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The Bet #3
The Dare
From #1 NYT Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken, comes the third and final book in the bestselling Bet Series...
Boring Beth Lynn has always lived up to her nickname… until she wakes up in a hotel bed next to a sexy as sin state senator she re-connected with at a wedding the previous night.
The biggest problem? She can't seem to remember anything about the night before except for crying into a box of cookies, and she’s pretty sure Grandma Nadine slipped something in her drink. And what should have been a one night stand turns into a six day adventure when Grandma whisks them off to Hawaii to save them from the ensuing media firestorm.
Jace isn't looking for commitment — he believes he made that clear when he left the wedding with Beth. Then again, he can't remember much of anything other than the way her skin felt beneath his hands. Now he's stuck with her at some lame couple’s retreat and trying his hardest to fight the attraction only a woman like Beth could invoke.
He doesn’t think it can get any worse.
But one spider attack… A donkey ride from hell… And an unfortunate episode with Viagra tea — and there’s one thing Jace knows for sure: He should never have agreed to Grandma Nadine’s suggestion in the first place.
Because if this isn’t paradise, and it isn’t a vacation — that only leaves one option.
Survival.
But to make it through alive… they might lose their hearts in the process.
Boring Beth Lynn has always lived up to her nickname… until she wakes up in a hotel bed next to a sexy as sin state senator she re-connected with at a wedding the previous night.
The biggest problem? She can't seem to remember anything about the night before except for crying into a box of cookies, and she’s pretty sure Grandma Nadine slipped something in her drink. And what should have been a one night stand turns into a six day adventure when Grandma whisks them off to Hawaii to save them from the ensuing media firestorm.
Jace isn't looking for commitment — he believes he made that clear when he left the wedding with Beth. Then again, he can't remember much of anything other than the way her skin felt beneath his hands. Now he's stuck with her at some lame couple’s retreat and trying his hardest to fight the attraction only a woman like Beth could invoke.
He doesn’t think it can get any worse.
But one spider attack… A donkey ride from hell… And an unfortunate episode with Viagra tea — and there’s one thing Jace knows for sure: He should never have agreed to Grandma Nadine’s suggestion in the first place.
Because if this isn’t paradise, and it isn’t a vacation — that only leaves one option.
Survival.
But to make it through alive… they might lose their hearts in the process.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2014
185 people are currently reading
5507 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Van Dyken
177 books18.5k followersRachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of mafia and contemporary romances.
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
Hey guys I'm rarely on Goodreads, if you need to reach me feel free to email!
EMAIL ME: rachelvandykenauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-...
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February 1, 2016
Recensione del I volume
Recensione del II volume
La Van Dyken è l’esempio vivente del fatto che purtroppo il pollice opponibile è stato distribuito alla cazzo di cane e che tante scimmie meritevoli sono rimaste ingiustamente senza.. Raccomandazioni ovunque, anche al tempo del Big Bang.
Ragazzi, io credo che la Van Dyken meriti dieci minuti di standing ovation, di applausi a scena aperta e di sacrifici umani.
Perché sì, voi non lo sapete ma è canditata al premio Nobel per la strategia militare: altro che guerra nucleare, armi chimiche, avvelenamento dei pozzi.. La nuova frontiera della vittoria militare è la sua trovata GENIALE E INFALLIBILE!
I nostri esperti hanno scoperto che negli archivi della CIA viene conservata un’intervista segretissima fra la Van Dyken (VD) e il SUPER-CAPO-STRATEGICAMENTE-CAZZUTO (SCSC); solo per voi lettori di Visto uno stralcio in esclusiva!
SCSC: “Dobbiamo trovare una soluzione per sterminare la popolazione mondiale, in fretta!”
VD: “Semplice: scrivo un libro di idiozie galattiche, con personaggi menomati mentalmente e situazioni non solo improbabili, ma anche profondamente sbagliate e imbarazzanti..”
SCSC: “Dove vuole arrivare?”
VD: “ … i neuroni dei lettori si bruceranno in modo irrimediabile e gli occhi lacrimeranno sangue fino a che non verranno le piaghe”.
SCSC: “Mmm.. mi avevano parlato del suo talento, ma non credevo arrivasse a tanto! Lei crede che avremo successo?”
VD: “Li tireremo giù come mosche, garantito”.
SCSC: “E’ sicura che un libro basti?”
VD: “Certo. Sarà talmente brutto che farà piangere dalla disperazione anche i sassi. Ma niente paura, ho un piano B infallibile… Sarà una trilogia!”
SCSC: “Lei ha carta bianca! Sono fiero di lei, e con me tutta la Nazione. Riceverà una medaglia al valore, garantito”.
IO SONO DIVENTATA CRETINA. E HO SEMPRE SONNO: credo che oltre ai terribili effetti psicofisici, il libro abbia anche all’interno una rara tossina comatosa.. Sono rovinata!!
Questo giro non vi racconterò il libro per intero, ma vi farò un piccolo sunto, perché giuro.. Non ce la posso fare a rivivere questa poracciata e poi non vorrei annoiarvi, sono sempre le stesse cose -_-
Io la strinsi a me, come per proteggerla. Se il mio corpo me l’avesse permesso, le avrei anche fatto la pipì addosso per marcare il territorio.
QUESTA E’ LA FRASE TOPICA DEL LIBRO. FATEVI UN PO’ DI CONTI…
*12 anni prima*
Beth è un cesso (dice lei, non credetele) e nerd, invitata al ballo per pietà. Jace accompagna la povera cugina sfigata, che probabilmente è seriamente un cesso.
I due si guardano. Scatta l’ormone, ballano e si baciano, lui scappa a mo’ di Cenerentola per una ragione che l’umanità non è in grado di comprendere..
Entrambi segnati per sempre da questa terribile esperienza. Lei nell’autostima, lui probabilmente nella coglionaggine*
*Oggi*
Nonna Nadine vuole accoppiare Beth, sorella di Char (entusiasmante protagonista del volume precedente) e Jace, amico di Travis (sì, ovviamente c’era pure lui. E’ il cretino che si fa prendere a pugni da Jake quando tira fuori la clava per prendersi Wilma-Char) e quindi li manda in vacanza alle Hawaii.
I due brillanti protagonisti sono ovviamente due poveri deficienti fatti e finiti, due idioti totali che lasciano che il nonsense guidi la loro vita, le loro azioni e parole. In pratica soffrono della quadrupla personalità, ma vista la loro madrina letteraria.. Dai, tutto nella norma.
Allora, a lui Beth fa un sacco sesso, se la bacia, ci si struscia addosso come Balu con l’albero e l’accarezza nemmeno avesse lavorato 20 anni alla televendita della Permaflex. Non vi dico quanto è attizzato, ma sta buono buono perché Beth..
1) E’ incinta
2) E’ vergine
3) E’ un alieno
Per cretineria la 3) sarebbe l’opzione più sensata ma sappiamo che la Van Dyken ha mille soprese.. E niente, Beth è vergine. Ah, Jace non smette di dirsi/dirci/dirle quanto sia bella e bona.
Beth è un caso clinico di idiozia galoppante e fra un “Ma come fa a scegliere me?” e “perché dovrebbe voler stare con me?” se ne esce con il piano del secolo: “Passiamo una settimana facendo finta di essere innamorati , io dico alla stampa che non sono una prostituta come credono (ragazzi, adrenalina a palla!) e poi te ne vai quando e come ti pare”. Lui accetta, perché è ovviamente la cosa più normale del mondo, ma ha già deciso che poi alla fine dei sei giorni se ne andrà PERCHE’ OH, SONO UN SENATORE CAZZUTISSIMO E MICA POSSO STAR QUI A PETTINARE LE BAMBOLE, ANCHE SE LEI è UNA FYGA DA PAURA CHE MI ATTIZZA..
Per mantenere fede alla sua bipolarità, Jace se ne esce con due scuse per convincersi che lui e Beth non hanno futuro insieme: prima che ha il cuore irrimediabilmente spezzato dall’ex (SENTITE IL PATHOS? EH? EH? EH??? Io volevo solo piangere e mangiare cioccolata di fronte alla sua storia strappalacrime..) poi che non si può mettere con Beth – per ragioni ancora non del tutto chiare - perché per lui c’è prima il lavoro.
