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Don't Open Your Eyes
9 hours, 38 minutes
In this twisted psychological thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese’s Book Club Pick The Last Mrs. Parrish, a woman is tormented by nightmarish visions of her future—and then they start to come true.
Annabelle has everything she’s ever wanted. A devoted husband, two wonderful daughters, and a career she loves. She couldn’t be happier. So why is she suddenly plagued by disturbing dreams of a future where she hates her husband and her daughters’ lives are at risk? At first, she chalks the dreams up to an overactive imagination. But when details from her dreams, details she couldn’t possibly have predicted, begin to materialize, she realizes these aren’t just dreams but rather premonitions of a terrifying future. They all point to a singular choice, an unknown moment that holds Annabelle’s life in the balance.
Then Annabelle has a dream that her daughter, Scarlett, is in immediate danger. Someone wants Scarlett dead and Annabelle has no idea who or why. Suddenly, every choice she makes is fraught with peril, with no inkling of which move could bring this terrifying vision to life. As her present life starts to collide with the future in her dreams, she wrestles with how much control she really has over her destiny and whether or not she can change what is meant to be.
In this twisted psychological thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of the Reese’s Book Club Pick The Last Mrs. Parrish, a woman is tormented by nightmarish visions of her future—and then they start to come true.
Annabelle has everything she’s ever wanted. A devoted husband, two wonderful daughters, and a career she loves. She couldn’t be happier. So why is she suddenly plagued by disturbing dreams of a future where she hates her husband and her daughters’ lives are at risk? At first, she chalks the dreams up to an overactive imagination. But when details from her dreams, details she couldn’t possibly have predicted, begin to materialize, she realizes these aren’t just dreams but rather premonitions of a terrifying future. They all point to a singular choice, an unknown moment that holds Annabelle’s life in the balance.
Then Annabelle has a dream that her daughter, Scarlett, is in immediate danger. Someone wants Scarlett dead and Annabelle has no idea who or why. Suddenly, every choice she makes is fraught with peril, with no inkling of which move could bring this terrifying vision to life. As her present life starts to collide with the future in her dreams, she wrestles with how much control she really has over her destiny and whether or not she can change what is meant to be.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2025
965 people are currently reading
75188 people want to read
About the author
Liv Constantine
18 books10.6k followersLiv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine. Lynne and Valerie are New York Times and international bestselling authors with over two million copies sold worldwide. Their books have been translated into 29 languages, are available in 34 countries, and are in development for both television and film. Their books have been praised by The Washington Post, USA Today, The Sunday Times, People Magazine, and Good Morning America, among many others. Their debut novel, THE LAST MRS. PARRISH, is a Reese Witherspoon Book Club selection. Visit Liv at www.livconstantine.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,069 reviews
October 23, 2025
Let me start with a plot summary before diving into my thoughts on this highly anticipated thriller:
Meet Annabelle: a social media marketing specialist with a seemingly perfect life - a devoted doctor husband and two beautiful daughters. But her world turns upside down when she starts having dreams that feel like premonitions... and keep coming true. These dreams force her to question everything: her marriage, her life choices, a devastating loss from her past, and her own secrets. They also warn her that her husband is hiding something big, and that her elder daughter Scarlett might be in serious danger. Could her dreams be real warnings? Who is her daughter secretly chatting with? Is Scarlett falling victim to something more sinister than catfishing? Annabelle is about to find out the hard way.
Now, here's the thing - when you review a favorite author's new book, people might think you can't be objective. And I'll admit, I struggled with this one. For most of the book, I felt disappointed by the slow pace. We mostly follow Annabelle's prophetic dreams, deal with her husband's frustratingly controlling behavior, and watch Scarlett flirt with a mysterious online guy named Ben. By the halfway point, I'd figured out the connection between Annabelle's past and present - it felt a bit too predictable. I even understood what the dreams really meant (not just as premonitions, but as subconscious warnings).
I was ready to give it three stars and call it a day, but then the last quarter of the book kicked everything into high gear. Even though I'd guessed the major revelations, the action-packed finale delivered what I'd been waiting for since page one. The ending really saved it for me.
For my love of the author, I'm rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4. While it's not my favorite of her books, it's still a solid popcorn thriller that keeps you turning pages. I'd recommend it to fellow fans and anyone looking for a quick, entertaining psychological thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/Ballantine/Bantam for the advance copy of this anticipated thriller in exchange for my honest review.
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Meet Annabelle: a social media marketing specialist with a seemingly perfect life - a devoted doctor husband and two beautiful daughters. But her world turns upside down when she starts having dreams that feel like premonitions... and keep coming true. These dreams force her to question everything: her marriage, her life choices, a devastating loss from her past, and her own secrets. They also warn her that her husband is hiding something big, and that her elder daughter Scarlett might be in serious danger. Could her dreams be real warnings? Who is her daughter secretly chatting with? Is Scarlett falling victim to something more sinister than catfishing? Annabelle is about to find out the hard way.
