There is a saying that "Like calls to like" which is most definitely the case with commit phobic Tara Park and Seth Kim who give in to their mutual attraction on the conditionality that they can go on four dates but they can't fall in love.

The Dating Dare is a cute rom-com with a great premise and a decent reflection of Korean influences in the dialogue and culture. I enjoyed the emphasis placed on the role of family and the familial bonds created with Set and Landon and Tara and her brothers (I smell spin-offs). I also relished the fact that Tara's job as a master brewer was highly unconventional and totally badas*.

I had high hopes for The Dating Dare but there were some elements that dropped the ball for me. The dialogue felt very stiff and the inner monologues of Seth and Tara were eerily similar. I have no problem with the "I want to love but am afraid of getting my heart broken" but I think my issue stems from the transition between friends to something more. The communication was sorely lacking and while I agree attraction and lust are starters, they cannot be all that fuels love. Any opportunity for a slither of emotions was quickly shot down not allowing an emotional connection to form which was slightly disappointing to me.

Overall this could be labeled as a cheesy rom-com but I did enjoy the cultural representation, strong familial bonds, and the unwavering friendship between the couples.

Thank you to St. Martins Press for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.