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bergamotbee 's review for:
Dared
by Becca Steele
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Leo is a kind and genuine soul, with deep seeded insecurities that compound his social anxiety. He struggles to make friends, join any social environments, and publicly speak. Luckily, he's able to escape where he feels safe - into the world of his favourite online game with his new friend and confidan, Finn. Knowing he'll never have to meet or engage face-to-face makes him able to open up like he isn't otherwise able to. Little do either of them know, they're a lot closer than they think, and are bound to cross paths eventually.
*****
This was the first novel I've read from this author, and it was SO cute. I haven't felt this soft and sappy reading a book in ages, and more than once, this got me misty-eyed. As someone who's struggled with social anxiety my whole life and has been able to overcome parts of it over time, I identified so strongly with Leo. Seeing Finn encourage him through kind and gentle dares and seeing their relationship progress in such a natural and genuine way was so beautiful and healing. This entire book was such a low-stress, sweet read, with so much emotional intelligence, care, and warm characters, that I'm absolutely going to go back through the authors catalog to read everything she's ever written. Capturing people this deeply human and real is a talent, and my God does she have it.
If you want a novel that leaves you feeling whole, with a steady pace, warmth, characters slowly discovering themselves together, plus no third act breakup, this one is for you.
*****
Thank you to The Author Agency and Becca Steele for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****
This was the first novel I've read from this author, and it was SO cute. I haven't felt this soft and sappy reading a book in ages, and more than once, this got me misty-eyed. As someone who's struggled with social anxiety my whole life and has been able to overcome parts of it over time, I identified so strongly with Leo. Seeing Finn encourage him through kind and gentle dares and seeing their relationship progress in such a natural and genuine way was so beautiful and healing. This entire book was such a low-stress, sweet read, with so much emotional intelligence, care, and warm characters, that I'm absolutely going to go back through the authors catalog to read everything she's ever written. Capturing people this deeply human and real is a talent, and my God does she have it.
If you want a novel that leaves you feeling whole, with a steady pace, warmth, characters slowly discovering themselves together, plus no third act breakup, this one is for you.
*****
Thank you to The Author Agency and Becca Steele for the digital ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.