Audio Review: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares

Publication Date: November 28, 2010

Narrated by: Ryan Gesell and Tara Sands 

6 Hours, 40 Mins

 Summary from Goodreads:

“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 New York Times 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 comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

My Two Cents:

The premise of this book is original and immediately intrigued me. I LOVE the fact that it is set in New York where I live. Having the Strand as the place where it all starts made my heart flutter. The Strand is pretty much my second home. So this book really had my attention. The beginning was fast moving and humorous. However when I got into the middle and towards the end I started to care less and less about them meeting...or not. I found myself heavily sighing when it was Lily's turn to narrate. Her voice was pretty high-pitched and I think too "sunny". Lily's character annoyed me as well. Her thoughts made her seem more like 13 rather than 16. Dash is what kept me listening. Period. He's snarkalicious and I love it. He's soooo New York! He has a smart mouth and he's not afraid to use it. He even dresses like he's from NY with his fedora hat, colored shirt and jeans. The only thing he's missing is the blazer. I know usually anything goes out here but Lily's style of dress and language didn't give me the NY vibe at all. 

The minor characters also helped get the book moving along. Boomer, Dash's friend has the most annoying voice but I love his energy and innocence. Lily's Great Aunt Ida was funny and seemed like the type of old lady I'd like to hang out with.

The romance didn't really cut it for me. Lily seemed like an innocent little kid while Dash was mature and saw the world as it was. Their relationship seemed like they could make good friends but then after a while it seemed like he'd make a good older brother for her. His character seemed like he didn't really like her in the same way that he still liked his ex-girlfriend Sophia. Things were a lot sultry for those two while for Dash and Lily things seemed playful and maybe even a bit awkward at times.

Again, this audio book was not bad and neither was the writing. However I can't say I loved it. It was just something I could go either way on.

Rating: