IF YOU DARE is a standalone novel by Jessica Lemmon. The story opens with Lily McIntire camped out at a spooky, abandoned house because of a dare by her co-worker and fierce competitor Marcus Black. Although IF YOU DARE is a traditional contemporary romance, it starts and ends with the apparently haunted Willow Mansion. The ghostly element is a nice way to bookend the story and gives IF YOU DARE extra zing. I am so happy that Jessica Lemmon tells IF YOU DARE from both points of view because Marcus is a much more likable character once you understand his inner thoughts.

I wasn't sure I would like Marcus at first. I couldn't understand his motivation and his attempt to scare Lily seemed a little juvenile to me. However, shortly into IF YOU DARE and after he gets a scare, he begins to charm me. I love a hero with a vulnerable side and Lily absolutely scrambles Marcus's brain. I like that he respects her professionally in addition to being attracted to her. I loved seeing how important Lily is to him and how smitten he is. I melted when he defends her honor. There are incredibly sweet moments in IF YOU DARE as well as delightfully naughty and sexy ones.

After learning about Lily's ex and his cutting betrayal, it is easy to understand why she tries not to give in to her attraction to Marcus. Without that information about her past, it would be difficult to understand how she could resist Marcus. The chemistry and fun, flirty banter they have makes IF YOU DARE so entertaining. Their night at Willow Mansion is the perfect blend of scary and sexy. The little dash of the supernatural that Jessica Lemmon gives to the story works as a catalyst for the relationship between Lily and Marcus. Lily has to get past her trust issues to work with Marcus and keep a cool head amid the ghostly shenanigans.

IF YOU DARE is the perfect brain candy for romance fans -- hot and spicy, sweet, and super satisfying. Marcus and Lily are both great characters and you can root for them. IF YOU DARE is the kind of fun, sexy romance I adore. I love Jessica Lemmon and eagerly await her next book.