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A review by amanda_reads13
The Dare by Elle Kennedy
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? Yes
2.5
College was supposed to be Taylor's chance to reinvent herself, unfortunately she wound up being the constant target of her sorority sisters. Connor is tired of meaningless hookups, so when Taylor begs him for his help to complete her dare, he jumps at the opportunity.
I was really enjoying Connor and Taylor's story until all of the break ups. There was absolutely no reason to break up had they just COMMUNICATED with each other. Alas, miscommunication and withholding information is prevalent throughout this entire story. It's not even just between the main characters, it's between the main characters and supporting characters as well. For example, Connor not communicating with his mother and stepfather leads him down a path of destruction.
In this book, Kennedy tackles topics of insecurity, body image, toxic friendship, revenge, porn, and coping with parents new relationships. We see Connor struggling to accept his past and Taylor struggling to accept herself.
I think we can all see a little of ourselves in Taylor. She struggles with insecurity and body issues and feels less than the women around her. This makes her constantly doubt Connor's feelings because she doesn't think he could actually be attracted to her. Society tells women if you aren't thin, you're ugly and less than. This is something that's drilled into girls heads for their entire lives. We see her focusing a lot on her weight, dieting, and comparing herselves to others. It was nice to see the evolution of her confidence throughout the book.
I appreciate that we got more of Connor's backstory and that we got to understand why he is the way he is. Connor doesn't feel worthy of anyone's love so he never gets attach to anyone. He never opens up to anyone and rarely trusts anyone. Throughout the book we see him struggling with his past and learning to trust and open up to Taylor. It's really hard for him to do. Connor puts up a really good mask to try to fit in with the "rich kids" even though he always feels worthless around them.
I really like Taylor and Connor together. I think they are really cute and sweet together. They help one another come to terms with their insecurities and begin to accept themselves. They make each other feel worthy of love.
The Dare: Taylor's dared to hook up with Connor. She begs him to pretend with her and they wind up deciding to continue the charade. Eventually, they catch feelings.
The revenge porn:One of the sorority sisters posts a video of Taylor and another girl making out in during rush week on a porn site.
Tropes: fake dating, friends to lovers, opposites attract, college
I was really enjoying Connor and Taylor's story until all of the break ups. There was absolutely no reason to break up had they just COMMUNICATED with each other. Alas, miscommunication and withholding information is prevalent throughout this entire story. It's not even just between the main characters, it's between the main characters and supporting characters as well. For example, Connor not communicating with his mother and stepfather leads him down a path of destruction.
In this book, Kennedy tackles topics of insecurity, body image, toxic friendship, revenge, porn, and coping with parents new relationships. We see Connor struggling to accept his past and Taylor struggling to accept herself.
I think we can all see a little of ourselves in Taylor. She struggles with insecurity and body issues and feels less than the women around her. This makes her constantly doubt Connor's feelings because she doesn't think he could actually be attracted to her. Society tells women if you aren't thin, you're ugly and less than. This is something that's drilled into girls heads for their entire lives. We see her focusing a lot on her weight, dieting, and comparing herselves to others. It was nice to see the evolution of her confidence throughout the book.
I appreciate that we got more of Connor's backstory and that we got to understand why he is the way he is. Connor doesn't feel worthy of anyone's love so he never gets attach to anyone. He never opens up to anyone and rarely trusts anyone. Throughout the book we see him struggling with his past and learning to trust and open up to Taylor. It's really hard for him to do. Connor puts up a really good mask to try to fit in with the "rich kids" even though he always feels worthless around them.
I really like Taylor and Connor together. I think they are really cute and sweet together. They help one another come to terms with their insecurities and begin to accept themselves. They make each other feel worthy of love.
The Dare:
The revenge porn:
Tropes: fake dating, friends to lovers, opposites attract, college
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Grief, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment