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The Line Up #1
I Dare You
I hate him.
I can’t stand the sight of him.
So why is it still so hard to stay away?
Callan Jackson is rude, arrogant, and everything in between.
Well, guess what.
The world doesn’t revolve around him.
Especially mine.
I used to be a famous celebrity before everything came crashing down.
Now, Callan is my next sweet mistake.
He’s my secret texter.
The guy I confide in the most.
I feel close to him. I want every piece of him.
But he doesn’t know that I’m the girl he’s been talking to.
And he won’t want me when he finds out the truth.
What happens when tragedy strikes and it’s too late for him to confess his true feelings to me?
I can’t stand the sight of him.
So why is it still so hard to stay away?
Callan Jackson is rude, arrogant, and everything in between.
Well, guess what.
The world doesn’t revolve around him.
Especially mine.
I used to be a famous celebrity before everything came crashing down.
Now, Callan is my next sweet mistake.
He’s my secret texter.
The guy I confide in the most.
I feel close to him. I want every piece of him.
But he doesn’t know that I’m the girl he’s been talking to.
And he won’t want me when he finds out the truth.
What happens when tragedy strikes and it’s too late for him to confess his true feelings to me?
375 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2019
1989 people are currently reading
1553 people want to read
About the author
Misti Murphy
42 books482 followersMisti Murphy writes sweet and funny, sometimes frustrating and always swoony romantic comedies with just a teensy bit of angst.
When she's not writing she lives in an imaginary world full of happy humans, glitter, and unicorns.
Not that being a mother of four, plus four fur kids isn't practically the same thing. Except when they steal the Tim Tams.
(Kangaroos are practically unicorns, right?)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
July 30, 2020
I didn't like the characters. At first, the hero was a total asshole with his constant judgement and assumptions and I hated him. Later, the heroine felt so very childish and I hated her more. The level of my dislike for both characters changed from time to time. All in all, I never felt any connection with these characters and never got invested in their story.
The heroine, Hayley, is a celebrity but now she is hiding from the whole world as they all saw her vagina last year when she fell down in an event where she was getting an award and her dress was torn apart. (Nope, she wasn't wearing any panties.)
I hate it when writers put their heroines in embarrassing situations like that.
After a year of hiding, now she starts to go out in disguise and her disguise is rainbow colors in her hair and pink eye brows. How stupid is that?
And of course, to compensate the vagina flashing, the writer makes our heroine a virgin. She was a virgin but their first time... well, it wasn't like her first time. It was as if there was no virginity to deal with. Weird.
In general, I didn't like their relationship because I didn't feel their chemistry or love. Everything felt forced to me. To be honest, I was bored with them all the time and started to skip pages after a certain point.
Also, I didn't like the reason why they get separated for so many months. He is celibate during their separation but she has a colleague she goes on a date with a few times. They only kiss but go no further as she cannot forget the hero.
All in all, this book was a total waste of time for me as everything about it got on my nerves; however, maybe it's me, not the book and maybe you should still try it.
Writing: Dual point of view. Boring. Longer than necessary (350 pages).
The heroine, Hayley, is a celebrity but now she is hiding from the whole world as they all saw her vagina last year when she fell down in an event where she was getting an award and her dress was torn apart. (Nope, she wasn't wearing any panties.)
I hate it when writers put their heroines in embarrassing situations like that.
After a year of hiding, now she starts to go out in disguise and her disguise is rainbow colors in her hair and pink eye brows. How stupid is that?
And of course, to compensate the vagina flashing, the writer makes our heroine a virgin. She was a virgin but their first time... well, it wasn't like her first time. It was as if there was no virginity to deal with. Weird.
In general, I didn't like their relationship because I didn't feel their chemistry or love. Everything felt forced to me. To be honest, I was bored with them all the time and started to skip pages after a certain point.
Also, I didn't like the reason why they get separated for so many months. He is celibate during their separation but she has a colleague she goes on a date with a few times. They only kiss but go no further as she cannot forget the hero.
All in all, this book was a total waste of time for me as everything about it got on my nerves; however, maybe it's me, not the book and maybe you should still try it.
Writing: Dual point of view. Boring. Longer than necessary (350 pages).
August 14, 2025
Ok let's see here.
This is such a nice book. With a good plot. Lovable characters. And lovely side characters.
Hayley is a celebrity in hiding because while she was receiving an award for her famous TV show she accidentally trips and flashes the whole nation eliciting a huge fan base for her vajayjay which prompts her into hiding from the world and thus ruining her career.
After a year hiding in her apartment, her best friend convinces her to finally go out, to get over her mortification and succeeds in doing that by giving her a makeover. And by makeover, Sadie, the best friend, chops off her hair and dyes it into the colors of a rainbow. Even her eyebrows become pink.
I get that the explosion of color will make people actually look at her hair and not her face thus not recognising her. But I couldn't for the life of me picture an MFC with rainbow hair without looking utterly ridiculous in my head. So obviously I had to Google some chics with nice rainbow hair but ended up envisioning an image created by AI because real life humans look ridiculousand dare I say ugly! in that hair.
She's sweet but inexperienced not only sexually but in life as well because though she is a celebrity but she has been sheltered and controlled her whole life by her uncle, kind of like Britney Spears.
Anyway, Callan, is the owner of a bar. When he was in college, his girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend. She was an aspiring b*tch who chose the best friend because his father was a senator. They told Callan about their affair in the car which was driven by the best friend. They argue, it gets heated, the best friend loses control and they crash. His friends die and Callan busts his knee and with it any hope of becoming a football star.
I love how much of an asshole he is for around 50% of the book.
He has a reason to be guarded though and I love how protective of his heart he is.
It gives Hannah Montana-ish kind of vibes at the beginning but it gets better, she gets better.
Callan sends a message by mistake to Hayley and so they start texting and become text friends.
Love all that but when in reality Hayley and Callan become friends, unbeknownst that they're text buddies, the author keeps giving excuses for them not to exchange numbers. Which at the beginning is believable but then it's not. How do you become best friends with someone without asking for their phone number?!
Then I got mixed up with what she tells him as his text buddy and what she does in person. I had to constantly scratch my head to remember which of the two it is.
In texting he is her Hercules and she's his shortcake. In real life he calls her Rainbow Dash because of.. yeah, her hair!
There was a scene which is my favourite in the whole book. While she's in the bathroom at the bar, one of the girls recognises her. Instead of being part of the gossiping mill and shame her for her flashing they actually become the embodiment of woman empowerement and solidarity. They stand up for her, support her and empathise with her.
LOVED LOVED LOVED.
I am including the scene at the end of the review
I kind of get and don't get the third act breakup. On one hand, he is guarding his heart because of what happened in college, and the fact that Hayley is a celebrity who's going to be constantly in contact with men, having to do love scenes will always put their relationship on trial. Because frankly, that kind of intimacy breaks hearts and homes and no one in his ever loving mind can believe otherwise. For celebrities it's a constant roller door for multiple partners.
BUT the part where he can't do long distance! knowing all along that he intended to open a new branch of his bar in LA, he could've worked on a temporary distance relationship until they're together again.
The big revelation at the end was a little too cheesy OTT and childish to be honest.
The epilogue was unexpected but cute. It left me wanting for more but I guess Makai, Callan's best friend, summed it up pretty well so I cannot really complain.
"Can I ask what happened?" Ebony draws closer.
I shrug. Like they care. The truth isn't sensational. "I had a panic attack. My makeup artist gave me a couple of Valium and a glass of champagne so I could make it through the awards. I'm a Tylenol girl. I had no idea how it would affect me. I tripped on the steps and the rest is history."