Si susseguono vicende viste e riviste, teatrini imbarazzanti, dialoghi che nemmeno Dora l’esploratrice, scelte stilistiche da embolo (ah sì la grande novità del romanzo: innanzi tutto un doppio POV, perché avevamo davvero bisogno di ascoltare i pensieri di questi due ritardati.. E poi i suddetti ritardati SPESSO si rivolgono al lettore in prima persona. -__-) e lo SCHIFO TOTALE (da maledire in aramaico antico la Van Dyken per l’eternità, davvero), i due scoprono le loro carte, si ritrovano, esce fuori un terribile incidente di Jace per cui lui non è tornato da lei al ballo (MA NO! SERIA! CIOE’, UN’INDIGESTIONE DI PATHOS ‘STO LIBRO!), si sono sempre amati e buonanotte al secchio.
L’EPILOGO, ragazzi. Che epilogo ci ha raccontato la Van Dyken!!:
Le tre coppie dei tre libri con pargoli. Io ero indecisa se vomitare o prendere a capocciate il muro, poi ho optato per assumere la posizione fetale in mezzo alla stanza e ripetermi “non è mai successo Serena. Non hai mai letto questi libri. La Van Dyken è un brutto sogno…”
Purtroppo non è così, ma confido nella punizione karmica per lei, l’editore americano e italiano.. Forza Karma, rendi giustizia alle anime tormentate da questa pataccata!!!!
CITAZIONI!
Che cazzo, ero un senatore.
Questo spiega tutto, effettivamente.
Ero andato in fissa con le sue labbra. Il fatto è che erano di un rosa così naturale. Mi facevano pensare alle gomme da masticare. E io per le gomme da masticare avevo una fissazione.
Sei poetico quanto patetico.. E fattele due domande!!
«Posso chiedere come mai questo… abbigliamento?» fece Beth, superando l’imbarazzo. «Ah, questa cosetta? Sono Catwoman», rispose la nonna, che ridacchiò e fece un miagolio.
Van Dyken, io spero che i tuoi figli legganoquesta porcata e si vergognino al punto di voler cambiare nome, stato, identità…
Ma su una cosa Nadine aveva ragione: probabilmente mi sarei pentita di non averla seguita. E quindi, anche se ero abbastanza sicura che quello sarebbe stato l’errore più grosso della mia mi aggrappai alla sua mano rugosa.
Bipolarismo, a me!
Char era stata licenziata – ma la cosa non era tanto grave, visto che i Titus avevano soldi a palate
E’ GRAVE INVECE! Emancipazione femminile, questa sconosciuta -_-
Nadine si stava sbellicando. «Un giorno o l’altro morirò dalle risate.» Travis borbottò: «Quando mai. Ce l’avrò sempre tra le palle».
Se mai avrò nipoti e uno mi risponde così.. Io gli faccio dimenticare anche come allacciarsi le scarpe a suon di botte, mica no!
Cosa voleva dire? Perché diavolo l’avevo baciata? Per caso stavamo insieme? Io non stavo con nessuno! Allargai di nuovo il colletto della camicia, mi mancava l’aria. Cazzo. Non soltanto mi comportavo come Jake. Ma stavo anche reagendo come una donna.
Van Dyken, ma le donne tutte isteriche e imbecilli?? Ma ti ripigli???
Allora mi prese per le spalle e mi leccò le labbra. Sapeva di sudore e di uomo.
Cioè… la sua saliva sa di sudore? Ma.. Ma.. Qualcuno la fermi!!
Quando quell’uomo si metteva qualcosa in testa, non c’era modo di dissuaderlo. Aveva passato la serata a farmi pentire di aver detto che era stato carino. Mi aveva spinta addosso a un muro e mi si era strusciato addosso a ritmo di musica. Mi aveva messo uno shottino sull’ombelico e poi lo aveva bevuto direttamente dalla mia pancia
E c’è chi dice che l’autrice non sappia scrivere scene sexi.. Toh, Jace beve gli shottini dalla sua pancia, cosa volete di più??
Odiavo vomitare. Non c’era niente di peggio. Mi faceva schifo e in più mi faceva venire degli spasmi allo stomaco così forti che mi sarei voluta raggomitolare e morire.
Strano, a me piace COSI’ tanto! Cioè non farei altro tutto il giorno. -_-
Con un solo gesto mi strappò l’abito di dosso.
Scene realistiche, mi dicono.
Recensione del II volume
La Van Dyken è l’esempio vivente del fatto che purtroppo il pollice opponibile è stato distribuito alla cazzo di cane e che tante scimmie meritevoli sono rimaste ingiustamente senza.. Raccomandazioni ovunque, anche al tempo del Big Bang.
Dicono del libro:
No, io mi suicido. CIAONE.
[Neurone sopravvissuto alla lettura]
Ragazzi, io credo che la Van Dyken meriti dieci minuti di standing ovation, di applausi a scena aperta e di sacrifici umani.
Perché sì, voi non lo sapete ma è canditata al premio Nobel per la strategia militare: altro che guerra nucleare, armi chimiche, avvelenamento dei pozzi.. La nuova frontiera della vittoria militare è la sua trovata GENIALE E INFALLIBILE!
I nostri esperti hanno scoperto che negli archivi della CIA viene conservata un’intervista segretissima fra la Van Dyken (VD) e il SUPER-CAPO-STRATEGICAMENTE-CAZZUTO (SCSC); solo per voi lettori di Visto uno stralcio in esclusiva!
SCSC: “Dobbiamo trovare una soluzione per sterminare la popolazione mondiale, in fretta!”
VD: “Semplice: scrivo un libro di idiozie galattiche, con personaggi menomati mentalmente e situazioni non solo improbabili, ma anche profondamente sbagliate e imbarazzanti..”
SCSC: “Dove vuole arrivare?”
VD: “ … i neuroni dei lettori si bruceranno in modo irrimediabile e gli occhi lacrimeranno sangue fino a che non verranno le piaghe”.
SCSC: “Mmm.. mi avevano parlato del suo talento, ma non credevo arrivasse a tanto! Lei crede che avremo successo?”
VD: “Li tireremo giù come mosche, garantito”.
SCSC: “E’ sicura che un libro basti?”
VD: “Certo. Sarà talmente brutto che farà piangere dalla disperazione anche i sassi. Ma niente paura, ho un piano B infallibile… Sarà una trilogia!”
SCSC: “Lei ha carta bianca! Sono fiero di lei, e con me tutta la Nazione. Riceverà una medaglia al valore, garantito”.
IO SONO DIVENTATA CRETINA. E HO SEMPRE SONNO: credo che oltre ai terribili effetti psicofisici, il libro abbia anche all’interno una rara tossina comatosa.. Sono rovinata!!
Questo giro non vi racconterò il libro per intero, ma vi farò un piccolo sunto, perché giuro.. Non ce la posso fare a rivivere questa poracciata e poi non vorrei annoiarvi, sono sempre le stesse cose -_-
Io la strinsi a me, come per proteggerla. Se il mio corpo me l’avesse permesso, le avrei anche fatto la pipì addosso per marcare il territorio.
QUESTA E’ LA FRASE TOPICA DEL LIBRO. FATEVI UN PO’ DI CONTI…
*12 anni prima*
Beth è un cesso (dice lei, non credetele) e nerd, invitata al ballo per pietà. Jace accompagna la povera cugina sfigata, che probabilmente è seriamente un cesso.
I due si guardano. Scatta l’ormone, ballano e si baciano, lui scappa a mo’ di Cenerentola per una ragione che l’umanità non è in grado di comprendere..
Entrambi segnati per sempre da questa terribile esperienza. Lei nell’autostima, lui probabilmente nella coglionaggine*
*Oggi*
Nonna Nadine vuole accoppiare Beth, sorella di Char (entusiasmante protagonista del volume precedente) e Jace, amico di Travis (sì, ovviamente c’era pure lui. E’ il cretino che si fa prendere a pugni da Jake quando tira fuori la clava per prendersi Wilma-Char) e quindi li manda in vacanza alle Hawaii.
I due brillanti protagonisti sono ovviamente due poveri deficienti fatti e finiti, due idioti totali che lasciano che il nonsense guidi la loro vita, le loro azioni e parole. In pratica soffrono della quadrupla personalità, ma vista la loro madrina letteraria.. Dai, tutto nella norma.
Allora, a lui Beth fa un sacco sesso, se la bacia, ci si struscia addosso come Balu con l’albero e l’accarezza nemmeno avesse lavorato 20 anni alla televendita della Permaflex. Non vi dico quanto è attizzato, ma sta buono buono perché Beth..
1) E’ incinta
2) E’ vergine
3) E’ un alieno
Per cretineria la 3) sarebbe l’opzione più sensata ma sappiamo che la Van Dyken ha mille soprese.. E niente, Beth è vergine. Ah, Jace non smette di dirsi/dirci/dirle quanto sia bella e bona.
Beth è un caso clinico di idiozia galoppante e fra un “Ma come fa a scegliere me?” e “perché dovrebbe voler stare con me?” se ne esce con il piano del secolo: “Passiamo una settimana facendo finta di essere innamorati , io dico alla stampa che non sono una prostituta come credono (ragazzi, adrenalina a palla!) e poi te ne vai quando e come ti pare”. Lui accetta, perché è ovviamente la cosa più normale del mondo, ma ha già deciso che poi alla fine dei sei giorni se ne andrà PERCHE’ OH, SONO UN SENATORE CAZZUTISSIMO E MICA POSSO STAR QUI A PETTINARE LE BAMBOLE, ANCHE SE LEI è UNA FYGA DA PAURA CHE MI ATTIZZA..
Per mantenere fede alla sua bipolarità, Jace se ne esce con due scuse per convincersi che lui e Beth non hanno futuro insieme: prima che ha il cuore irrimediabilmente spezzato dall’ex (SENTITE IL PATHOS? EH? EH? EH??? Io volevo solo piangere e mangiare cioccolata di fronte alla sua storia strappalacrime..) poi che non si può mettere con Beth – per ragioni ancora non del tutto chiare - perché per lui c’è prima il lavoro.
Si susseguono vicende viste e riviste, teatrini imbarazzanti, dialoghi che nemmeno Dora l’esploratrice, scelte stilistiche da embolo (ah sì la grande novità del romanzo: innanzi tutto un doppio POV, perché avevamo davvero bisogno di ascoltare i pensieri di questi due ritardati.. E poi i suddetti ritardati SPESSO si rivolgono al lettore in prima persona. -__-) e lo SCHIFO TOTALE (da maledire in aramaico antico la Van Dyken per l’eternità, davvero), i due scoprono le loro carte, si ritrovano, esce fuori un terribile incidente di Jace per cui lui non è tornato da lei al ballo (MA NO! SERIA! CIOE’, UN’INDIGESTIONE DI PATHOS ‘STO LIBRO!), si sono sempre amati e buonanotte al secchio.
L’EPILOGO, ragazzi. Che epilogo ci ha raccontato la Van Dyken!!:
Le tre coppie dei tre libri con pargoli. Io ero indecisa se vomitare o prendere a capocciate il muro, poi ho optato per assumere la posizione fetale in mezzo alla stanza e ripetermi “non è mai successo Serena. Non hai mai letto questi libri. La Van Dyken è un brutto sogno…”
Purtroppo non è così, ma confido nella punizione karmica per lei, l’editore americano e italiano.. Forza Karma, rendi giustizia alle anime tormentate da questa pataccata!!!!
CITAZIONI!
Che cazzo, ero un senatore.
Questo spiega tutto, effettivamente.
Ero andato in fissa con le sue labbra. Il fatto è che erano di un rosa così naturale. Mi facevano pensare alle gomme da masticare. E io per le gomme da masticare avevo una fissazione.
Sei poetico quanto patetico.. E fattele due domande!!
«Posso chiedere come mai questo… abbigliamento?» fece Beth, superando l’imbarazzo. «Ah, questa cosetta? Sono Catwoman», rispose la nonna, che ridacchiò e fece un miagolio.
Van Dyken, io spero che i tuoi figli legganoquesta porcata e si vergognino al punto di voler cambiare nome, stato, identità…
Ma su una cosa Nadine aveva ragione: probabilmente mi sarei pentita di non averla seguita. E quindi, anche se ero abbastanza sicura che quello sarebbe stato l’errore più grosso della mia mi aggrappai alla sua mano rugosa.
Bipolarismo, a me!
Char era stata licenziata – ma la cosa non era tanto grave, visto che i Titus avevano soldi a palate
E’ GRAVE INVECE! Emancipazione femminile, questa sconosciuta -_-
Nadine si stava sbellicando. «Un giorno o l’altro morirò dalle risate.» Travis borbottò: «Quando mai. Ce l’avrò sempre tra le palle».
Se mai avrò nipoti e uno mi risponde così.. Io gli faccio dimenticare anche come allacciarsi le scarpe a suon di botte, mica no!
Cosa voleva dire? Perché diavolo l’avevo baciata? Per caso stavamo insieme? Io non stavo con nessuno! Allargai di nuovo il colletto della camicia, mi mancava l’aria. Cazzo. Non soltanto mi comportavo come Jake. Ma stavo anche reagendo come una donna.
Van Dyken, ma le donne tutte isteriche e imbecilli?? Ma ti ripigli???
Allora mi prese per le spalle e mi leccò le labbra. Sapeva di sudore e di uomo.
Cioè… la sua saliva sa di sudore? Ma.. Ma.. Qualcuno la fermi!!
Quando quell’uomo si metteva qualcosa in testa, non c’era modo di dissuaderlo. Aveva passato la serata a farmi pentire di aver detto che era stato carino. Mi aveva spinta addosso a un muro e mi si era strusciato addosso a ritmo di musica. Mi aveva messo uno shottino sull’ombelico e poi lo aveva bevuto direttamente dalla mia pancia
E c’è chi dice che l’autrice non sappia scrivere scene sexi.. Toh, Jace beve gli shottini dalla sua pancia, cosa volete di più??
Odiavo vomitare. Non c’era niente di peggio. Mi faceva schifo e in più mi faceva venire degli spasmi allo stomaco così forti che mi sarei voluta raggomitolare e morire.
Strano, a me piace COSI’ tanto! Cioè non farei altro tutto il giorno. -_-
Con un solo gesto mi strappò l’abito di dosso.
Scene realistiche, mi dicono.
October 24, 2015
I read this was the last book in the series and I admit, it makes me a bit sad. I've had a lot of laughs reading this series and this book had me crying tears of laughter as much as the books before it. I'm going to miss Grandma Nadine. She is the heart of these books and the cause of why I have enjoyed the series so much. Thank Thor that I own these books so I can revisit grandma when I'm in the mood for a good laugh. ♥♡♥♡
March 27, 2017
I loved this one very much! I don't think I ever laughed so much with a book as this one!
This is who I pictured as granma Nadine
Grandma Nadine (not related to Jace and Beth) is a very interesting and funny woman of eighty six years old, well actualy young. I wish everyone had a granny like that. Except I would really watch my drinks because it's never save with her.
When we learn about the night they met for the first time, it's really special!
I would've loved it a bit more if the truth about Kerrie came out, because the truth needs to be told. And truthfuly I'm all for revenge.
It was just the exact read that I needed this time. I hope you give it a go and have as much fun as I had.
This is who I pictured as granma Nadine
Grandma Nadine (not related to Jace and Beth) is a very interesting and funny woman of eighty six years old, well actualy young. I wish everyone had a granny like that. Except I would really watch my drinks because it's never save with her.
When we learn about the night they met for the first time, it's really special!
I would've loved it a bit more if the truth about Kerrie came out, because the truth needs to be told. And truthfuly I'm all for revenge.
It was just the exact read that I needed this time. I hope you give it a go and have as much fun as I had.
December 30, 2018
Song for summary: Faster by Matt Nathanson
This was the third and final book of the Bet series, and I have to say, this one was my favourite! The characters were charismatic, down to earth, and flawed; while the plot was a hilarious romp full of Grandma Nadine's eccentric meddling. The author did another excellent job of interweaving all the characters into one big chaotic family. Full of fun, romantic misadventures, The Dare is a highly amusing love story that is guaranteed to leave a smile on your face.
This was the third and final book of the Bet series, and I have to say, this one was my favourite! The characters were charismatic, down to earth, and flawed; while the plot was a hilarious romp full of Grandma Nadine's eccentric meddling. The author did another excellent job of interweaving all the characters into one big chaotic family. Full of fun, romantic misadventures, The Dare is a highly amusing love story that is guaranteed to leave a smile on your face.
August 13, 2016
I was given a ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Where do I begin?
This book deserves more stars than I can give. Rachel is a diabolical mastermind with these books. No joke. Each book I find myself saying " how can her next book get any better, more funny?" and let me tell you, she did NOT disappoint. Because she did it. Out of all her books and the Bet Series this is my favorite. I love each character for differen't reasons and each story was magical and beautiful and perfection and hilarious. But the Dare was perfection. Grandma was in full form this book and she took her crazy grandma antics to a new level. She had one couple left to see happy and she made it her mission to not fail. Even getting arrested. Grandma is my most favorite fictional character in any book ever. She is caring, sweet, hilarious and goes to any lengths for her family. Grandma Nadine should be very proud, Rachel. She is a beautiful person and you are so lucky to have someone so special. And thank you for gracing our books with her presence. She is magical and it has been a pleasure reading these stories. I truly loved the way it ended and if there is no more, it ended beautifully and how it should. But I truly feel it's not over and that there is more to be seen from grandma. The kids should all have stories also! that would make me so very happy :-)
The Dare is a story about second chance love. About realizing what is important in ones life. About moving forward and finding the spark. Taking the world by the balls and owning yourself. Rachel Van Dyken is a genius and probably the best well-rounded author I have ever read. Thank you for the journey Rachel, it's been a phenomenal ride with these characters. Could not of asked for a more perfect book and ending.
Also have I mentioned this is the funniest book known to book literature? no? well it is.
The story starts where we left off last time. At the wedding. Beth and Jace wake up together and think they slept together and right away their world gets turned upside down. That would be horrible for his career. So grandma saves the day and whisks them away on Char, Jakes and Travis and Kacey`s honeymoon. But the two get more than they thought possible. grandma duped them yet again and they are stuck on a couples retreat. ( honestly, grandma Nadine and the gang need their own TV show. They put Roseanne to shame) instead of letting it bother them, they make a dare to each other. Beth wants six days or normal and to let her hair down, in exchange she will help Jace any way she can with his career and calming the press. But what the two least suspect is all the forces trying to bring them together. But can these two have a chance, at a second chance? when Jace only wants to put himself and his career first?
You will have to read to see how their fairytale ends.
"The little push is your conscience. I'm a damn atom bomb."
"We don't have alcohol on the premises" "And even if we did, I'd use it before I'd give it to you."
"Aw, sweetheart, backing out already? Where's your balls?"
"The world. I'd rather be the world."
"We've been friends for an eternity, and I. Love. her. I. Choose. Her. Mind your own business before I pay a friend of a friend to cut the brakes on your car."
"What good is the fairytale, if in the end, the girl's so broken she can't even finish the damn story?"
"You stole Cheetos from a blind girl. How does that not make the news and me walking with you into a hotel does?"
"Do you really trust me not to kill you and build a sandcastle over your dead body?"
"That you'll decide I'm not worth it. Because the truth, Beth? Guys want to be fought for too. We want to be worthy of the women we love. I want to be Romeo, Mr. Darcy, and Avenger."
"Will you wear that Thor costume you brought while pulling it?"
"Only as long as you wear the She-Ra one and pretend to drown while I save you and your cookies."
Where do I begin?
This book deserves more stars than I can give. Rachel is a diabolical mastermind with these books. No joke. Each book I find myself saying " how can her next book get any better, more funny?" and let me tell you, she did NOT disappoint. Because she did it. Out of all her books and the Bet Series this is my favorite. I love each character for differen't reasons and each story was magical and beautiful and perfection and hilarious. But the Dare was perfection. Grandma was in full form this book and she took her crazy grandma antics to a new level. She had one couple left to see happy and she made it her mission to not fail. Even getting arrested. Grandma is my most favorite fictional character in any book ever. She is caring, sweet, hilarious and goes to any lengths for her family. Grandma Nadine should be very proud, Rachel. She is a beautiful person and you are so lucky to have someone so special. And thank you for gracing our books with her presence. She is magical and it has been a pleasure reading these stories. I truly loved the way it ended and if there is no more, it ended beautifully and how it should. But I truly feel it's not over and that there is more to be seen from grandma. The kids should all have stories also! that would make me so very happy :-)
The Dare is a story about second chance love. About realizing what is important in ones life. About moving forward and finding the spark. Taking the world by the balls and owning yourself. Rachel Van Dyken is a genius and probably the best well-rounded author I have ever read. Thank you for the journey Rachel, it's been a phenomenal ride with these characters. Could not of asked for a more perfect book and ending.
Also have I mentioned this is the funniest book known to book literature? no? well it is.
The story starts where we left off last time. At the wedding. Beth and Jace wake up together and think they slept together and right away their world gets turned upside down. That would be horrible for his career. So grandma saves the day and whisks them away on Char, Jakes and Travis and Kacey`s honeymoon. But the two get more than they thought possible. grandma duped them yet again and they are stuck on a couples retreat. ( honestly, grandma Nadine and the gang need their own TV show. They put Roseanne to shame) instead of letting it bother them, they make a dare to each other. Beth wants six days or normal and to let her hair down, in exchange she will help Jace any way she can with his career and calming the press. But what the two least suspect is all the forces trying to bring them together. But can these two have a chance, at a second chance? when Jace only wants to put himself and his career first?
You will have to read to see how their fairytale ends.
"The little push is your conscience. I'm a damn atom bomb."
"We don't have alcohol on the premises" "And even if we did, I'd use it before I'd give it to you."
"Aw, sweetheart, backing out already? Where's your balls?"
"The world. I'd rather be the world."
"We've been friends for an eternity, and I. Love. her. I. Choose. Her. Mind your own business before I pay a friend of a friend to cut the brakes on your car."
"What good is the fairytale, if in the end, the girl's so broken she can't even finish the damn story?"
"You stole Cheetos from a blind girl. How does that not make the news and me walking with you into a hotel does?"
"Do you really trust me not to kill you and build a sandcastle over your dead body?"
"That you'll decide I'm not worth it. Because the truth, Beth? Guys want to be fought for too. We want to be worthy of the women we love. I want to be Romeo, Mr. Darcy, and Avenger."
"Will you wear that Thor costume you brought while pulling it?"
"Only as long as you wear the She-Ra one and pretend to drown while I save you and your cookies."
June 30, 2014
The Dare by Rachel Van Dyken
****received ARC from Author for Review****
5 STARS!!
SIZZLING
The third book in The Bet series completely exceeded any expectations that I had, sitting down to read it. A stand alone in the sense of different main characters, it should be read in order to completely understand and appreciate the craziness and hilarity of Grandma Nadine. “You’ve been charged with the kidnapping of a United States senator. How do you plead?’ Grandma Nadine smirked. Amateurs. She winked at the FBI agent and answered saucily, ‘Why, guilty, of course.’” Grandma is at it again, pairing up those who don’t think they need pairing, and bringing together people with a past, showing them what is possible when you just jump in and trust in her.
After what could be potentially the most embarrassing night of their lives, and the most detrimental to Jace’s career, they find themselves very strategically in a getaway that they will never forget. Six days, will Grandma Nadine’s ministrations come to fruition, and lead them where they should have been all along? Beth is still scarred from high school, being the pity date for prom and the local “jock’s” extra credit project she has deemed herself to never allow a pretty boy into her heart again. Jace is still reeling from their encounter all those years ago, and after one failed matching that completely devastated him, knows that he will never be willing to put himself in that position again, to get hurt and potentially lose everything he has worked so hard for.
