Once upon a Dare

I’ll admit, I was skeptical when Olivia’s best friend challenged her to let loose for one night—until I met Cole Bennett. His effortless charm and the way he sees Olivia not as the corporate automaton she’s built herself to be, but as a woman worth pursuing, sells the fantasy immediately. The moment they cross paths at work post-hookup, the stakes skyrocket, and Bonds doesn’t shy away from the awkwardness or the delicious tension that follows. My only nitpick? The epilogue felt a little too tidy, as if Olivia’s career pivot happened a tad too neatly after the emotional fireworks. Still, the ride leading up to that point is so sharp and satisfying, it’s easy to forgive. Narration-wise, Connor Crais and Samantha Brentmoor are a dream team. Crais’s Cole is all smoldering confidence, while Brentmoor’s Olivia oscillates between icy professionalism and breathless vulnerability with uncanny precision. The pacing never drags, even during the more introspective moments, and the chemistry between the two narrators makes their encounters feel even more charged. Production is crisp, with just enough emphasis on key emotional beats to keep the listener hooked. If you crave a romance that’s as smart as it is steamy, with a side of workplace drama, this one’s a winner—just don’t blame me if you find yourself re-listening to the best scenes.