"Ouch." Ness reaches out and squeezes my arm sympathetically.
"Sorry." I shake my head. "There's no addiction issues. Or sheiks or sasquatches. Just a really terrible evening that turned my life upside down."
"It must have been awful," Ness says.
"It was embarrassing."
"Why didn't you come out and tell your story?" Cam asks. "Instead of letting all those rumors spread?"
"They would have spread anyway." Ebony elbows her in the side before turning on me. "But you could have fought back. You and Haden seemed like an unstoppable team. Surely he supported you."
Well...
Ness gasps and her hand tightens on my arm. "Oh my God, are you telling us he didn't? What a jackass."
"I didn't say that." I shrug. Although I guess it's true.
"You didn't have to, sweetie," Ebony says. "We all know what it's like to deal with the not so great men in this world."
"But he's here, looking for you," Cam says. "Surely that counts for something."
I chuckle dryly.
"You don't think so?" Ebony asks.
"He wants me to go back to work", I admit. I'm still angry, but I don't want to say too much. These girls are friendly, but they're strangers, nonetheless. "Perhaps I should. Maybe acting is what I'm meant to do."
"You need to do what you love," Ness says. "If that isn't acting.."
"It's not the acting. I was good at that. I think I might have enjoyed it too, if it wasn't for the fact that I had to maintain character all the time."
"All the time?" Cam asks.
"Every day, year after year after year. I had to be the same Hayley you saw on TV"
"That's why you dated Haden," Ebony says.
"Our relationship really wasn't like that," I say.
"You're telling us you never.." Cam makes a sound like squeaky bed springs.
"Nope.'"
"That's crazy," Cam says.
"You should go out and get it, girl," Ebony says.
It makes me laugh.
"She already has,"' Ness croons. "Look at that smile. She's in love."
"I still don't get it," Cam says. "How could you live like that for years?"
"I didn't know any different when we started. It was in my contract.
Honestly, I had no clue who I was until recently." I fake smile. "It doesn't matter how I feel about acting, I'm finally happy. I can't go back to that version of Hayley."
"You shouldn't have to," Ebony says. "But you shouldn't have to give up something you love either."
"Girl, look at you. You are strong." Ness takes my hands in hers. "You went through some stuff, and you came out the other side. You've grown into yourself. You've got your crown on. I'm guessing
you've got a man who supports you too. And nobody can take that away from you, but you. If you want to be an actress again, do it. But do it for you."
"And maybe all those little girls that need to know they can be anything and anybody they want to be," Cam adds, "And that us women can overcome anything."
📝 ticking another Bingo square
(85) "Title starts with letter I"
Square Count: 83
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This is such a nice book. With a good plot. Lovable characters. And lovely side characters.
Hayley is a celebrity in hiding because while she was receiving an award for her famous TV show she accidentally trips and flashes the whole nation eliciting a huge fan base for her vajayjay which prompts her into hiding from the world and thus ruining her career.
After a year hiding in her apartment, her best friend convinces her to finally go out, to get over her mortification and succeeds in doing that by giving her a makeover. And by makeover, Sadie, the best friend, chops off her hair and dyes it into the colors of a rainbow. Even her eyebrows become pink.
I get that the explosion of color will make people actually look at her hair and not her face thus not recognising her. But I couldn't for the life of me picture an MFC with rainbow hair without looking utterly ridiculous in my head. So obviously I had to Google some chics with nice rainbow hair but ended up envisioning an image created by AI because real life humans look ridiculous
She's sweet but inexperienced not only sexually but in life as well because though she is a celebrity but she has been sheltered and controlled her whole life by her uncle, kind of like Britney Spears.
Anyway, Callan, is the owner of a bar. When he was in college, his girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend. She was an aspiring b*tch who chose the best friend because his father was a senator. They told Callan about their affair in the car which was driven by the best friend. They argue, it gets heated, the best friend loses control and they crash. His friends die and Callan busts his knee and with it any hope of becoming a football star.
I love how much of an asshole he is for around 50% of the book.
He has a reason to be guarded though and I love how protective of his heart he is.
It gives Hannah Montana-ish kind of vibes at the beginning but it gets better, she gets better.
Callan sends a message by mistake to Hayley and so they start texting and become text friends.
Love all that but when in reality Hayley and Callan become friends, unbeknownst that they're text buddies, the author keeps giving excuses for them not to exchange numbers. Which at the beginning is believable but then it's not. How do you become best friends with someone without asking for their phone number?!
Then I got mixed up with what she tells him as his text buddy and what she does in person. I had to constantly scratch my head to remember which of the two it is.
In texting he is her Hercules and she's his shortcake. In real life he calls her Rainbow Dash because of.. yeah, her hair!
There was a scene which is my favourite in the whole book. While she's in the bathroom at the bar, one of the girls recognises her. Instead of being part of the gossiping mill and shame her for her flashing they actually become the embodiment of woman empowerement and solidarity. They stand up for her, support her and empathise with her.
LOVED LOVED LOVED.
I am including the scene at the end of the review
I kind of get and don't get the third act breakup. On one hand, he is guarding his heart because of what happened in college, and the fact that Hayley is a celebrity who's going to be constantly in contact with men, having to do love scenes will always put their relationship on trial. Because frankly, that kind of intimacy breaks hearts and homes and no one in his ever loving mind can believe otherwise. For celebrities it's a constant roller door for multiple partners.
BUT the part where he can't do long distance! knowing all along that he intended to open a new branch of his bar in LA, he could've worked on a temporary distance relationship until they're together again.
The big revelation at the end was a little too cheesy OTT and childish to be honest.
The epilogue was unexpected but cute. It left me wanting for more but I guess Makai, Callan's best friend, summed it up pretty well so I cannot really complain.
"Can I ask what happened?" Ebony draws closer.
I shrug. Like they care. The truth isn't sensational. "I had a panic attack. My makeup artist gave me a couple of Valium and a glass of champagne so I could make it through the awards. I'm a Tylenol girl. I had no idea how it would affect me. I tripped on the steps and the rest is history."
"Ouch." Ness reaches out and squeezes my arm sympathetically.
"Sorry." I shake my head. "There's no addiction issues. Or sheiks or sasquatches. Just a really terrible evening that turned my life upside down."
"It must have been awful," Ness says.
"It was embarrassing."
"Why didn't you come out and tell your story?" Cam asks. "Instead of letting all those rumors spread?"
"They would have spread anyway." Ebony elbows her in the side before turning on me. "But you could have fought back. You and Haden seemed like an unstoppable team. Surely he supported you."
Well...
Ness gasps and her hand tightens on my arm. "Oh my God, are you telling us he didn't? What a jackass."
"I didn't say that." I shrug. Although I guess it's true.
"You didn't have to, sweetie," Ebony says. "We all know what it's like to deal with the not so great men in this world."
"But he's here, looking for you," Cam says. "Surely that counts for something."
I chuckle dryly.
"You don't think so?" Ebony asks.
"He wants me to go back to work", I admit. I'm still angry, but I don't want to say too much. These girls are friendly, but they're strangers, nonetheless. "Perhaps I should. Maybe acting is what I'm meant to do."
"You need to do what you love," Ness says. "If that isn't acting.."
"It's not the acting. I was good at that. I think I might have enjoyed it too, if it wasn't for the fact that I had to maintain character all the time."
"All the time?" Cam asks.