“Grandma shrugged. ‘Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve gone to the slammer for the greater good.’” The dedication and lengths this woman went to, in order to pull off what she thought was best, literally left me in stitches. And even though she isn’t the main character in this story, that she floats in the back-round, making the moves and “pushing the buttons” so to speak, I cannot help but focus on her. Without grandma there WOULD BE NO STORY. J The randomness, the laughter, and the (for lack of better words) love that happens in this book left my heart warmed, and with a book hangover that rivals the best books out there.
Ms. Van Dyken you have done it again! Now, I am a major fan girl for this particular author… but what can I say, You can’t argue with greatness J There are rumors that The Dare is the last of the bet series but I sincerely hope not, Grandma Nadine is still quiet spritely, and as she says herself, “Grandma already knows where your magic is.” To say I was in love with this is an understatement. I will let all you readers judge for yourselves, but I know, for me, this was a home run!
****received ARC from Author for Review****
5 STARS!!
SIZZLING
The third book in The Bet series completely exceeded any expectations that I had, sitting down to read it. A stand alone in the sense of different main characters, it should be read in order to completely understand and appreciate the craziness and hilarity of Grandma Nadine. “You’ve been charged with the kidnapping of a United States senator. How do you plead?’ Grandma Nadine smirked. Amateurs. She winked at the FBI agent and answered saucily, ‘Why, guilty, of course.’” Grandma is at it again, pairing up those who don’t think they need pairing, and bringing together people with a past, showing them what is possible when you just jump in and trust in her.
After what could be potentially the most embarrassing night of their lives, and the most detrimental to Jace’s career, they find themselves very strategically in a getaway that they will never forget. Six days, will Grandma Nadine’s ministrations come to fruition, and lead them where they should have been all along? Beth is still scarred from high school, being the pity date for prom and the local “jock’s” extra credit project she has deemed herself to never allow a pretty boy into her heart again. Jace is still reeling from their encounter all those years ago, and after one failed matching that completely devastated him, knows that he will never be willing to put himself in that position again, to get hurt and potentially lose everything he has worked so hard for.
“Grandma shrugged. ‘Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve gone to the slammer for the greater good.’” The dedication and lengths this woman went to, in order to pull off what she thought was best, literally left me in stitches. And even though she isn’t the main character in this story, that she floats in the back-round, making the moves and “pushing the buttons” so to speak, I cannot help but focus on her. Without grandma there WOULD BE NO STORY. J The randomness, the laughter, and the (for lack of better words) love that happens in this book left my heart warmed, and with a book hangover that rivals the best books out there.
Ms. Van Dyken you have done it again! Now, I am a major fan girl for this particular author… but what can I say, You can’t argue with greatness J There are rumors that The Dare is the last of the bet series but I sincerely hope not, Grandma Nadine is still quiet spritely, and as she says herself, “Grandma already knows where your magic is.” To say I was in love with this is an understatement. I will let all you readers judge for yourselves, but I know, for me, this was a home run!
October 8, 2014
Loved this one. There were a few logistical inconsistencies but I'm not gonna get picky. I could've done without all the hem hawing about from Jace. I wanted more "time together" from them, ya know??? I sure wish she would write another book. Love grandma Nadine!!!
August 20, 2014
3.5 stars.
I really liked the first two books in the series, but it felt like this one took the humor and crazy grandma part of the storyline I little too far. The serious parts felt lost. Just missed the mark.
I really liked the first two books in the series, but it felt like this one took the humor and crazy grandma part of the storyline I little too far. The serious parts felt lost. Just missed the mark.
March 2, 2015
This series went out on such a high! My heart is so full from these characters and their love stories, yet broken because we have to say goodbye.
But I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Grandma Nadine!! Fingers crossed!
But I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Grandma Nadine!! Fingers crossed!
June 17, 2014
Grandma Nadine is back, naughtier than ever, "sweetie," Grandma dug through her purse and pulled out a tube of lipstick, "I'm already finished with you. You can have all the sex you want. You too Jake." Oh Beth she tries so hard to calm situations down, but honestly it just doesn't work, "right. You and your necklace are cursed." I patted his back in a motherly fashion. "You're under a lot of pressure right now. It's okay to freak out every once in a while. Just take some deep breaths, and we'll get some food in you." The girl sure knows how to put herself in awkward positions not that Jace really minds, "I realized I was on top of him. Straddling him. And he was warm. And great gods of Asgard, my body savored it. "Nice thighs." He smirked. "They're strong. Mind unleashing me before I have to get both legs amputated from blood loss?" You don't mess with Jace's woman, he gets all caveman on your a**, "I tugged Beth closer to me and shielded her; I would have peed on her to mark my territory if my body would have allowed it. Seriously, the guy needed to back the hell off before my fist ran into his face." Jace he doesn't like when women correct him, he likes to think of himself as the 'alpha' male, "Beth, seriously, don't interrupt a man when he's exploring. It's like our natural habitat, okay? Throws us off and freaks us out when women try to help." What a great end to a series, I have to say I'm going to miss Crazy Grandma.
Read
July 22, 2014DNF @ 50%
I really loved the previous book, The Wager. So when this came out, I immediately checked it out. Sadly, it didn't work for me. The beginning was pretty good. I thought it was funny and the chemistry was just natural. I thought I'd probably rate it 4.5 but as it progressed, the humor was getting really off. It started having similarities with Tara Sivec's Chocoholics serieswhich I'm not really that much of a fan of
in a bit trying too hard way. And when I began cringing, I took that as a sign to stop. I think many readers would still love this though. Maybe it's just me being too picky...
I really loved the previous book, The Wager. So when this came out, I immediately checked it out. Sadly, it didn't work for me. The beginning was pretty good. I thought it was funny and the chemistry was just natural. I thought I'd probably rate it 4.5 but as it progressed, the humor was getting really off. It started having similarities with Tara Sivec's Chocoholics series
July 26, 2014
Some of it was funny, some of it was emotional. I liked the characters. But the whole thing was just far too much. Too ridiculous and OTT. It needed toning down by about 50% to make a good read. At least take out the interfering Grandmother.
March 7, 2019
Seriously how could you not love Grandma Nadine, she is so crazy you just have to love her! This book was my favorite of the 3. The stuff Jace and Beth went through because of grandma was hilarious. I'm just sad she ended the book with Grandma in her nineties. But maybe like she said Grandma lives forever.
December 16, 2023
This is by far the funniest book in the trilogy. Grandma Nadine took things up a notch (or ten) in order to make a match happen between Beth and Jace. I loved how resigned they both were at Grandma's machinations, with the attitude of just grin and bear it until the week passes or Grandma gets bored--they really should've known better! Grandma Nadine never gets bored. She will have a match and there's nothing anybody can do about it.
The idea of second chances, or the one that got away, was very prevalent here. No matter how hard Beth and Jace tried to fight it, they could not deny their attraction to one another. With the help of the main characters from the previous two books--and Grandma, of course--they are made to realize that they can't escape their feelings forever.
This series turned out to be one of my favorite comedic series I've stumbled across this year. Don't miss it!
The idea of second chances, or the one that got away, was very prevalent here. No matter how hard Beth and Jace tried to fight it, they could not deny their attraction to one another. With the help of the main characters from the previous two books--and Grandma, of course--they are made to realize that they can't escape their feelings forever.
This series turned out to be one of my favorite comedic series I've stumbled across this year. Don't miss it!
May 4, 2015
Dire addio ad una serie che tanto si è amata non è una delle cose più belle..
Ho adorato nonna Nadine, tutti i suoi piani e gli stratagemmi che si è inventata dal primo all'ultimo libro.
Una donna dalle mille risorse, disposta a tutto pur di rendere la vita dei suoi nipoti, e non solo, indimenticabile.
"L'amore è l'intreccio continuo e infinito di tutti i momenti più belli della nostra vita. Quando siamo stanchi o deboli, l'amore è il nostro monito perpetuo. Anche quando abbiamo voglia di mollare, lui non cede. Se piangiamo, ci conforta. Se ci viene voglia di scappare, lui rimane.."
Rachel Van Dyken è riuscita a strapparmi anche qualche lacrimuccia alla fine del libro, sarei molto contenta se ci stupisse con qualche altro libro. Nonna Nadine <3 <3 <3
Ho adorato nonna Nadine, tutti i suoi piani e gli stratagemmi che si è inventata dal primo all'ultimo libro.
