ~ at least the original three) and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed I Dare You. It was funny, sweet and adorkable with some good smexy going on, not too much angsty-ness ~ though there was some drama to keep things interesting and a lot of heart.
I adored Delaney and Maverick. As far as Delaney is concerned talk about girl crush status right out of the gate. She’s a nerd girl and owns it. She is who she is and if you don’t like it, it’s not her problem. She got a good head on her shoulders, a huge heart and doesn’t allow people to walk all over her, but she also knows when to pick her battles. Maverick is so much more than he appears to be. He’s got that cocky thing down pat, but he isn’t arrogant. He’s charming and has a ton of charisma, but it’s his heart that out does everything else. He’s got a lot of responsibilities and he takes them very seriously and will do anything for those he loves.
Delaney and Maverick’s journey was a fun one. There was some drama, but nothing OTT ~ at least as far as them together. I loved the texting back and forth and just how they connected with each other. It was sweet and adorkable and when they finally get together it was all kinds of smexy. The bumps in their road were interesting. Some I expected, others not so much, but I liked how they worked it out between the two of them and that epilogue was all kinds of perfect.
Even though I’ve had the author on my radar for a long time, and have some of her books waiting for my attention in my TBR pile this is actually my first read by her and I definitely want more. The writing was engaging, pacing was good. I enjoyed the dual first person POV’s and the characters were very well written, Ryker and Raven are the ones I enjoyed the most. My one thing is that I wish certain issues were fleshed out more. The main storyline with Delaney and Mav was done well, but there were a couple of things I wish we got a little more info about, but that’s just me. But, in the end, this was a fun read and a must read if you love romances where the geeky girl gets the big bad athlete!
~ Copy provided via Social Butterfly PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
Christ on a cracker you guys, this book was completely irresistible to me. I read it in one sitting. I am a slow reader y’all, I don’t read books in one sitting. But once I met Delaney and Maverick? No chance I was putting this book down. I was immediately smitten with them, and that didn’t let up until the very last page.
Naw, let’s be real. I’m still so super smitten. I am barely containing my inner flaily fangirl right now, basically.
I have a weird, but true love for text messaging as a relationship tool in love stories and I feel like it’s done perfectly here. It’s playful and adorable and a little bit sexy. It helps that the personalities of this couple are completely adorkable and engaging. They are multi-faceted – neither of them fitting exactly into the kind of box you would expect to place them in. Maverick is exactly the kind of growly alpha male football player I find impossible to resist, but he’s also not afraid to dork out a bit which just endeared him to me all the more. And Delaney is all quirky nerd girl extraordinaire (a woman after my own heart), but she holds her own in the world of jocks with a strong backbone and a heart as big as the world.
I adored her.
I adored him.
And I freaking crazy spazzy adored the two of them together.
This is a super quick and mostly light read, but there are some emotional punches packed within. It went a little deeper than I was expecting it to and it just made me love it all the more. It’s adorable. Swoony. Sexy. Fun. I am smiling so big right now and if you were standing right in front of me, I would most likely be shoving this book into your hands and begging you to read it so we could squeal about it together. Seriously, this one hit every single one of my sweet spots and – in case all this overly excited rambling hasn’t been clear enough for you – I enthusiastically recommend it!