"Every day, year after year after year. I had to be the same Hayley you saw on TV"
"That's why you dated Haden," Ebony says.
"Our relationship really wasn't like that," I say.
"You're telling us you never.." Cam makes a sound like squeaky bed springs.
"Nope.'"
"That's crazy," Cam says.
"You should go out and get it, girl," Ebony says.
It makes me laugh.
"She already has,"' Ness croons. "Look at that smile. She's in love."
"I still don't get it," Cam says. "How could you live like that for years?"
"I didn't know any different when we started. It was in my contract.
Honestly, I had no clue who I was until recently." I fake smile. "It doesn't matter how I feel about acting, I'm finally happy. I can't go back to that version of Hayley."
"You shouldn't have to," Ebony says. "But you shouldn't have to give up something you love either."
"Girl, look at you. You are strong." Ness takes my hands in hers. "You went through some stuff, and you came out the other side. You've grown into yourself. You've got your crown on. I'm guessing
you've got a man who supports you too. And nobody can take that away from you, but you. If you want to be an actress again, do it. But do it for you."
"And maybe all those little girls that need to know they can be anything and anybody they want to be," Cam adds, "And that us women can overcome anything."
📝 ticking another Bingo square
(85) "Title starts with letter I"
Square Count: 83
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November 18, 2019
This is the first book by this author that I have read and enjoyed it. It is an enemies to lovers’ book about Callan and Haley. They meet by accident through a text message and they have a very good relationship however when they meet in person, it is not so good. I loved watching them navigate around two relationships until they finally realize that they have been talking for a while. This story was full of humor and romance. I can’t wait to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2020
Not what I was expecting
That saying that you should never judge a book by its cover? That’s this book. Looking at the cover, you think it is more of a lighthearted romance, but it isn’t. Hayley had some really horrible stuff happen to her and she’s living with the aftermath. Callan is the same way. Neither of them have dealt with it very well, but together they seem to find their way. Unfortunately, this book was more angsty than I expected. I’m not a fan of books with a lot of angst. I look for books that will help me escape. While I liked Hayley, I grew frustrated with Callan’s actions. The background characters bring some lighthearted moments and keep the book from being dreary.
That saying that you should never judge a book by its cover? That’s this book. Looking at the cover, you think it is more of a lighthearted romance, but it isn’t. Hayley had some really horrible stuff happen to her and she’s living with the aftermath. Callan is the same way. Neither of them have dealt with it very well, but together they seem to find their way. Unfortunately, this book was more angsty than I expected. I’m not a fan of books with a lot of angst. I look for books that will help me escape. While I liked Hayley, I grew frustrated with Callan’s actions. The background characters bring some lighthearted moments and keep the book from being dreary.
August 16, 2022
Callen & Hayley met at Cullen's bar but little did they know they became friends before that. As their story continues we see the ups and downs of their relationship. We see Hayley trying to figure out who she is in this world and working her way back into society. We see Cullens struggle.with love and trust.
It was a nice story with a nice ending.
Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
It was a nice story with a nice ending.
Rating: 3 1/2 Stars
January 9, 2020
This was a good read. Hayley is famous and one night things went south in her career. Then one night she received a text meant for someone else. Her and this person begin almost daily chats. Then the truth comes out and things get messy. Thankfully in the end it all works out.
November 29, 2019
I Dare You (The Line Up Book 1) By: Misti Murphy"I Dare You" To Like Me... Maybe Even MORE!
After a FALL from Grace, She goes into Seclusion...
For a Year She STAYS IN Hiding,
With Her WRONG NUMBER Friend Texting...
Until a Friend drags Her outta Her Cave,
And into the NightLIGHT where She meets Him, & it's Insta-Dislike!
To be FAIR... She spilled BEER upon the MAN!
Thus begins their Relationship...
But WHAT they don't know,
IS who they are Texting Anonymously...
Cuz if they did, they might TREAT Each other differently!
I was granted, via B00|{$P®0UT, an ARC of Misti Murphy's "I Dare You (The Line Up Book 1)." I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!
1🌟:Hate IT! Didn't finish; usually only given if/when some contents truly objectionable (i.e. main characters does something awful & gets away w/it!)
2🌟:Don't like IT! Rating means I felt the writing was poor, editing was bad, I don't care for characters, or book had some major flaw.
3🌟: I like IT, BUT! There are minor issues... Rating means there's editing issues, needs character development, is too unrealistic, or has issues– I do not consider it an overall bad rating.
4🌟:I like IT a lot. Great, Solid Story w/ few if any inconsistencies or errors. This is a HIGH Rating, & I rarely give OUT a Higher Rating.
5🌟: I LOVE IT! It's Spectacular, & I'll read IT Over & Over Again. Few books Receive this rating from me. HowEver, those that DO become Classics.
October 20, 2021
Cute book but it was a little slow - read on KU
I really liked the characters and storyline but it was not as much of a page turner as some of her others. I enjoyed the cast of secondary characters. The steamy scenes weren't quite as good as her norm.
I liked seeing Bree, Parker, and Dutch in the story. I had Bree and Parker's story but not Dutch and Jeannie's. I have since read it and am a good ways through the Fourth Guy now, which is Sadie and Makai's book.
Another reason for the lower stars is there are a lot of grammatical errors in the book. Ms. Murphy needs to find a new editor. It's mostly hordes or missing commas and incorrect usage of personal pronouns. These type errors keep authors from being top tier and make the books lack a full sense of professionalism. All of her books I have read are like this.
I will keep reading, though.
I really liked the characters and storyline but it was not as much of a page turner as some of her others. I enjoyed the cast of secondary characters. The steamy scenes weren't quite as good as her norm.
I liked seeing Bree, Parker, and Dutch in the story. I had Bree and Parker's story but not Dutch and Jeannie's. I have since read it and am a good ways through the Fourth Guy now, which is Sadie and Makai's book.
Another reason for the lower stars is there are a lot of grammatical errors in the book. Ms. Murphy needs to find a new editor. It's mostly hordes or missing commas and incorrect usage of personal pronouns. These type errors keep authors from being top tier and make the books lack a full sense of professionalism. All of her books I have read are like this.
I will keep reading, though.
November 11, 2022
Hated the ending
Spoilers
Why. Do. Authors. Rush. Endings?
This had such great potential but I absolutely loath when an author makes a quick rushed happy ending. This man broke her heart, practically told her he knew she'd eventually leave or cheat on him, treated her like dirt for the first half of the book and when he breaks up with her all he has to do to get her back after months of no contact is fill her room with plushies? Make a man work for it. Grovel. Makes the book better. I won't continue a series like this. Wouldn't recommend.
Spoilers
Why. Do. Authors. Rush. Endings?
This had such great potential but I absolutely loath when an author makes a quick rushed happy ending. This man broke her heart, practically told her he knew she'd eventually leave or cheat on him, treated her like dirt for the first half of the book and when he breaks up with her all he has to do to get her back after months of no contact is fill her room with plushies? Make a man work for it. Grovel. Makes the book better. I won't continue a series like this. Wouldn't recommend.
March 21, 2023
cute
The story is cute. The couple is cute. Just felt like something was missing. I finished it and I’ll read the next one.
The story is cute. The couple is cute. Just felt like something was missing. I finished it and I’ll read the next one.
December 17, 2019
A solid 4-4.5 stars. This book had me hooked from the beginning, the way that Callan and Hayley would banter it was everything.
The way that this was laid out gave me serious "You've Got Mail" vibes with them being texting buddies and trying to get advice about the other without knowing its the other person. Luckily "You've Got Mail" is a movie I really enjoyed watching growing up since my mom was obsessed with that and "Sleepless in Seattle".
This book follows Hayley who is an actress that had a major accident happen to her at an award ceremony that had her put her acting career on hold due to the scrutiny of the media. She became a hermit since she didn't want to deal with the aftermath, but lucky for her, her friend Sadie didn't take that for an answer and decided to give her a make over so she could go in public without worrying about people recognizing her. That is when she meets Callan, who is an owner of a well known bar "Line 'em Up". That is where they had their first interaction that didn't go well.
Before she ended up going to the bar she got a random text from an unknown number, who you guessed it was Callan, she talks to him like a third party friend who doesn't know her and same goes for him. They both confide in each other while getting advice on how to deal with one another in person, some of the advice Callan would give Hayley to deal with him was hilarious!
It was great to see them come together and become friends, you could definitely feel the chemistry between them. I will say that the last couple chapters the flow was off to me, just because it was rushed to make sure that everything happened so quickly at the end. We also didn't get an epilogue it was more a HFN instead of a HEA. I think that is due to the fact that we will see them in the next book, even though these could be standalones I believe. You could tell Misti was gearing up for her second book with Sadie and Makai, I will definitely be reading that to see what happens with those two.
Overall, this was one of the better romcom's that I have read. It hooked me from the start and kept me entertained throughout the whole book. This felt like a true enemies to lovers, it wasn't like they were enemies for one second and then lovers, they were enemies or didn't get a long for a little bit of time which was very entertaining to read.
If you want something nice and entertaining, while not being too cheesy, then you have chose the right book!
The way that this was laid out gave me serious "You've Got Mail" vibes with them being texting buddies and trying to get advice about the other without knowing its the other person. Luckily "You've Got Mail" is a movie I really enjoyed watching growing up since my mom was obsessed with that and "Sleepless in Seattle".
This book follows Hayley who is an actress that had a major accident happen to her at an award ceremony that had her put her acting career on hold due to the scrutiny of the media. She became a hermit since she didn't want to deal with the aftermath, but lucky for her, her friend Sadie didn't take that for an answer and decided to give her a make over so she could go in public without worrying about people recognizing her. That is when she meets Callan, who is an owner of a well known bar "Line 'em Up". That is where they had their first interaction that didn't go well.
Before she ended up going to the bar she got a random text from an unknown number, who you guessed it was Callan, she talks to him like a third party friend who doesn't know her and same goes for him. They both confide in each other while getting advice on how to deal with one another in person, some of the advice Callan would give Hayley to deal with him was hilarious!
It was great to see them come together and become friends, you could definitely feel the chemistry between them. I will say that the last couple chapters the flow was off to me, just because it was rushed to make sure that everything happened so quickly at the end. We also didn't get an epilogue it was more a HFN instead of a HEA. I think that is due to the fact that we will see them in the next book, even though these could be standalones I believe. You could tell Misti was gearing up for her second book with Sadie and Makai, I will definitely be reading that to see what happens with those two.
Overall, this was one of the better romcom's that I have read. It hooked me from the start and kept me entertained throughout the whole book. This felt like a true enemies to lovers, it wasn't like they were enemies for one second and then lovers, they were enemies or didn't get a long for a little bit of time which was very entertaining to read.
If you want something nice and entertaining, while not being too cheesy, then you have chose the right book!
November 16, 2019
I love me some good texting banter, so this was right up my alley. It’s light, funny and sexy with great chemistry between the characters. If you like a slow burn romance that still has some heat, this is definitely worth a read. I can’t call this 5 stars because of how frustrated I was by the ending, but it was really enjoyable all the way through. It’s my first read by this author but I will absolutely be checking out more of her work in the future.
The story follows Hayley, a twenty-something woman who has played a teen on a popular show for years. When she has a disastrously embarrassing fall from grace, she goes into hiding and is left to rediscover who she is outside of the spotlight. She receives a wrong number text and befriends the guy, not realizing that it’s Callan, the bar owner she loves to hate/hates to love. In text, they’re great friends who get into some deep conversations. In person, they’re frenemies who don’t know if the heat between them stems from hate or lust. But with all the secrets between them, it’s only a matter of time before things come to a head.
I really enjoyed this story, and the writing itself was so easy to read that it drew me in. The banter makes for some serious chemistry between these two, and I love it when books incorporate texts into the story. It’s not the focal point of the book, but it’s there throughout. The slow burn added plenty of tension, and I loved how it was sexy but not steamy for most of the book until things combusted between them. The relationship had plenty of depth, which made it all the sweeter when they finally got together. My only real complaint is how judgmental and quick to close off Callen is. There were times when he was the aggressor, pursuing Hayley with the intent of a real relationship, but his past prejudices also shaped a lot of the story. And the ending put me off enough that I had to take that fifth star away. Yes, there is a HEA but it was a little soured by the events leading up to it. I do look forward to reading whatever the author writes next - Callen has some guy friends that I think would make great heroes in their own stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story follows Hayley, a twenty-something woman who has played a teen on a popular show for years. When she has a disastrously embarrassing fall from grace, she goes into hiding and is left to rediscover who she is outside of the spotlight. She receives a wrong number text and befriends the guy, not realizing that it’s Callan, the bar owner she loves to hate/hates to love. In text, they’re great friends who get into some deep conversations. In person, they’re frenemies who don’t know if the heat between them stems from hate or lust. But with all the secrets between them, it’s only a matter of time before things come to a head.
I really enjoyed this story, and the writing itself was so easy to read that it drew me in. The banter makes for some serious chemistry between these two, and I love it when books incorporate texts into the story. It’s not the focal point of the book, but it’s there throughout. The slow burn added plenty of tension, and I loved how it was sexy but not steamy for most of the book until things combusted between them. The relationship had plenty of depth, which made it all the sweeter when they finally got together. My only real complaint is how judgmental and quick to close off Callen is. There were times when he was the aggressor, pursuing Hayley with the intent of a real relationship, but his past prejudices also shaped a lot of the story. And the ending put me off enough that I had to take that fifth star away. Yes, there is a HEA but it was a little soured by the events leading up to it. I do look forward to reading whatever the author writes next - Callen has some guy friends that I think would make great heroes in their own stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2022
Not enemies to lovers
More like jerk and cupcake. She's sugary sweet and he's an unpleasant human being. Why do I want said cupcake with a giant tool? I don't. I want him to die alone. Every response he has is wrong. The one time he gets it right, even horrible human beings could figure out how not to mess that up. I hate the fact that she has nothing. She's got no experience, no confidence, no clue, and no life. This is not the time to meet a not nice man. It's easy to be swayed when you have shallow roots.
Then you add her friend into the mix and no wonder the poor girl gets her heart wasted. The friend knew how she felt about misrepresentation, but allowed it to occur anyway. Maybe instead of steering her into a relationship with someone with issues of their own, maybe suggest counseling. Take her on outings that involve her interests rather than a bar where you can flirt. But that's just what a good friend would do.
As it is Haley was taken advantage of and had no agency her entire life only for that trend to continue. She's led by her uncle, her boyfriend, her best friend and her lover. They make the rules and the decisions. She didn't even make the choice to move on, he said she had to and she did.
They are in an unequal relationship and they always will be. She should have said no. Her hurt was important. All of her hurts were important and the more they got played off the more I wanted to hurt someone. Because no one acknowledged that it was okay for her to break. Instead, she's treated like a problem that needs solving. He was more important in the relationship and the story because why?