Una donna dalle mille risorse, disposta a tutto pur di rendere la vita dei suoi nipoti, e non solo, indimenticabile.
"L'amore è l'intreccio continuo e infinito di tutti i momenti più belli della nostra vita. Quando siamo stanchi o deboli, l'amore è il nostro monito perpetuo. Anche quando abbiamo voglia di mollare, lui non cede. Se piangiamo, ci conforta. Se ci viene voglia di scappare, lui rimane.."
Rachel Van Dyken è riuscita a strapparmi anche qualche lacrimuccia alla fine del libro, sarei molto contenta se ci stupisse con qualche altro libro. Nonna Nadine <3 <3 <3
October 11, 2016
Now that was an enjoyable read. I believe I was suffering from a reading slump because I couldn't connect with any book I tried so when I did connect with one, I devour it all the way, not caring if it's a final installment of a 3-part story. For the record, the three books has different characters and even if it was the conclusion to all the story, I didn't have a hard time figuring things out. In the end, it was all tied up to the Grandma - where insane is an understatement to sum up all the things she do for her granddaughter and his man to believe in magic and act what's needed to achieve it. It was a funny, crazy, and a wonderful ride in their journey of finding and believing in love. I had so much fun reading this.
June 23, 2014
This is hands down my favorite book of the series! Grandma Nadine never disappoints and I suddenly have a love for all things Thor. (Full review to come July 8)
August 21, 2017
To be honest, I was tempted to not finish it several times. What held me back? The fact that I needed it for a challenge and didn't have time to start and finish another one before the deadline. So, slog on I did.
This was just too confusing for my taste. There were way too many characters with no recap at all anywhere. So I missed the significance of their appearances in the book. Also, that Grandma? She was cute in the first book, annoying in the second one and completely obnoxious and out of line in this one. I just couldn't take her meddling at that level in other people's lives. I mean, she wants to play Cupid? Fine, be my guest. But when the two victims say no, thanks, then that's a line in the sand that is not to be crossed. Grandma set fire to the line and danced in the ashes. And that annoyed me to no end.
The extra star was for Frank, the spider
This was just too confusing for my taste. There were way too many characters with no recap at all anywhere. So I missed the significance of their appearances in the book. Also, that Grandma? She was cute in the first book, annoying in the second one and completely obnoxious and out of line in this one. I just couldn't take her meddling at that level in other people's lives. I mean, she wants to play Cupid? Fine, be my guest. But when the two victims say no, thanks, then that's a line in the sand that is not to be crossed. Grandma set fire to the line and danced in the ashes. And that annoyed me to no end.
The extra star was for Frank, the spider
July 7, 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.
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.
March 19, 2019
Terzo libro della serie “The Bet”, arriva dopo “Quello che sei per me” (#1) e “Cosa non farei per te” (#2) che raccontano rispettivamente le storie di Kacey e Travis Titus e di Char e Jack Titus.
Proprio durante il matrimonio dei primi due, complice la fantastica nonna Nadine, ci imbattiamo in Beth, sorella di Char, e in Jace, amico fraterno dei fratelli Titus nonché il più giovane senatore degli Stati Uniti d’America.
All’inizio del libro, troviamo i protagonisti la mattina dopo il matrimonio in una camera d’albergo, nella quale non riescono a ricordare come sono arrivati e che cosa hanno fatto.
E qui entra in gioco nonna Nadine, personaggio a dir poco eclettico, che abbiamo già conosciuto nei precedenti libri (leggendo le interviste sembra che Rachel Van Dyken si ispiri davvero a sua nonna nel tratteggiare nonna Nadine).
La nonna è davvero in gamba, vede lontano e capisce subito di che cosa hanno bisogno i “suoi” ragazzi. Che importa poi se né Beth né Jace sono davvero suoi nipoti? Lei vede l’amore all’orizzonte e fa di tutto perché si concretizzi. Come? Questo ve lo lascio scoprire nel libro perché, proprio come nei precedenti, al di là della storia, che a tratti può sembrare già letta, il personaggio di nonna Nadine colora la trama rendendone originale lo sviluppo.
Beth è riservata, timida, ama il suo lavoro e i suoi gatti e non crede di essere abbastanza per un uomo. Forse non crede di essere abbastanza per nessuno. In fondo lei è “Beth la noiosa”.
Piena di paure e di complessi sogna la favola, quella che le farà vivere il “Grande Amore”.
Jace è bello, giovane e di successo. Non crede più nell’amore e fa di tutto per difendere il suo ruolo di più giovane senatore degli Stati Uniti d’America. Con il bisogno di essere considerato perfetto da tutti, crede che l’amore non faccia per lui, che possa distrarlo dai suoi obbiettivi. Anche lui è convinto di non poter dare abbastanza a chi gli è vicino, e proprio per questo preferisce rimanere solo.
Ma la vita, spesso, gioca degli scherzi, magari aiutata proprio da nonna Nadine e… che il lieto fine sia alle porte è abbastanza scontato in questo libro.
Tornano anche Jake, Char, Kacey e Travis, con piccoli camei su come continuano le loro storie e su come si evolvono le dinamiche che hanno caratterizzato le due coppie nei romanzi precedenti.
Che dire? Rachel Van Dyken non sbaglia un colpo. In attesa del seguito della serie “Ruin” (di cui in italiano è già edito il primo libro con il titolo “Ricordati di sognare”) questo romanzo è la degna fine di una serie che di sicuro mi ha fatto affezionare ai suoi protagonisti.
Di certo è da leggere se avete voglia di una storia d’amore delicata e a lieto fine, con un pizzico di anziana follia.
.
Liz - per RFS
Proprio durante il matrimonio dei primi due, complice la fantastica nonna Nadine, ci imbattiamo in Beth, sorella di Char, e in Jace, amico fraterno dei fratelli Titus nonché il più giovane senatore degli Stati Uniti d’America.
All’inizio del libro, troviamo i protagonisti la mattina dopo il matrimonio in una camera d’albergo, nella quale non riescono a ricordare come sono arrivati e che cosa hanno fatto.
E qui entra in gioco nonna Nadine, personaggio a dir poco eclettico, che abbiamo già conosciuto nei precedenti libri (leggendo le interviste sembra che Rachel Van Dyken si ispiri davvero a sua nonna nel tratteggiare nonna Nadine).
La nonna è davvero in gamba, vede lontano e capisce subito di che cosa hanno bisogno i “suoi” ragazzi. Che importa poi se né Beth né Jace sono davvero suoi nipoti? Lei vede l’amore all’orizzonte e fa di tutto perché si concretizzi. Come? Questo ve lo lascio scoprire nel libro perché, proprio come nei precedenti, al di là della storia, che a tratti può sembrare già letta, il personaggio di nonna Nadine colora la trama rendendone originale lo sviluppo.
Beth è riservata, timida, ama il suo lavoro e i suoi gatti e non crede di essere abbastanza per un uomo. Forse non crede di essere abbastanza per nessuno. In fondo lei è “Beth la noiosa”.
Piena di paure e di complessi sogna la favola, quella che le farà vivere il “Grande Amore”.
Jace è bello, giovane e di successo. Non crede più nell’amore e fa di tutto per difendere il suo ruolo di più giovane senatore degli Stati Uniti d’America. Con il bisogno di essere considerato perfetto da tutti, crede che l’amore non faccia per lui, che possa distrarlo dai suoi obbiettivi. Anche lui è convinto di non poter dare abbastanza a chi gli è vicino, e proprio per questo preferisce rimanere solo.
Ma la vita, spesso, gioca degli scherzi, magari aiutata proprio da nonna Nadine e… che il lieto fine sia alle porte è abbastanza scontato in questo libro.
Tornano anche Jake, Char, Kacey e Travis, con piccoli camei su come continuano le loro storie e su come si evolvono le dinamiche che hanno caratterizzato le due coppie nei romanzi precedenti.
Che dire? Rachel Van Dyken non sbaglia un colpo. In attesa del seguito della serie “Ruin” (di cui in italiano è già edito il primo libro con il titolo “Ricordati di sognare”) questo romanzo è la degna fine di una serie che di sicuro mi ha fatto affezionare ai suoi protagonisti.
