Review: I loved every minute of this hysterical story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 9, 2014
4.5 out of 5 starsI adore Rachel Van Dyken and could not wait to get my hands on The Dare.  The Bet and The Wager are some of the funniest, wittiest and best books I have ever read, and we're on my top books of 2013 list!  If you haven't read those don't worry The Dare can be read as a stand alone, however if you've read the other two first I think it makes the experience with this one even better!The Dare picks up just where we left Grandma Nadine at the end of The Wager, accompanying her two grandsons and their new wives on their honeymoon, with Beth and Jace!  Of course at the time we couldn't help but ask ourselves what crazy Grandma Nadine stunt landed Beth and Jace into the mix.  Maybe it was because it had been so long since I read The Wager, but I was a little lost and found myself re-reading the first couple of pages trying to get a better grasp as to what exactly was going on with Beth and Jace.  Eventually I realized The Dare begins just before the airport in a hotel room.  Once I was back on track, I found myself loving every minute of this hysterical story!  Grandma Nadine is up to her matchmaking antics again for Beth and Jace and she is full steam ahead!This book is a little different as neither Beth or Jace are her grandchildren, but she refers to them and loves them as such and therefore has just as many schemes for them as she did Travis and Jake.  Jace is the youngest Senator the state of Oregon has ever seen and his life revolves around his career.  He once believed in true love but that was before betrayal shattered it, now not only is it the furthest thing from his mind he's convinced himself his heart will never again welcome the opportunity.  Throw his history with Beth into the mix and it's the perfect recipe to see how one moment, perhaps seeming insignificant, can truly impact and change lives forever.There's no doubt Jace is attracted to Beth and there's also no doubt he is holding back because of fear.  What was my favorite feature of Jace?  Having Beth describe and nickname him as Thor.  Can I just say...Chris Hemsworth anyone?  Ummm hello! That by itself would be enough for me to go along with Grandma!  In the end though, will Jace finally give in to what he knows in his heart is the best?Beth, who we know only as Char's sister, has always labeled herself the smart nerdy one.  One encounter with the good-looking, football star high school bully ends with her already low self image impossibly lower, something she still continues to struggle overcoming.  Not only does Beth believe she is doomed to be some crazy cat lady, she has also fully accepted this meek life plan.  "Boring Beth" completely broke my heart because she isn't able to see what the rest of us do.  Beth is so full of life, she's beautiful both inside and out not to mention she's witty and not at all ashamed of her intelligence.  So when Grandma Nadine sets her crazy plan in motion Beth decides to grab ahold of living a real life fairy tale even if it's only for a short period of time.This story/series would not be complete without Grandma Nadine.  She is without a doubt one of my all time favorite characters.  And when I found out she was based on Rachel's actual grandmother I fell in love a bit more!  What I wouldn't give to spend a day with her!  From her dress to her meddling I love every single thing about her and she without a doubt makes this series special, bringing a sense of flair and outrageousness these stories wouldn't be compete without.So do I recommend this book, this series???  Yes without a doubt!  Rachel has a phenomenal writing style that sucks you into the characters and storyline immediately!  Honestly, since The Bet, my first RVD book, I've been a woman on a mission trying to read as many of stories as I could get my hand on.  And the best part, I have yet to be disappointed.  It's no doubt she deserves the title of one of my most favorite authors.  Now, on to the release of Elicit!  I am dying to read all about Tex!I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.