Title: Double Dare
Author: R.L. Mathewson
First published April 24, 2015
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.92
Overview
For two decades, Marybeth has put up with her friend Darrin’s antics and still managed not to murder him in his sleep. But as much as she tries to deny it, there’s an undeniable attraction between them.
And just when Darrin finally musters the courage to make a move, he can’t seem to get it right. As they navigate their feelings for each other, they must also navigate a complicated past that threatens to tear them apart.
Note: While all NFH novels can be read as standalone books, Double Dare is best enjoyed after reading The Game Plan.
About the Author
R.L. Mathewson is a bestselling author hailing from Massachusetts. Her writing style is known for its humor, wit, and relatable characters.
She has published a number of paranormal and contemporary romance series, including the popular Neighbor from Hell series.
As a child, R.L. Mathewson was a shy bookworm. After high school, she took on various jobs, including working as a bellhop, fast food cook, and museum worker.
Eventually, she decided to become an EMT, which helped her overcome her shyness and provided her with both fond and disturbing memories that she sometimes incorporates into her writing.
Today, R.L. Mathewson is a single mother of two children who keep her busy. She admits to having a love for romance novels and an addiction to hot chocolate.
On a perfect day, she indulges in both.
In the upcoming year, R.L. Mathewson plans to publish several books, including Devastated, the first novel in the Anger Management series, Tall, Dark & Furious, the sixth book in the Pyte/Sentinel series, and Irresistible, the highly anticipated addition to the Neighbor from Hell series. She will also release numerous other books in various genres, including paranormal, contemporary, and young adult.
Editoral Review
Double Dare by R.L. Mathewson: A Fun and Sexy Read for Romance Fans
R.L. Mathewson’s Double Dare is a steamy contemporary romance novel that will satisfy readers who enjoy a bit of humor, sass, and erotic tension. First published in 2015, this novel belongs to the author’s Neighbor from Hell series, which features several interconnected standalone stories of neighbors who drive each other crazy but also find love in unexpected ways.
The story of Double Dare revolves around the handsome and cocky lawyer, Reese Bradford, and the feisty and independent pastry chef, Dare O’Rourke. They have been next-door neighbors for years, and they have a love-hate relationship that involves banter, pranks, and sexual innuendos.
However, when Reese’s parents go away for a long trip, and he needs someone to take care of his five-year-old twin sisters, Dare offers to help, despite her initial reluctance. As they spend more time together, they discover new qualities and vulnerabilities in each other, and their attraction becomes harder to resist.
But will they dare to take the risk of love and commitment, or will they stick to their old patterns of pushing each other away? Mathewson’s writing style is light, witty, and engaging, with a good balance between dialogue, description, and inner thoughts.
She creates likable and complex characters who have flaws, quirks, and dreams that readers can relate to. Reese and Dare are no exception, as they challenge and complement each other in various ways.
Reese is not just a player, but also a caring and responsible brother who wants to make amends for his past mistakes. Dare is not just a badass, but also a loyal and compassionate friend who values her independence and creativity.
Their chemistry is palpable, and their love scenes are sensuous and inventive, without being too explicit.
Furthermore, Mathewson infuses humor and heart into the plot, highlighting the ups and downs of family dynamics, professional aspirations, and personal growth.
She also touches on some serious topics, such as child abuse, death, and addiction, but without losing the overall lightness and optimism of the story. She gives some secondary characters more depth and intrigue, such as Reese’s sisters, who have their own challenges and personalities.
She also adds some unexpected twists and turns in the plot, which keep the readers guessing and invested until the end. However, Double Dare is not a flawless book.
It has some repetitive and clichd phrases and scenes, such as the constant teasing between Reese and Dare, or the predictable misunderstandings and reconciliations. The editing could also be tighter, as there are some typos and formatting issues that distract from the reading experience.
Moreover, some readers may find the depiction of gender roles and stereotypes problematic or outdated, as Dare is often portrayed as the more emotional and nurturing one, while Reese is the more logical and protective one.
Nevertheless, these flaws are not enough to detract from the overall enjoyment and value of Double Dare.
It is a well-written, entertaining, and uplifting romance novel that will make readers laugh, swoon, and cheer for the main couple. It also has some universal themes and messages that resonate with current issues and concerns, such as the importance of communication, empathy, and acceptance in relationships, or the need to prioritize family and health over work and status.
Therefore, if you are a fan of romantic comedies with a dash of heat, or if you want to escape from reality and indulge in some guilty pleasure, Double Dare is the book for you. It offers a satisfying and warm reading experience that will leave you smiling and hopeful.
It is rated 4 out of 5 stars.
