I Dare You to Love Me by Lori G. Matthews, narrated by Ellie Gossage

I didn’t have this audiobook on my radar until I listened to Rachel Lacey’s Lost in Paradise, which was my first narration by Ellie Gossage. My friend Elena then recommended this one and it helped lighten a complicated weekend. The premise is a pretty simple enemies to lovers story. Dani, a surgical resident, is engaged to her best friend Will. As a self-described cat person, she’s not exactly enthusiastic about the cute but overly energetic dog Will brings home one day. Her other best friend, Zoe, suggests using a doggy day care service. When the owner, Kara, comes to fetch the dog for the first time, the sparks that fly are undeniable yet not of the pleasant kind.

This book doesn’t take itself too seriously, it’s light, fun, fluffy. Some things don’t completely make sense, but it doesn’t matter. The chemistry between the main characters is real and overrides everything else, and Zoe’s shenanigans, added to adorable cats and dogs, had me laughing out loud. I can’t tell if I would have enjoyed this book as much if I had read it. All I know is that Ellie Gossage’s performance brought me definite joy.