Performed by Elenna Stauffer
Harlequin Enterprises/Harlequin Blaze #282/Audible
Category Romance
Contemporary Romance
Unabridged Audio Book
Rating: 4
Gabriella Flannery is a junior account exec at a prominent marketing firm who just can’t seem to get a break. Always overlooked for the big accounts, she gets stuck with the smaller, almost embarrassing ones. It doesn’t help that she has a tendency to let clumsiness get in the way, which has caused many humiliating situations at work. When a losing battle with a potted tree does Gabriella in at a farewell party for one of the employees, she decides it is time to take control and do something about her place in the firm.
Gabriella wants the CEG account, a company selling outdoor gear, more than anything but unfortunately for her, company playboy Dell Kingston thinks the account should be his. Now they must compete in a wilderness survival weekend. Whoever wins the competition hosted by CEG will be given the account. Dell thinks it’s a shoo-in that he’ll win but if Gabriella has her way, no one will beat her. Until Dell starts to realize there is more to Gabriella than he ever realized and begins to think about winning the account and Gabriella. Who will win this showdown?
I’ve never read anything by Stephanie Bond before but Just Dare Me has me intrigued enough that I may go out seeking more books by this author. Especially is the humor found here is typical of Bond’s work. This book is also much tamer than most Blaze books I read which I greatly appreciated. This left more room for humor and character development. There is one rather long involved scene, but that’s pretty much it on the sex side of things. The primary focus here is the sexual tension, rather than the act itself.
I found myself chuckling to myself several times as I listened to Just Dare Me. Gabriella is so determined to win this account that she goes all out. We see her various attempts to prepare for the wilderness weekend which gives a light mood. Who can resist the techniques she employed involving her dog, a baseball cap, and a photograph? Trust me, you’ll understand when you read it and will probably laugh as well.
Even more humor is abundant on the trip itself, when we see cocky Dell think he has it all in the bag, only to be shown up time and again by Gabriella’s preparation and intelligence. Gabriella has what it takes to come out on top in this war and watching her and Dell battle it out is quite enjoyable. Of course, we know too, when these two finally get together, fireworks will ensue!
Take some time to experience Just Dare Me for yourself. Go ahead, I dare you. Sorry, I couldn’t resist the play on words…
© Kelley A. Hartsell, February 2008. All rights reserved.
The books I've read
The books I've read in the past have all had humor but I haven't read anything by her in awhile. Will need to remedy that after reading your review of this book.
The D2K Paranormal Junkies ~ 2008 Book Challenge Blog
Kelley, I do like Stephanie Bond
... and I'd have to say a resounding YES to the question of whether the humour in this story is typical of her other books. That's one of the reasons I've collected all that I can find by her.
And I do remember laughing a lot during this story... thanks for the reminder ~ I'll have to dig it out and revisit Gabriella... she was priceless!
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kalyko ~ Reading: One of life's little joys and a much needed reward!
I did like her writig style.
I did like her writig style. Not sure if I'll go hunt more of her books down though becasue of the sheer volume of books I have sitting here I must read one day. LOL
The D2K Paranormal Junkies