Reviews

Once Upon a Dare by Jennifer Bonds

beckyrendon's review against another edition

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4.0

Once Upon a Date is a steamy workplace romance. The one night stand that got away turns up the next day. Fighting list and egos takes up almost as much time as their day jobs.

It's naughty fun. Once Upon a Dare was a great way to immerse myself in a workplace romance with out the drama of real life. ☺ So kick off the offending heels, put your feet up, and cut loose with a Dare...

chrissy3562's review against another edition

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4.0

Once Upon a Dare was my first book by Jennifer Bonds and I enjoyed it. I thought the story was well written overall, but there were a few points that I felt jumped further than I was expecting. Cole and Olivia had amazing chemistry and were definitely made for each other. She was strong and fiercely independent; afraid of being seen as a woman who slept her way to the top (even though she didn't), so she went to the other extreme and became the Ice Queen. Cole ended up taking Olivia's partnership without realizing it and that gets them off on the wrong foot professionally. What made things worse was the fact that they'd slept together the previous weekend. I really enjoyed reading their story and look forward to reading more from Jennifer Bonds in the future. I give this book 4 stars and suggest it to those who enjoy contemporary romance.

sexyvixenreader's review against another edition

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4.0

Loved It

Quick and hot read by Jennifer Bonds who brings sexual tension in the office to a new high. I really enjoyed Olivia and Cole when they first meet and the heat is sizzling and when they find out they have to work together it gets even steamier. From the bedroom to the boardroom. I did have some WTF moments with Olivia I really enjoyed this read.

“If that’s code for ‘I want to fuck you until I can’t walk straight’, then I kind of hate you, too.”

frantically's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Loved this! The romance was really sweet and while the hero made some stupid mistakes that led to drama, you could tell he really didn't have any malignant ideas. Excited for a fun series!

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cka1026's review against another edition

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hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.25

heameljon's review against another edition

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2.0

I had issues with this story line. I felt the author was playing to the female sympathy too much. It wasn't Cole's fault that he got the partnership so the main character, Olivia, needed to quit placing blame.

beckymmoe's review against another edition

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4.0

Wowza--the chemistry between Olivia and Cole is off the charts in this one! Once Upon a Dare was a quick and steamy read, and the start to a brand new series I'll definitely be reading more from.

I really liked both Liv and Cole--they're both career-minded and driven, drawn to each other but not looking for any kind of a real relationship. Cole's been burned in love and doesn't want to repeat the performance, and Olivia's just trying to overcome the gender bias she faces at work and make partner as she knows she deserves. Throw in a alcohol-fueled dare, an unforgettable one night stand, and then have Cole waltz into the promotion Liv thought was hers, and you've got the basis for one heck of a story. It's an office romance...plus.

There were times I was reminded that this is Ms. Bond's first book--occasionally the pacing seems a bit off, and the relationship's black moment felt like an over-the-top overreaction on Olivia's part. (Yes, I get why she was upset over what he did. But her response was above and beyond what was needed--to accuse the guy of never listening to her? It was too much.) It wasn't enough to stop me from turning the pages like a fiend, though.

Overall, this was a quick and fun read. Jennifer Bonds' Risky Business has officially been added to my "series to watch for" list.

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

cheryls's review against another edition

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5.0

Olivia Masterson was excited because being summoned to her bosses office could only mean one thing. She was finally being made a partner. When she walked in she was shocked to see Cole Bennett sitting there. Cole was her one night stand from Friday night! As her boss had just announced to her, Cole was the new partner. WHAT? How was she going to work under someone she'd slept with, who clearly wants to do so again and who'd taken the job that was supposed to be hers?

Super sexy! The entire story line had a sexy vibe running just under the surface. When Cole spoke in that sexy voice, I could hear it in my head. Delicious! I admired Olivia's "I want to succeed on my own" attitude. She had the skills and everyone knew it, even if it was hard for Cole to fully understand it all at first. Great story that was very well written. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.

Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

accidentalrambler's review

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3.0

The main character talks about her "inner sex kitten" - enough said.
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