Review ~ Dash & Lily's Book of Dares ~ Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

Title: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
Authors: Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Released: October 2012 (first published 2010)
Published by: Mira Ink
Source: Purchased

My rating: 4 stars

goodreads says:

"I've left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don't, put the book back on the shelf, please."

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors of Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a cosmic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Opening line: Imagine this: You're in your favorite bookstore, scanning the shelves.

Closing line: "Wake up, Dash."

I read some very mixed reviews of Dash & Lily before buying my copy but there was something about it that made me want to read it. I actually bought it a while back read to read over Christmas. Its my favourite time of year and I wanted something to fit, and a Christmas read was perfect. As I said I read some mixed reviews but I actually really enjoyed this story.

I think I read this book right after The Perks of being a Wallflower and the upbeat light-hearted funny laugh out loud moments were just what I needed! Perks left me feeling rather depressed and I don't think I've ever said this but I wish I'd rather not read it. So along comes Dash & Lily and they 'perked' me right up! I loved the setting of the book, the premise, the characters and the sheer hope of it all!

It was really exciting to read about Dash & Lily and the things they would have each other do! The Santa moment was just brilliant! But the secondary characters make this book just as much as our main pair do because without them the Book of Dares wouldn't be possible. Cohn & Levithan do an extremely exceptional job with all the characters in this story.

Throughout Dash & Lily's story you're really routing for them and you want them be be perfect for each other and it seems they are until a spanner is thrown in the works. When they finally meet Lily, our good girl, is as drunk as a skunk and all our hopes are, well, dashed!! It seems that is it for the two and Dash doesn't need to see anymore. I loved that Cohn & Levithan were not afraid to build hope and just pull the rug right from under us. It really made me feel for Lily and I was just thinking, Dash, this isn't her, you don't know what's been going on, don't judge her! I know!! haha!

I really enjoyed Dash & Lily's Book of Dares and if you love Christmas like me then you'll be happy reading this book any time of year. A real lighthearted funny read!!