More like jerk and cupcake. She's sugary sweet and he's an unpleasant human being. Why do I want said cupcake with a giant tool? I don't. I want him to die alone. Every response he has is wrong. The one time he gets it right, even horrible human beings could figure out how not to mess that up. I hate the fact that she has nothing. She's got no experience, no confidence, no clue, and no life. This is not the time to meet a not nice man. It's easy to be swayed when you have shallow roots.
Then you add her friend into the mix and no wonder the poor girl gets her heart wasted. The friend knew how she felt about misrepresentation, but allowed it to occur anyway. Maybe instead of steering her into a relationship with someone with issues of their own, maybe suggest counseling. Take her on outings that involve her interests rather than a bar where you can flirt. But that's just what a good friend would do.
As it is Haley was taken advantage of and had no agency her entire life only for that trend to continue. She's led by her uncle, her boyfriend, her best friend and her lover. They make the rules and the decisions. She didn't even make the choice to move on, he said she had to and she did.
They are in an unequal relationship and they always will be. She should have said no. Her hurt was important. All of her hurts were important and the more they got played off the more I wanted to hurt someone. Because no one acknowledged that it was okay for her to break. Instead, she's treated like a problem that needs solving. He was more important in the relationship and the story because why?
November 20, 2019
Okay I have to say this book has to be one of my favourite books I’ve read in a long time. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book from Misti. And I have to say I’m gonna have to go back and read the books I’ve missed cause gawd this book was that good.
Callan and Hayley. Enemies, text buddies, friends, lovers, they run the gauntlet of relationships in this book. I don’t want to give much away but I do have to say this book has a bit of everything. And misti takes you on a journey. And I have to say I was sad when it ended. I’ve got my fingers crossed that there is a whole lot more to come when it comes to this series! Like Sadie and Fleetwood!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Callan and Hayley. Enemies, text buddies, friends, lovers, they run the gauntlet of relationships in this book. I don’t want to give much away but I do have to say this book has a bit of everything. And misti takes you on a journey. And I have to say I was sad when it ended. I’ve got my fingers crossed that there is a whole lot more to come when it comes to this series! Like Sadie and Fleetwood!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 18, 2019
I Dare You is the first book in "The Line Up" series. This is a great start to this new series. Hayley and Callan are terrific characters, likable, and relatable, with pasts to overcome. The storyline is well written and entertaining, with lots of humour, drama, tragedy, and love. This story captured my attention from the first and kept it throughout.
I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
November 17, 2019
I just loved this book and could not put it down this was a super read I loved the banter between the characters it was a good well written read and I cannot wait to read more I loved Callen and Hayley they were just great together I would recommend this book
Want to read
February 11, 2026🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/24/2022)! 🎁
April 4, 2024
Rating: 3/5 stars
Main Tropes/Features: Enemies to lovers, Texting romance, Wrong number Right person, Celebrity heroine, Slow Burn
Secondary Tropes/Features: Virgin heroine, Anxiety representation, Humour and Angst
Triggers: The potential triggers come from mentions of past events and have little on page time, therefore I consider them low level ones:
Callen and Hayley were flawed characters with some likeable qualities. Both were stubborn and quick to judge but there were also moments that showed self-assurance, protectiveness, funniness, and sweetness. Of the two it’s harder to describe Hayley. She’s a character who’d had no autonomy her whole life and as a result the book focused more on her starting to do what she wanted and whilst this definitely happened I found her at times to not be making progress in this as I saw her as someone who was still being influenced and moved around by those in her life which made her hard to characterise.
I liked the connection and relationship development between Callen and Hayley. They were interacting both face to face and through anonymous texting and the storyline revolving around this was something I enjoyed. They both had past experiences that left lasting impacts which neither had dealt with very well and influenced the way they were interacting with others and it was these assumptions and judgements that fueled the enemies portion of their enemies to lovers story. Their anonymous selves hit things off a whole lot better and through this a shared connection and deeper conversations occurred. Though we got to see some of the pivotal moments, a larger portion of their texting romance was off page which means as a reader you may potentially struggle to connect with their romance development on a deeper level but it is still enjoyable. In the end feelings and a closer connection began to develop face to face and they began seeing glimpses of their texting friend in one another, their arguing became a little flirty and there was a satisfaction in being able to make the other unravel and once the whole truth behind their anonymous texting came out it brought the different sides to their interactions into harmony but not before some angst.
There is plenty of humour and lightheartedness in this story, one scene of Callen being high on pain meds particularly sticks out, and that became the books’ overall feel. But the potential triggers, the character’s flawed natures, and other events in the book bring in the angst and slow the pacing of the book a little. What I liked about this was how before everything was out in the open Callen could see himself blowing the chances he had with Hayley whilst she was fighting an internal war that kept him at a distance. It created angst and gave a hopeful feel to their romance that I enjoyed. What I also liked was that this wasn’t a story where sex happened right away once they were together. Some of it happens off page but there are recounts of them getting hot and heavy over a few weeks without having sex and it went with their characterisation and the overall plot well making the romance more enjoyable.
‘I Dare You’ was overall a light and easy read with a largely enjoyable and slightly humorous story. The little bit of angst and back and forth gave it a minor slow burn feel and kept the story interesting. It was a book I enjoyed and started a series that I may come back to.
Favourite Quotes:
Main Tropes/Features: Enemies to lovers, Texting romance, Wrong number Right person, Celebrity heroine, Slow Burn
Secondary Tropes/Features: Virgin heroine, Anxiety representation, Humour and Angst
Triggers: The potential triggers come from mentions of past events and have little on page time, therefore I consider them low level ones:
Callen and Hayley were flawed characters with some likeable qualities. Both were stubborn and quick to judge but there were also moments that showed self-assurance, protectiveness, funniness, and sweetness. Of the two it’s harder to describe Hayley. She’s a character who’d had no autonomy her whole life and as a result the book focused more on her starting to do what she wanted and whilst this definitely happened I found her at times to not be making progress in this as I saw her as someone who was still being influenced and moved around by those in her life which made her hard to characterise.
I liked the connection and relationship development between Callen and Hayley. They were interacting both face to face and through anonymous texting and the storyline revolving around this was something I enjoyed. They both had past experiences that left lasting impacts which neither had dealt with very well and influenced the way they were interacting with others and it was these assumptions and judgements that fueled the enemies portion of their enemies to lovers story. Their anonymous selves hit things off a whole lot better and through this a shared connection and deeper conversations occurred. Though we got to see some of the pivotal moments, a larger portion of their texting romance was off page which means as a reader you may potentially struggle to connect with their romance development on a deeper level but it is still enjoyable. In the end feelings and a closer connection began to develop face to face and they began seeing glimpses of their texting friend in one another, their arguing became a little flirty and there was a satisfaction in being able to make the other unravel and once the whole truth behind their anonymous texting came out it brought the different sides to their interactions into harmony but not before some angst.
There is plenty of humour and lightheartedness in this story, one scene of Callen being high on pain meds particularly sticks out, and that became the books’ overall feel. But the potential triggers, the character’s flawed natures, and other events in the book bring in the angst and slow the pacing of the book a little. What I liked about this was how before everything was out in the open Callen could see himself blowing the chances he had with Hayley whilst she was fighting an internal war that kept him at a distance. It created angst and gave a hopeful feel to their romance that I enjoyed. What I also liked was that this wasn’t a story where sex happened right away once they were together. Some of it happens off page but there are recounts of them getting hot and heavy over a few weeks without having sex and it went with their characterisation and the overall plot well making the romance more enjoyable.