Di certo è da leggere se avete voglia di una storia d’amore delicata e a lieto fine, con un pizzico di anziana follia.
.
Liz - per RFS
July 12, 2014
HOLY THOR! Rachel Van Dyken did it again! She had a bestselling series with The Bet on her hands and with an expertise that only Rachel Van Dyken can manage she not only picked up where she left off she managed to captivate me all over again!
If you haven’t had the privilege of being introduced to this series, you are seriously missing out! You get to know and adore the one of a kind Grandma Nadine - the hilarious, super smart, slightly manipulative, always up to something matriarch of the Titus family. Her grandsons' Travis and Jake play prominent roles in the first two books in this wonderful series. But The Dare features the absolutely entertaining characters, Jace and Beth.
OH MY THOR! Beth and Jace! What can I say about them! What happens when you take boring Beth Lynn and sexy as sin state senator Jace and toss them into a bed after a night neither of them can remember? Well, of course you add Grandma Nadine to the mix! As she whisks them off to Hawaii they embark on what can only be called the adventure of their lives!
GOOD THOR! Jace and Beth are compelling characters and their interactions and dialogue will have you laughing out loud. Their relationship is fun to witness as they get to know each other. And there are just NO WORDS for Grandma Nadine! You will need to experience HER for yourself!
The Dare is the perfect summer read! An absolute gem of a book to take with you to the beach or sit outside and lounge at the pool with! I absolutely LOVED it!!!
The Dare is the third book in Rachel Van Dyken's The Bet Series, however it is a standalone and you do not have to read the first two to enjoy this one! (But The Bet and The Wager rocked and you get more Grandma Nadine, so I do highly recommend it!) Go and grab this book NOW! You won’t regret it ;)
I received a Complimentary Copy of The Dare from the author in exchange for my honest review.
If you haven’t had the privilege of being introduced to this series, you are seriously missing out! You get to know and adore the one of a kind Grandma Nadine - the hilarious, super smart, slightly manipulative, always up to something matriarch of the Titus family. Her grandsons' Travis and Jake play prominent roles in the first two books in this wonderful series. But The Dare features the absolutely entertaining characters, Jace and Beth.
OH MY THOR! Beth and Jace! What can I say about them! What happens when you take boring Beth Lynn and sexy as sin state senator Jace and toss them into a bed after a night neither of them can remember? Well, of course you add Grandma Nadine to the mix! As she whisks them off to Hawaii they embark on what can only be called the adventure of their lives!
GOOD THOR! Jace and Beth are compelling characters and their interactions and dialogue will have you laughing out loud. Their relationship is fun to witness as they get to know each other. And there are just NO WORDS for Grandma Nadine! You will need to experience HER for yourself!
The Dare is the perfect summer read! An absolute gem of a book to take with you to the beach or sit outside and lounge at the pool with! I absolutely LOVED it!!!
The Dare is the third book in Rachel Van Dyken's The Bet Series, however it is a standalone and you do not have to read the first two to enjoy this one! (But The Bet and The Wager rocked and you get more Grandma Nadine, so I do highly recommend it!) Go and grab this book NOW! You won’t regret it ;)
I received a Complimentary Copy of The Dare from the author in exchange for my honest review.
July 11, 2014
First of all, I really enjoyed the first two books. They were quirky and fun. This one? Not so much. The typos and punctuation issues were huge. I was able to read it, but honestly, did ANYONE edit this or reread for errors? Even spell check would've caught some of the punctuation issues if the grammar button was ticked.
I found that this one dragged. I think I liked the bit before the chapters where Grandma is being interviewed by the FBI. The rest of the story... yawn... Beth and Jace just weren't as dynamic as Jake and Char or Kacey and Travis. It happens.
Kinda disappointed if this was the last book.
I found that this one dragged. I think I liked the bit before the chapters where Grandma is being interviewed by the FBI. The rest of the story... yawn... Beth and Jace just weren't as dynamic as Jake and Char or Kacey and Travis. It happens.
Kinda disappointed if this was the last book.
February 8, 2022
3.75
This was my 2nd fave of the series. This started off fun and crazy, but after a bit, this grew kind of boring. I loved the connections between these two characters but would’ve enjoyed it more with not as much OTT drama.
This was my 2nd fave of the series. This started off fun and crazy, but after a bit, this grew kind of boring. I loved the connections between these two characters but would’ve enjoyed it more with not as much OTT drama.
July 9, 2014
4 I do Dare Stars!!!!
eARC for Honest Review Courtesy of Author & Insklinger PR
Well two things off the top are 1) I effin' love Rachel Van Dyken and 2) OMG Grandma Nadine is a riot. My favorite part of the series is her hands down.
This is book three in the series where we find out what Grandma Nadine has in store for stick in the mud Jace and book nerd quite Beth.
After Jace & Beth's 'one night stand' they are forced to get away from the paparazzi and reluctantly agree to Grandma Nadine's suggestion only to find themselves at a couples resort where their therapist also happens to be grandma (what a hoot!)
The shenanigans that grandma makes everybody do are hilarious but her intent is right, just her methods are extreme even though she's always right in the end.
Jace has been burnt in the past from his 'what if' and his money grabbing fiance so when Beth returns to his life he chooses his profession over love because it is easier than losing his heart.
Beth doesn't want to end up the cat lady even though that is where she is headed but what she does want is her fairytale. But real life doesn't always end up that way.
With the help of the whole Titus clan and many others Jace and Beth are forced to deal with their feelings and to see if this relationship is worth the risk.
I LOVE this series so much. I felt like this one wasn't as funny as the others but it was still pretty damn funny. This series is just something you have to experience on your own.
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May 20, 2015
La mia recensione sul blog http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
Terzo libro, terzo atteso appuntamento con la divertentissima manipolatrice Nonna Nadine, personaggio fondamentale per tutta la serie!
Le "vittime" di questo romanzo conclusivo della serie romance The Bet sono Beth e Jace, già conosciuti entrambi in precedenza.
Beth (la sorella di Char) è una ragazza molto intelligente e carina, considerata fin dal liceo una secchiona, che a trent'anni non ha mai avuto un vero e proprio ragazzo. La protagonista è una vera e propria nerd: il suo migliore amico è il Kindle, ha una passione per Damon Salvatore, i biscotti e... gli Avengers.
Jace (alias Thor...) è un bellissimo politico (un senatore per esattezza), il lavoro è al centro della sua vita e questo comporta la discrezione e la riservatezza assoluta, soprattutto visto il brutto scherzetto che la sua ex ragazza gli ha combinato in passato.
Beth e Jace si erano già incontrati un'unica volta ad un ballo scolastico ai tempi del liceo ed entrambi erano rimasti colpiti l'uno dall'altra, per poi non incontrarsi più fino al presente. Presente in cui nonna Nadine prende in mano le redini della situazione e scocca la sua freccia di Cupido nel petto di entrambi i giovani. Ma questa volta non sarà l'unica manipolatrice della storia, ha trovato chi le reggerà il gioco e la aiuterà nell'impresa!
Beth vorrebbe vivere una favola romantica per una volta nella sua vita e lancia la sfida a Jace: sei giorni da trascorrere insieme alle Hawaii (dove nonna Nadine li ha spediti) in cui lui farà di tutto per farla sentire una principessa delle fiabe e lei lo aiuterà con i media al loro ritorno.
I giorni trascorsi insieme faranno la differenza per entrambi, vecchi sentimenti torneranno a galla e l'attrazione e i sentimenti tra i due cresceranno sempre di più... ma entrambi dovranno fare anche i conti con la realtà e prendere delle decisioni.
Come per i precedenti libri della serie, anche in "Mai più senza di te" i capitoli sono alternati dal punto di vista di entrambi i personaggi principali, con la geniale aggiunta di qualche esilarante interludio di Nonna Nadine e l'agende Gus dell'FBI! XD Doppi sensi, scene divertenti quanto assurde arricchiscono questa storia romantica che alterna risate, attimi di dolcezza, amore e rivelazioni riguardanti il passato.
