Don't You Dare

4.5

I LOVE the friends to lovers trope, the way they are already so familiar with each other and the comfort they mutually build over years that sizzles into something hotter eventually. 
This book was no different. I loved Aspen and Keene's friendship and the romance was so good. C E Ricci doesn't disappoint, brought me out of my slump.
My favourite part was probably the way they give each other sexy dares that was so fun

Knocked down 0.5 stars for the third act breakup/misunderstanding, do we really have to? Especially for this story with such a strong romance already built, it was ready to end in my opinion.

Also loved the crossover with Head Above Water, albeit very tiny.

This was an almost 4 star read until about 75%. Then I got worried about stupid Aspen and THEN the 3rd act breakup happened and Aspen can go hit on fence pole because seriously what he did was not okay. If he wasn't one of the main characters, the makeup/”give me another chance” scene would be one readers would be clapping for Keene about staying strong and moving on.
The 3rd act breakup also didn't NEED to happen. The shitty moment could have happened and Aspen could have stepped up like he always says he would and then could have been a claiming moment– showing his commitment and willing to be uncomfortable for Keene. Instead we get promises that things have changed and he'll never hurt Keene again... as if we are supposed to forget what he also did over Summer Break??? Nah, ef him.

I love the couple pre-3rd act breakup and honestly feel so betrayed haha. I'm just going to try pretending almost a third of the book doesn't exist and give it 3 stars.