‘I Dare You’ was overall a light and easy read with a largely enjoyable and slightly humorous story. The little bit of angst and back and forth gave it a minor slow burn feel and kept the story interesting. It was a book I enjoyed and started a series that I may come back to.
Favourite Quotes:
“Do I have something on my face?”
“Yes.” … “Two lips I’d seriously like to get acquainted with in a more consistent manner.”
“But I want to impress you,” I say. “I want you to find me irresistable. I want you to want to date me. Not just go on a date with me but consider me a permanent fixture in your life.”
June 13, 2025
“God, he smells so good. Like brute strength and masculinity and warm wood.”
3.5 stars
Romance
Virgin Actress Mfc
Wrong Number
Damaged Mmc
Bad first impression
enemy-ish to lovers
Slow burn
Somewhat detailed open-door spice
Hayley was a tv star who had a major wardrobe malfunction at an award ceremony, causing her to go into hiding. It started with a wrong number conversation through text. Very minimal responses, so one saying who they are.
Hayley’s friend, Sadie, dares her to go out to a new bar. Sadie knows a guy friend who works there. While there, Hayley accidentally runs into the boss man spilling drinks on his pants and tries to dry it off with her hands. Does not work. Boss man, Callan, thinks it's just a ploy for her to touch him because women throw themselves at him all the time. They get into heated words. Haley leaves and then comes back the next day to apologize. Then, the next day, Callan goes to apologize to her. They slowly get to know each other, and Callan is very attracted to her but refuses to acknowledge it. They kiss.
While they bicker in real life, they continue to text each other anonymously - with what seems to be very obvious texts until Callan figures it out. He decides not to tell her, though. Things kind of go off near the end. They finally get together, but Callan is so damn jealous of her talking and being friendly towards other men that it makes me angry. Hayley is offered a change of scene, and Callan decides a third act break up is the way to go. While it ends happily, the ending felt rushed and unresolved.
I really, really enjoyed the first 75% of this book. Wrong number is one of my favorite troupes, especially when they know each other in real life but don't know it yet. (You’ve Got Mail vibes). The progression of the characters' relationship was good. It was a slower process because of the past trauma from both characters. I think the spice levels were just right for the book. The side characters were fun (they have their own stories in the rest of the series). There were some parts that I absolutely hated. One line was so bad that I took points off just for it. In the middle of a spice scene is where it happens, and it’s just so ridiculous that I had to stop what I was doing and show all my friends the line. The ending left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
the terrible line that I'm taking points off for:
“My thighs tingle, my panties drown in a puddle of vagina drool as the tines of the zipper click, click, click under my fingers. Someone call a lifeguard.”
omgggg
I litttteraly can’t even
whyyy would you write thatttt
into a book. It's funny but so bad
3.5 stars
Romance
Virgin Actress Mfc
Wrong Number
Damaged Mmc
Bad first impression
enemy-ish to lovers
Slow burn
Somewhat detailed open-door spice
Hayley was a tv star who had a major wardrobe malfunction at an award ceremony, causing her to go into hiding. It started with a wrong number conversation through text. Very minimal responses, so one saying who they are.
Hayley’s friend, Sadie, dares her to go out to a new bar. Sadie knows a guy friend who works there. While there, Hayley accidentally runs into the boss man spilling drinks on his pants and tries to dry it off with her hands. Does not work. Boss man, Callan, thinks it's just a ploy for her to touch him because women throw themselves at him all the time. They get into heated words. Haley leaves and then comes back the next day to apologize. Then, the next day, Callan goes to apologize to her. They slowly get to know each other, and Callan is very attracted to her but refuses to acknowledge it. They kiss.
While they bicker in real life, they continue to text each other anonymously - with what seems to be very obvious texts until Callan figures it out. He decides not to tell her, though. Things kind of go off near the end. They finally get together, but Callan is so damn jealous of her talking and being friendly towards other men that it makes me angry. Hayley is offered a change of scene, and Callan decides a third act break up is the way to go. While it ends happily, the ending felt rushed and unresolved.
I really, really enjoyed the first 75% of this book. Wrong number is one of my favorite troupes, especially when they know each other in real life but don't know it yet. (You’ve Got Mail vibes). The progression of the characters' relationship was good. It was a slower process because of the past trauma from both characters. I think the spice levels were just right for the book. The side characters were fun (they have their own stories in the rest of the series). There were some parts that I absolutely hated. One line was so bad that I took points off just for it. In the middle of a spice scene is where it happens, and it’s just so ridiculous that I had to stop what I was doing and show all my friends the line. The ending left me with a bad taste in my mouth.
the terrible line that I'm taking points off for:
“My thighs tingle, my panties drown in a puddle of vagina drool as the tines of the zipper click, click, click under my fingers. Someone call a lifeguard.”
omgggg
I litttteraly can’t even
whyyy would you write thatttt
into a book. It's funny but so bad
August 14, 2023
I found this book and started reading it right after taking a fictional trip with the Hadley family in Misti Murphy's Tangled Desires series. I was sad that my time with them had come to the end and was looking for another series full of bad ass heroes and head strong heroines by the same author. I first stumbled upon Breaking Bro Code, because I am a complete goner for the brother's best friend trope but of course I had to start at the beginning of the Line Up series so I could get the full effect of the bad boy, bar dancing, hot as hell bar tenders. Soon I was equally as caught up in the tangled web that Callan and Hayley's weaved in their love/hate relationship that developed both in person and over text.
I don't know why but a hero with a rough, grumpy exterior and much softer core just pulls me in and leaves me wanting more while turning the pages as fast as I possibly can and Callan was no different. I loved getting to know him on a deeper level and watching all of his walls come crumbling down with every text or verbal sparring he had with Hayley.
Hayley comes across as a spoiled princess at first but she is much more and as her story progresses, the reader sees first hand her depth and character and what lies underneath her pink hued disguise. I really began to enjoy her witty and candid banter with her mystery guy and the heated moments with Callan in person. She was a character that grew on me slowly as the pages turned and more of her spunky colorful personality was revealed.
Misti Murphy definitely shows her readers in this story that first glances and impressions can be deceiving and we should always look twice and much deeper before we move on and we just might find our diamond in the rough, or the love of our life. I highly recommend and “I Dare You” to give Callan and Hayley's story a try for a fun and moving, bar stomping, heart thumping good time.
I don't know why but a hero with a rough, grumpy exterior and much softer core just pulls me in and leaves me wanting more while turning the pages as fast as I possibly can and Callan was no different. I loved getting to know him on a deeper level and watching all of his walls come crumbling down with every text or verbal sparring he had with Hayley.
Hayley comes across as a spoiled princess at first but she is much more and as her story progresses, the reader sees first hand her depth and character and what lies underneath her pink hued disguise. I really began to enjoy her witty and candid banter with her mystery guy and the heated moments with Callan in person. She was a character that grew on me slowly as the pages turned and more of her spunky colorful personality was revealed.
Misti Murphy definitely shows her readers in this story that first glances and impressions can be deceiving and we should always look twice and much deeper before we move on and we just might find our diamond in the rough, or the love of our life. I highly recommend and “I Dare You” to give Callan and Hayley's story a try for a fun and moving, bar stomping, heart thumping good time.
