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kadence75's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
eliezrah's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a sweet, no angst, small town story. It takes place in Lee Blair's Dahlia Springs universe and some of the Tap That couples make brief appearances, but this can be read as a standalone and isn't part I'd the Tap That series. I love everything about Dahlia Springs, and Reed's aunt giving him 24 dares is such an adorable idea. I can't wait to see what Lee Blair comes up with next.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily gave my honest review.
netslummer's review against another edition
4.0
When Christmas Grinch Reed agrees to watch his aunt's dogs while she's on a sweeping European vacation with his parents, he is prepared to be a hermit for a month and do nothing but watch trashy TV. He's on a paid vacation leading to a promotion to a team lead position within the marketing firm he works for...in Seattle.
When he gets to Dahlia Springs he is greeted by his aunt's tenant Warren and the old advent calendar he created in middle school dubbed "the 24 DARES of Christmas". His aunt has set him 24 dares to get him up and out enjoying Dahlia Springs.
And it works. Bringing him closer to the town and Warren in the process.
Warren and Reed are unbelievably cute together. Them navigating Reed's bi-awakening and inevitable move to Seattle while still growing closer is cute and fun to watch. Seeing both boys reclaim their love for photography or marketing (in a cozier more personal way). I love these Dahlia Springs books so much. They all have a really cozy Hallmark movie vibe and that's lovely.
When he gets to Dahlia Springs he is greeted by his aunt's tenant Warren and the old advent calendar he created in middle school dubbed "the 24 DARES of Christmas". His aunt has set him 24 dares to get him up and out enjoying Dahlia Springs.
And it works. Bringing him closer to the town and Warren in the process.
Warren and Reed are unbelievably cute together. Them navigating Reed's bi-awakening and inevitable move to Seattle while still growing closer is cute and fun to watch. Seeing both boys reclaim their love for photography or marketing (in a cozier more personal way). I love these Dahlia Springs books so much. They all have a really cozy Hallmark movie vibe and that's lovely.
always_anxious's review
4.0
3.5 rounded up
This is Reed and Warren’s story and takes place before Mistletoe Kisses but I read that one first, oops!
This is Reed and Warren’s story and takes place before Mistletoe Kisses but I read that one first, oops!
coralie_c's review against another edition
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
maferg01's review
5.0
A lighthearted, sweet, and super fun holiday story with light steam is the perfect way to describe 24 Dares of Christmas by Lee Blair. Set in Dahlia Springs, the story has a ton of short cameo appearances by the guys from Lee’s other books, but also a bunch of new characters that added a ton of humor and fun to this story including a quirky aunt and a snarky brother. While it is modeled after a Hallmark movie, there is some light steam (not FTB) and 24 Dares has all the charm without being too squeaky clean in language and in the bedroom. I adored the premise of this one and couldn’t resist reading.
Reed’s aunt suckers him into taking care of her two sweet dogs, which he can’t stand, for the month before Christmas while he’s between positions at his company. Taking a break from 12 hour workdays and leaving the city is just what Reed needs after breaking up with his longtime girlfriend. While he thought he would get to veg and watch endless TV, he gets so much more than he bargained for when he meets his aunt’s sweet and cute tennent, and also sees his aunt left him an advent calendar of holiday dares. Together, the guys tackle each challenge and they each realize how perfect they are for each other.
This bi-awakening romance is super sweet and avoids all the holiday story pitfalls. Honestly, I would probably enjoy this story anytime of year. Their story is super cute with each bringing baggage to the table, but the angst factor is very low. While this story isn’t as steamy as others Lee has written, it is an adorable love story with just enough action in the bedroom to keep everyone happy. I loved the dynamic of Warren’s big family and all the fun they added to the story. From Grinch to falling in love when he least expected it, Reed and Warren’s love story will warm your heart and get you into the holiday spirit.
Reed’s aunt suckers him into taking care of her two sweet dogs, which he can’t stand, for the month before Christmas while he’s between positions at his company. Taking a break from 12 hour workdays and leaving the city is just what Reed needs after breaking up with his longtime girlfriend. While he thought he would get to veg and watch endless TV, he gets so much more than he bargained for when he meets his aunt’s sweet and cute tennent, and also sees his aunt left him an advent calendar of holiday dares. Together, the guys tackle each challenge and they each realize how perfect they are for each other.
This bi-awakening romance is super sweet and avoids all the holiday story pitfalls. Honestly, I would probably enjoy this story anytime of year. Their story is super cute with each bringing baggage to the table, but the angst factor is very low. While this story isn’t as steamy as others Lee has written, it is an adorable love story with just enough action in the bedroom to keep everyone happy. I loved the dynamic of Warren’s big family and all the fun they added to the story. From Grinch to falling in love when he least expected it, Reed and Warren’s love story will warm your heart and get you into the holiday spirit.
crystal_bookworm's review
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
liza5326's review
4.0
A nice way to kick off my holiday reading season! I love Advent Calendars, so one filled with dares sounds like so much fun! Reed hays lost his love for Christmas and is dog-sitting for his aunt. She leaves him the 24 Dares Advent Calendar that he made while he was in school. Along the way, he rediscovers his love for his hometown, the holidays, and also for the man who rents from his aunt. Warren is the perfect companion for Reed along his 24 Dares journey. I loved the small town feel and just the fun of it all. It was just a great holiday read.