Review: Holy Thor! This was my favorite from the series.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 8, 2014
Is it possible to be exhausted from laughing too much? At the end of every chapter in The Dare by Rachel Van Dyken, my cheeks were so sore from smiling that I had to take a short break to wait for the feeling to return to my jaw. Like the first two books in The Bet series, The Dare requires you to read in the comfort of your home, or risk questionable looks from strangers when you break into hysterical laughter in public. Not only is Grandma Nadine back with her over-the-top antics, but she has chosen a new couple to terrorize with her elaborate romantic schemes. Protagonists Jace and Beth are merely helpless bystanders, forced to settle in for what will undoubtedly be a bumpy ride, courtesy of Grandma Nadine.On paper, a playboy senator who bears a strong resemblance to Thor and a chemist whose history with men is nonexistent as is her self-confidence aren’t an obvious love match, but nevertheless, Jace and Beth seem to be inexplicably drawn to each other in The Dare. The circumstances that bring them together are unorthodox, yet effective, resulting in Jace and Beth spending plenty of quality time getting to know one another. The facts that Jace has been burned by love before and that Beth has convinced herself she repels the opposite sex make for an interesting combination. Witnessing them bicker like an old married couple while they attempt to deny their mutual attraction was the absolute best part of the book.Like most women, Beth wants to find her Happily Ever After and get swept off her feet by Prince Charming, but the narrative acknowledges that reality doesn't always live up to the fantasy and Prince Charming might screw up a few times along the way. I enjoyed Jace's bumbling attempts to woo Beth, because as good as his intentions were, the results were a hot mess. It doesn’t help that they're both wound so tight that the slightest provocation could potentially cause them to implode. Beth spent years suppressing her desires in favor of the safety net of her job - something she has in common with Jace, whose position as a public figure places him under constant scrutiny. My favorite moments were the times when they forgot about the outside world and instead focused on their undeniable connection.As much as I loved past protagonists from the series, I had the most fun reading Jace's and Beth's perspectives. I've never been more entertained by the inner thoughts of characters than I was by the nonsensical ramblings that spilled from the minds of these characters. I never knew what either of them would think or say, which I found endlessly entertaining. Jace and Beth managed to hold their own amongst the other couples of The Bet series, seamlessly becoming absorbed into the Titus family tree. After following the journey of these characters through the three books in The Bet series, I can only hope that Rachel Van Dyken will bring back Grandma Nadine and co. for another go-round.*complimentary copy provided via blog tour for an honest review