December 6, 2019
A fun enemies to lovers, wrong number romance
Woah, this book makes you feel a gamut of emotions. It was sweet, funny, romantic, slow burn, frustrating, and swoony. It was sooooo good. Hayley and Callan have a love/hate relationship. Hayley is coming off a highly humiliating and slightly scary career meltdown. She is an actress who is trying to hide out away from stalking fans. She becomes a hermit. She starts getting texts and it goes from being a wrong number to an actual friendship. The other person on the text is Callan. He’s a bar owner who doesn’t go out much. He’s committed to his bar and is pretty surly. Callan and Hayley meet and it doesn’t go well. He’s quite grumpy and mean while she is dealing with her anxiety of being out and about. There is an underlying attraction between the two but they really don’t like each other. The funny twist is that they’re genuinely friendly and caring in their texts without really know each other’s true identity. They can let down their guards and be open and honest in these texts and it’s pretty darn cute. The snark and passion they have for each other when they’re in the outside world was humorous and pretty hot. These two characters have a lot of chemistry. Of course, love doesn’t run smoothly but the ending was satisfying. This book made me laugh and made me tear up. It was very well written and a joy to read. I’m not a fan of this author.
Woah, this book makes you feel a gamut of emotions. It was sweet, funny, romantic, slow burn, frustrating, and swoony. It was sooooo good. Hayley and Callan have a love/hate relationship. Hayley is coming off a highly humiliating and slightly scary career meltdown. She is an actress who is trying to hide out away from stalking fans. She becomes a hermit. She starts getting texts and it goes from being a wrong number to an actual friendship. The other person on the text is Callan. He’s a bar owner who doesn’t go out much. He’s committed to his bar and is pretty surly. Callan and Hayley meet and it doesn’t go well. He’s quite grumpy and mean while she is dealing with her anxiety of being out and about. There is an underlying attraction between the two but they really don’t like each other. The funny twist is that they’re genuinely friendly and caring in their texts without really know each other’s true identity. They can let down their guards and be open and honest in these texts and it’s pretty darn cute. The snark and passion they have for each other when they’re in the outside world was humorous and pretty hot. These two characters have a lot of chemistry. Of course, love doesn’t run smoothly but the ending was satisfying. This book made me laugh and made me tear up. It was very well written and a joy to read. I’m not a fan of this author.
July 20, 2023
I dare you to read this book
This book is a quick read that will leave you dying to read the next book in the series. Here’s a quick recap and my two cents.
Quick recap:
Haley Waters was a famous actress who had an unfortunate accident that killed her acting career. She went into hiding for a year before her best friend was able to drag her out of her apartment to a bar her friend works at. While there, she meets an insufferable guy who she can’t seem to stay away from.
My two cents:
I have a like/dislike relationship with this book. I liked the nicknames, the banter, Callan’s grumpiness, and Haley’s sweetness. I disliked the large chunks of time between chapters, no explanation on why Haley had a thing about being dared, and the lack of hot steamy sex.
Haley is a virgin. So I expected some sort of special sex scene, but the sex scene was from Callan’s perspective right after we read Haley’s perspective where she’s having a panic attack. It’s hard to imagine she calmed down enough to have sex for the first time after the feelings she was having. It just didn’t feel realistic.
This book was enjoyable enough that I want to read the next book in the series, but if you struggle with some of the things I mentioned, then skip this series. Happy reading y’all!
This book is a quick read that will leave you dying to read the next book in the series. Here’s a quick recap and my two cents.
Quick recap:
Haley Waters was a famous actress who had an unfortunate accident that killed her acting career. She went into hiding for a year before her best friend was able to drag her out of her apartment to a bar her friend works at. While there, she meets an insufferable guy who she can’t seem to stay away from.
My two cents:
I have a like/dislike relationship with this book. I liked the nicknames, the banter, Callan’s grumpiness, and Haley’s sweetness. I disliked the large chunks of time between chapters, no explanation on why Haley had a thing about being dared, and the lack of hot steamy sex.
Haley is a virgin. So I expected some sort of special sex scene, but the sex scene was from Callan’s perspective right after we read Haley’s perspective where she’s having a panic attack. It’s hard to imagine she calmed down enough to have sex for the first time after the feelings she was having. It just didn’t feel realistic.
This book was enjoyable enough that I want to read the next book in the series, but if you struggle with some of the things I mentioned, then skip this series. Happy reading y’all!
April 10, 2024
I never really dislike a book unless there’s a TON of small things that add up and irritate me to no end. And that’s what happened here.
The guy says he’s falling the girl after having no reason to
She’s so blind not to see that he’s the one who’s been texting her.
There was SO much egg on them from the cooking class they were picking it off each other and it was falling off them for like 10 pages. Come on.
I don’t love super drawn out, graphic sex scenes so when I say the author left much to be desired here that’s saying something. They were very blah and quick. I mean I guess good for them if they’re getting off every time after only going at it for 2 minutes.
An attractive 24 year old virgin in the movie business doesn’t seem super probable/realistic.
The guy calls his ex a good person even though she cheated on him…..what?!
And Hayley very quickly considers going back to acting when her douche fake ex/costar shows up and slays she should do a movie with him. A real person would want nothing to do either him….
Words the female uses - Vagina drool and vajayjay. Seriously?
I could go on and on but I’ll stop there. Writing wasn’t great, characters left much to be desired and it was just overall blech.
The guy says he’s falling the girl after having no reason to
She’s so blind not to see that he’s the one who’s been texting her.
There was SO much egg on them from the cooking class they were picking it off each other and it was falling off them for like 10 pages. Come on.
I don’t love super drawn out, graphic sex scenes so when I say the author left much to be desired here that’s saying something. They were very blah and quick. I mean I guess good for them if they’re getting off every time after only going at it for 2 minutes.
An attractive 24 year old virgin in the movie business doesn’t seem super probable/realistic.
The guy calls his ex a good person even though she cheated on him…..what?!
And Hayley very quickly considers going back to acting when her douche fake ex/costar shows up and slays she should do a movie with him. A real person would want nothing to do either him….
Words the female uses - Vagina drool and vajayjay. Seriously?
I could go on and on but I’ll stop there. Writing wasn’t great, characters left much to be desired and it was just overall blech.
January 23, 2024
What I liked:
1. The couple and their friends.
2. The author’s writing style
3. The premise of the book
4. How the men of the story were written.
5. Didn’t feel repetitive
6. Had me laughing and crying
7. The storyline, characters, and thoughts and feelings of the characters felt like it could be real to me.
8. I was glued to this book and didn’t want to put it down.
9. I didn’t feel like anything in the plot was used as a device to make other things happen.
10. I liked the vibe of the book
11. How the couple originally met.
12. The nicknames
13. The grand gesture.
14. The slow burn romance.
15. Actually having more of a good quality storyline over focusing too much on the sexy times.
Issues:
1. No true groveling and reconciliation were too fast. The h took the H back too fast. Granted I do recognize the situation they were in, I still felt like it needed something more.
2. The ending was too fast. I needed a tad bit more for the wrap up.
3. I didn’t like the big time jump. I felt like we needed to see and to feel their pain and misery during this time frame.
1. The couple and their friends.
2. The author’s writing style
3. The premise of the book
4. How the men of the story were written.
5. Didn’t feel repetitive
6. Had me laughing and crying
7. The storyline, characters, and thoughts and feelings of the characters felt like it could be real to me.
8. I was glued to this book and didn’t want to put it down.
9. I didn’t feel like anything in the plot was used as a device to make other things happen.
10. I liked the vibe of the book
11. How the couple originally met.
12. The nicknames
13. The grand gesture.
14. The slow burn romance.
15. Actually having more of a good quality storyline over focusing too much on the sexy times.
Issues:
1. No true groveling and reconciliation were too fast. The h took the H back too fast. Granted I do recognize the situation they were in, I still felt like it needed something more.
2. The ending was too fast. I needed a tad bit more for the wrap up.
3. I didn’t like the big time jump. I felt like we needed to see and to feel their pain and misery during this time frame.
September 3, 2021
Rainbow Dash and Hercules will have you invested from the start
I am a sucker for the mistaken identity trope but this one takes the cake! I have been in kind of a reading slump, only wanting to listen to books because I started a new job. I know that's not a slump for most people, but as someone who is typically reading or listening to 5 books at a time and reading at least a book a day it's a slump for me. I have been stingy with my 5 star ratings for the last several months, since I started actually reviewing books, but this is one well deserved 5 🌟! I will definitely be getting a hard copy of this book to add to the shelf!
The chemistry between Rainbow Dash and Hercules is so strong it will have you invested from the get go! There are so many great laugh out loud moments in this book as well as melt your heart moments. It really is the perfect light hearted read that will having you dying to read the rest of the books in the series! I can't wait to read Makai and Sadie's story next! 10 out of 10 would recommend
I am a sucker for the mistaken identity trope but this one takes the cake! I have been in kind of a reading slump, only wanting to listen to books because I started a new job. I know that's not a slump for most people, but as someone who is typically reading or listening to 5 books at a time and reading at least a book a day it's a slump for me. I have been stingy with my 5 star ratings for the last several months, since I started actually reviewing books, but this is one well deserved 5 🌟! I will definitely be getting a hard copy of this book to add to the shelf!
The chemistry between Rainbow Dash and Hercules is so strong it will have you invested from the get go! There are so many great laugh out loud moments in this book as well as melt your heart moments. It really is the perfect light hearted read that will having you dying to read the rest of the books in the series! I can't wait to read Makai and Sadie's story next! 10 out of 10 would recommend
July 23, 2023
4/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶️
This was such a cute read! It's been a while since I read a romantic comedy and this was just what I needed this weekend. I adored both main characters and loved the "secret pen pal" trope. There was a lot of secrets and miscommunication, which aren't my favorite tropes... But they were still well done and I ultimately loved this story.
Callan and Hayley had amazing chemistry from the start. Whether it was as Hercules and Shortcake or as Callan and Rainbow Dash, you knew these two were meant to be from the start. Both characters had a lot of pain from past relationships surrounding them, which led to a few secrets and some rough times, but they were able to overcome them and it was too sweet.
I absolutely loved the secondary characters too. I can not wait to keep reading this series to find out who we get happily ever afters for and to see more Callan and Hayley. This group of friends is amazing and I'm excited for more.
3/5 🌶️
This was such a cute read! It's been a while since I read a romantic comedy and this was just what I needed this weekend. I adored both main characters and loved the "secret pen pal" trope. There was a lot of secrets and miscommunication, which aren't my favorite tropes... But they were still well done and I ultimately loved this story.
Callan and Hayley had amazing chemistry from the start. Whether it was as Hercules and Shortcake or as Callan and Rainbow Dash, you knew these two were meant to be from the start. Both characters had a lot of pain from past relationships surrounding them, which led to a few secrets and some rough times, but they were able to overcome them and it was too sweet.
I absolutely loved the secondary characters too. I can not wait to keep reading this series to find out who we get happily ever afters for and to see more Callan and Hayley. This group of friends is amazing and I'm excited for more.
November 18, 2023
I’m having a hard time figuring out what to rate this. There were parts I loved, ones that genuinely had me laughing. Then there were parts that drove me a bit bonkers. The first half was good, then it started feeling stagnant. I was really hoping it’d end with her choosing her joy over an obligation to others yet again. The whole bathroom scene with the other girls really irked me considering they’d just been slamming her and then she takes their word on what to do next with her life?!
This was a slow burn, which I don’t mind, but the steamy scenes when they did happen were lackluster. Some of the phrasing literally had me saying “ew”…
I absolutely died laughing at the c ring scene, probably the best part of the whole book.
Cannot stand how it ended in a side character’s POV that addressed the reader. Not a fan of that. And for it to follow such an awkward and abrupt ending too. Decent read, may read others of this author (this was my first) but could’ve been better.
This was a slow burn, which I don’t mind, but the steamy scenes when they did happen were lackluster. Some of the phrasing literally had me saying “ew”…
I absolutely died laughing at the c ring scene, probably the best part of the whole book.
Cannot stand how it ended in a side character’s POV that addressed the reader. Not a fan of that. And for it to follow such an awkward and abrupt ending too. Decent read, may read others of this author (this was my first) but could’ve been better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2019
Hysterically sweet
When actress Hayley suffers a fate worse than death – humiliation in front of the live cameras, she retreats. After a year of not leaving her apartment, her BFF decides it’s time to come out of hibernation. Incognito of course. She takes her to the hottest spot in Chicago, Line ‘Em Up, where she meets one of the owners under not so good circumstances. And there’s insta-hate. At least Hayley has her text friend. He accidentally texted her about what to wear to his sister’s engagement party and they’ve been texting ever since.
Club owner Callan just wants his club to be a success. Years later, he’s still burned by his girlfriend’s betrayal with his best friend. Unfortunately they’re both dead from the accident that also killed Callan’s football career. One night a customer with rainbow colored hair manages to get booze all over the front of his pants, then tries to wipe it off – without a towel! And there’s that insta-hate. At least he has his text friend.
When actress Hayley suffers a fate worse than death – humiliation in front of the live cameras, she retreats. After a year of not leaving her apartment, her BFF decides it’s time to come out of hibernation. Incognito of course. She takes her to the hottest spot in Chicago, Line ‘Em Up, where she meets one of the owners under not so good circumstances. And there’s insta-hate. At least Hayley has her text friend. He accidentally texted her about what to wear to his sister’s engagement party and they’ve been texting ever since.
Club owner Callan just wants his club to be a success. Years later, he’s still burned by his girlfriend’s betrayal with his best friend. Unfortunately they’re both dead from the accident that also killed Callan’s football career. One night a customer with rainbow colored hair manages to get booze all over the front of his pants, then tries to wipe it off – without a towel! And there’s that insta-hate. At least he has his text friend.
August 22, 2020
Omg
Such a slow burn. But a really good story about bouncing back. And not letting those who have hurt us or used us hold us back. Haley is in hiding after a wardrobe malfunction shows her goods to the world at an award’s show. He no good bf was was faking the relationship the whole time makes things worse and bails. She she goes Into hiding from the crazies who are stalking her and make a fan club to her vagina. Callan is a wounded soul who barely trust his best friends who he run his bar with. After being traumatically hurt by and ex an a friend then a serious car accident takes the cake. But the love hate relationship between callan and Haley is perfect. They balance each other out. Showing how people have many sides to themselves and sometimes anonymity helps people to open up.
Such a slow burn. But a really good story about bouncing back. And not letting those who have hurt us or used us hold us back. Haley is in hiding after a wardrobe malfunction shows her goods to the world at an award’s show. He no good bf was was faking the relationship the whole time makes things worse and bails. She she goes Into hiding from the crazies who are stalking her and make a fan club to her vagina. Callan is a wounded soul who barely trust his best friends who he run his bar with. After being traumatically hurt by and ex an a friend then a serious car accident takes the cake. But the love hate relationship between callan and Haley is perfect. They balance each other out. Showing how people have many sides to themselves and sometimes anonymity helps people to open up.
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