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stephreadthat 's review for:
The Love Dare
by Abiola Bello
The Love Dare is a brilliant novel that perfectly combines self-discovery, cultural pride, and the ups and downs of young love. It follows a girl who, on a dare, tries to get a guy to ask her on a date. What starts as a playful challenge quickly turns into a journey of growth and realisation.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the nods to Nigerian culture throughout. They weren’t overdone but added so much richness to the story, making it feel grounded and real. At its heart, it’s a coming-of-age tale as the protagonist discovers she’s far more than just a pretty face. She also learns that her long-time crush isn’t quite as great as he seemed, while the nerdy, sweet guy she befriends is far more appealing than she expected.
The references to games and films were a nice touch, making the story feel modern and relatable. And the carnival scene at the very start of the book was so well-written—I could almost hear the sounds and see the colours. It pulled me in straight away and set the tone for the rest of the story.
Overall, The Love Dare is a joyful, heartwarming read by a Black British author with a Black British lead. It’s authentic, fun, and full of charm. I’d definitely recommend it!
One of the things I loved most about this book was the nods to Nigerian culture throughout. They weren’t overdone but added so much richness to the story, making it feel grounded and real. At its heart, it’s a coming-of-age tale as the protagonist discovers she’s far more than just a pretty face. She also learns that her long-time crush isn’t quite as great as he seemed, while the nerdy, sweet guy she befriends is far more appealing than she expected.
The references to games and films were a nice touch, making the story feel modern and relatable. And the carnival scene at the very start of the book was so well-written—I could almost hear the sounds and see the colours. It pulled me in straight away and set the tone for the rest of the story.
Overall, The Love Dare is a joyful, heartwarming read by a Black British author with a Black British lead. It’s authentic, fun, and full of charm. I’d definitely recommend it!