Una lettura leggera e frizzante, ideale per trascorrere qualche ora in relax con il sorriso sulle labbra e la speranza che a volte le favole diventano realtà!
Terzo libro, terzo atteso appuntamento con la divertentissima manipolatrice Nonna Nadine, personaggio fondamentale per tutta la serie!
Le "vittime" di questo romanzo conclusivo della serie romance The Bet sono Beth e Jace, già conosciuti entrambi in precedenza.
Beth (la sorella di Char) è una ragazza molto intelligente e carina, considerata fin dal liceo una secchiona, che a trent'anni non ha mai avuto un vero e proprio ragazzo. La protagonista è una vera e propria nerd: il suo migliore amico è il Kindle, ha una passione per Damon Salvatore, i biscotti e... gli Avengers.
Jace (alias Thor...) è un bellissimo politico (un senatore per esattezza), il lavoro è al centro della sua vita e questo comporta la discrezione e la riservatezza assoluta, soprattutto visto il brutto scherzetto che la sua ex ragazza gli ha combinato in passato.
Beth e Jace si erano già incontrati un'unica volta ad un ballo scolastico ai tempi del liceo ed entrambi erano rimasti colpiti l'uno dall'altra, per poi non incontrarsi più fino al presente. Presente in cui nonna Nadine prende in mano le redini della situazione e scocca la sua freccia di Cupido nel petto di entrambi i giovani. Ma questa volta non sarà l'unica manipolatrice della storia, ha trovato chi le reggerà il gioco e la aiuterà nell'impresa!
Beth vorrebbe vivere una favola romantica per una volta nella sua vita e lancia la sfida a Jace: sei giorni da trascorrere insieme alle Hawaii (dove nonna Nadine li ha spediti) in cui lui farà di tutto per farla sentire una principessa delle fiabe e lei lo aiuterà con i media al loro ritorno.
I giorni trascorsi insieme faranno la differenza per entrambi, vecchi sentimenti torneranno a galla e l'attrazione e i sentimenti tra i due cresceranno sempre di più... ma entrambi dovranno fare anche i conti con la realtà e prendere delle decisioni.
Come per i precedenti libri della serie, anche in "Mai più senza di te" i capitoli sono alternati dal punto di vista di entrambi i personaggi principali, con la geniale aggiunta di qualche esilarante interludio di Nonna Nadine e l'agende Gus dell'FBI! XD Doppi sensi, scene divertenti quanto assurde arricchiscono questa storia romantica che alterna risate, attimi di dolcezza, amore e rivelazioni riguardanti il passato.
Una lettura leggera e frizzante, ideale per trascorrere qualche ora in relax con il sorriso sulle labbra e la speranza che a volte le favole diventano realtà!
September 27, 2015
4.5 Thor Star
Jace and Beth wake up in a hotel room together after Grandma Nadine spiked their drinks at their friends' Travis and Kacey's wedding. But this isn't the first time they've met. They met 10 years ago at a high school dance, but the both remember those events a little differently. Beth, because this was the culmination in her believing she was boring and would end up an old cat lady. Jace because he had an accident that robbed him of his memory of exactly all that happened that evening. All they both remember is the kiss they shared that ruined them for any other person in their lives.
Now Jace is the youngest US Senator, jaded from an engagement that ended in him finding out that his fiancee slept with his then best friend, and Beth hasn't had a successful relationship ever, still a virgin at 30.
But with Grandma Nadine in the picture and hijacking them on Travis and Kacey, Jake and Char's honeymoon respectively, what will the next chapter in their lives be?
This one was hilarious. I almost couldn't get through the entire book for laughing so hard. Jace and Beth were sweet. I loved their story and how he was her knight in shinning armor when they were teens. I get being too smart for the boys and thinking you just aren't enough.
Grandma was brilliant. I also really loved how at the beginning of each chapter, Grandma was having the most hilarious conversation whey she relayed how things happened and culminated in the end of the book.
Very good book. Each book got better and better in the series. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Jace and Beth wake up in a hotel room together after Grandma Nadine spiked their drinks at their friends' Travis and Kacey's wedding. But this isn't the first time they've met. They met 10 years ago at a high school dance, but the both remember those events a little differently. Beth, because this was the culmination in her believing she was boring and would end up an old cat lady. Jace because he had an accident that robbed him of his memory of exactly all that happened that evening. All they both remember is the kiss they shared that ruined them for any other person in their lives.
Now Jace is the youngest US Senator, jaded from an engagement that ended in him finding out that his fiancee slept with his then best friend, and Beth hasn't had a successful relationship ever, still a virgin at 30.
But with Grandma Nadine in the picture and hijacking them on Travis and Kacey, Jake and Char's honeymoon respectively, what will the next chapter in their lives be?
This one was hilarious. I almost couldn't get through the entire book for laughing so hard. Jace and Beth were sweet. I loved their story and how he was her knight in shinning armor when they were teens. I get being too smart for the boys and thinking you just aren't enough.
Grandma was brilliant. I also really loved how at the beginning of each chapter, Grandma was having the most hilarious conversation whey she relayed how things happened and culminated in the end of the book.
Very good book. Each book got better and better in the series. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 2, 2014
2.5 stars
It started well and Grandma Nadine was friggin awesome! The interrogation cracked me up.
At 22% of the story, they were still on the effin plane, I kind of lost interest around 10% of the story but... thank god for Grandma Nadine.
What I don't like about this novel aside from no love scene is Jace, I mean, he's a friggin senator but he acts and think like a high schooler, I don't like his POV.
Anyways, I wanted to drop it a few times but I didn't want to waste it and I was still kind of hoping that the story would improve, it did, A little towards the end, probably around 80%?
First
I was hoping to read a love scene in this novel, for a change. I mean all RVD novels doesn't have a love scene, this one had one, so that is a first but the purpose of that scene was just to know that nothing happened between them when they were drugged and it wasn't even hot so I was totally disappointed.
The saving grace of this novel was grandma Nadine, so 2.5 for her.
I think the author is aiming for younger readers coz this one, with or without love scenes, it was...plain... borderline boring.
It started well and Grandma Nadine was friggin awesome! The interrogation cracked me up.
At 22% of the story, they were still on the effin plane, I kind of lost interest around 10% of the story but... thank god for Grandma Nadine.
What I don't like about this novel aside from no love scene is Jace, I mean, he's a friggin senator but he acts and think like a high schooler, I don't like his POV.
Anyways, I wanted to drop it a few times but I didn't want to waste it and I was still kind of hoping that the story would improve, it did, A little towards the end, probably around 80%?
First
I was hoping to read a love scene in this novel, for a change. I mean all RVD novels doesn't have a love scene, this one had one, so that is a first but the purpose of that scene was just to know that nothing happened between them when they were drugged and it wasn't even hot so I was totally disappointed.
The saving grace of this novel was grandma Nadine, so 2.5 for her.
I think the author is aiming for younger readers coz this one, with or without love scenes, it was...plain... borderline boring.
July 9, 2014
The Bet Series is one of the most fun series out there. It keeps you crying with laughter and swooning from all the romance and hunky alpha guys who sweep you off your feet.
The Dare is the third in The Bets series and for me, my favorite (so far).
Grandma Nadine is back up to her antics with trying her matchmaking skills on Jace and Beth.
Hijinks ensue as always and I loved every minute of the book. Jace and Beth together are fun. And not only do we get Grandma Nadine again, but Kacey, Travis, Char and Jake all tag along for the fun too.
5 Stars!
The Dare is the third in The Bets series and for me, my favorite (so far).
Grandma Nadine is back up to her antics with trying her matchmaking skills on Jace and Beth.
Hijinks ensue as always and I loved every minute of the book. Jace and Beth together are fun. And not only do we get Grandma Nadine again, but Kacey, Travis, Char and Jake all tag along for the fun too.
5 Stars!
May 2, 2015
4 star a nonna Nadine... eclissa tutti nel libro, è un vulcano di energia, invidiabile...ci vorrebbe una Nadine in ogni famiglia, matrimoni assicurati e nipoti sistemati ahahahhahaah !!! potrebbe essere il suo slogan, yeeeeah !!!
May 20, 2015
La recensione sul blog qui --> http://www.leggereromanticamente.com/...
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