Now, here's the thing - when you review a favorite author's new book, people might think you can't be objective. And I'll admit, I struggled with this one. For most of the book, I felt disappointed by the slow pace. We mostly follow Annabelle's prophetic dreams, deal with her husband's frustratingly controlling behavior, and watch Scarlett flirt with a mysterious online guy named Ben. By the halfway point, I'd figured out the connection between Annabelle's past and present - it felt a bit too predictable. I even understood what the dreams really meant (not just as premonitions, but as subconscious warnings).
I was ready to give it three stars and call it a day, but then the last quarter of the book kicked everything into high gear. Even though I'd guessed the major revelations, the action-packed finale delivered what I'd been waiting for since page one. The ending really saved it for me.
For my love of the author, I'm rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4. While it's not my favorite of her books, it's still a solid popcorn thriller that keeps you turning pages. I'd recommend it to fellow fans and anyone looking for a quick, entertaining psychological thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing/Ballantine/Bantam for the advance copy of this anticipated thriller in exchange for my honest review.
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June 15, 2025
If you’ve seen the movie Premonition, you’ll get the same kind of goosebumps from this one. This book has those eerie, what’s-real-what’s-not vibes, with dream sequences that feel way too real.
Annabelle, the mom, is having dreams that hint at the past and the future. The story flips between present tense and past POV, giving us a deeper look at her life, her grief, and a few shocking moments.
Then there’s Scarlette — 15, moody, secretive, texting a mystery boy online. Classic teen drama, but it gets dark. She stumbles across a secret that turns everything upside down. Her younger sister, Olivia (who’s a bit annoying), and dad James (who’s very much the “my way or no way” type), and you've got the perfect mix of tension.
This story pushes you slightly out of your comfort zone — in a good way. I actually liked every character, which says a lot about Liv Constantine’s writing. They’re dramatic, sure, but still believable and kind of fun to follow. The short chapters made it a breeze to read, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
The plot wraps up in such a satisfying way. Everything connects — no loose ends.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for letting me dive into this gripping ARC.
Annabelle, the mom, is having dreams that hint at the past and the future. The story flips between present tense and past POV, giving us a deeper look at her life, her grief, and a few shocking moments.
Then there’s Scarlette — 15, moody, secretive, texting a mystery boy online. Classic teen drama, but it gets dark. She stumbles across a secret that turns everything upside down. Her younger sister, Olivia (who’s a bit annoying), and dad James (who’s very much the “my way or no way” type), and you've got the perfect mix of tension.
This story pushes you slightly out of your comfort zone — in a good way. I actually liked every character, which says a lot about Liv Constantine’s writing. They’re dramatic, sure, but still believable and kind of fun to follow. The short chapters made it a breeze to read, and the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
The plot wraps up in such a satisfying way. Everything connects — no loose ends.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for letting me dive into this gripping ARC.
August 3, 2025
Oh where to start......
This was a big miss for me! I had the kindle copy and the audio!
Annabelle has a great life with her doctor husband and two daughters. That is until she starts having some strange dreams. What is even happening???? I did NOT like this plot device and where it went. I really should have abandoned this one, but kept going and going..... (me problem)
I would call this one more of a domestic suspense with a very slow/uneven pace to it. Overall, it fell flat for me and writing was mid.
This one came out June 17, 2025
This was a big miss for me! I had the kindle copy and the audio!
Annabelle has a great life with her doctor husband and two daughters. That is until she starts having some strange dreams. What is even happening???? I did NOT like this plot device and where it went. I really should have abandoned this one, but kept going and going..... (me problem)
I would call this one more of a domestic suspense with a very slow/uneven pace to it. Overall, it fell flat for me and writing was mid.
This one came out June 17, 2025
March 28, 2025
If dreams come true….
From the outside, Annabelle seems to have it all. A loving husband, 2 amazing daughters and a career she loves. So why is she having constant, nightmarish dreams?
Let’s talk for a minute about those nightmares. Here’s the thing... they may actually be short snippets of her future. As she continues having them...they come true. And these dreams aren’t happy, joyful moments. They are frightening glimpses into her future and Annabelle isn’t sure she can stop them from coming true.
Meanwhile, with Annabelle’s focus wavering for just a moment, her daughter Scarlett has met someone on- line. Uh-oh. Is this an innocent friendship? (Are they ever)?
Told from multiple points of view and timelines, all adding to the building tension. Will Annabelle be able to take control of her future? Can you change your fate?
I devoured this book in just a couple sittings. Filled with plenty of characters sure to infuriate you - some more than others!😅
This was another fabulous, gripping thriller from an amazing sister duo, penned under the name Liv Constantine. Already looking forward to their next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine
From the outside, Annabelle seems to have it all. A loving husband, 2 amazing daughters and a career she loves. So why is she having constant, nightmarish dreams?
Let’s talk for a minute about those nightmares. Here’s the thing... they may actually be short snippets of her future. As she continues having them...they come true. And these dreams aren’t happy, joyful moments. They are frightening glimpses into her future and Annabelle isn’t sure she can stop them from coming true.
Meanwhile, with Annabelle’s focus wavering for just a moment, her daughter Scarlett has met someone on- line. Uh-oh. Is this an innocent friendship? (Are they ever)?
Told from multiple points of view and timelines, all adding to the building tension. Will Annabelle be able to take control of her future? Can you change your fate?
I devoured this book in just a couple sittings. Filled with plenty of characters sure to infuriate you - some more than others!😅
This was another fabulous, gripping thriller from an amazing sister duo, penned under the name Liv Constantine. Already looking forward to their next!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine
July 6, 2025
Fast-paced, complex, and with quite the jaw-dropping conclusion, Don’t Open Your Eyes delivered a stunning mix of domestic and psychological thrills. This time around, though, there was the added benefit of a potential supernatural plot line that had me flying through the pages at speed. You see, with multiple compelling POVs, a gripping sense of foreboding, and an underlying anxiety that had me wanting to skim in order to find out all of the whos, whats, and whys, I just couldn’t put this book down—so much so, in fact, that I finished it in under twenty-four hours. I mean, with cliffhangers galore, you’ll relent to reading “just one more chapter” over and over as well.
As for the storyline, in classic Liv Constantine fashion, the plot was riddled with a multitude of delicious plot-shifting twists. While I guessed a few here and there, the bulk of them still delivered surprise after surprise, including one that came right at the end. Due to that and the brilliant precise plotting, I was immersed in this undeniable home run. You see, combining dual timelines with the multiple POVs, I was kept firmly in the dark for most of the novel. Just be prepared to have to suspend all disbelief. After all, the multiple plot lines came together almost too well by the end—although the action-packed last third was still complete and utter perfection.
All said and done, this intense, twisty novel was the definition of a popcorn thriller. But then, it was no real surprise that this writing duo delivered in spades yet again. From the complex family drama to the delightfully eerie feel, I knew it was only a matter of time until the other shoe was going to drop, and when it did—OH BOY! I mean, who doesn’t love a tale diving into haunting dreams that turn into an equally terrifying nightmare? Exploring motherhood, marriage, and the lasting effects of trauma with a deft touch, it emphasized the need to listen to one’s intuition as much as it delivered a fun, pulse-pounding read. You really need to get this one now! Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Annabelle Reynolds has everything she’s ever wanted. A devoted husband, two wonderful daughters, and a career she loves. She couldn’t be happier. So why is she suddenly plagued by disturbing dreams of a future where she hates her husband and her daughters’ lives are at risk? At first, she chalks the dreams up to an overactive imagination. But when details from her dreams, details she couldn’t possibly have predicted, begin to materialize, she realizes these aren’t just dreams but rather premonitions of a terrifying future. They all point to a singular choice, an unknown moment that holds Annabelle’s life in the balance.
Then Annabelle has a dream that her daughter Scarlett is in immediate danger. Someone wants Scarlett dead, and Annabelle has no idea who or why. Suddenly, every choice she makes is fraught with peril, with no inkling of which move could bring this terrifying vision to life. As Annabelle’s present life starts to collide with the future in her dreams, she wrestles with how much control she really has over her destiny and whether she can change what is meant to be.
Thank you to Liv Constantine, Random House—Bantam, and NetGalley for my complimentary digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 17, 2025
Content warning: dementia, bullying, inappropriate relationship, pregnancy, infidelity, grooming, preeclampsia, kidnapping, mention of: hit-and-run accident
As for the storyline, in classic Liv Constantine fashion, the plot was riddled with a multitude of delicious plot-shifting twists. While I guessed a few here and there, the bulk of them still delivered surprise after surprise, including one that came right at the end. Due to that and the brilliant precise plotting, I was immersed in this undeniable home run. You see, combining dual timelines with the multiple POVs, I was kept firmly in the dark for most of the novel. Just be prepared to have to suspend all disbelief. After all, the multiple plot lines came together almost too well by the end—although the action-packed last third was still complete and utter perfection.
All said and done, this intense, twisty novel was the definition of a popcorn thriller. But then, it was no real surprise that this writing duo delivered in spades yet again. From the complex family drama to the delightfully eerie feel, I knew it was only a matter of time until the other shoe was going to drop, and when it did—OH BOY! I mean, who doesn’t love a tale diving into haunting dreams that turn into an equally terrifying nightmare? Exploring motherhood, marriage, and the lasting effects of trauma with a deft touch, it emphasized the need to listen to one’s intuition as much as it delivered a fun, pulse-pounding read. You really need to get this one now! Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Annabelle Reynolds has everything she’s ever wanted. A devoted husband, two wonderful daughters, and a career she loves. She couldn’t be happier. So why is she suddenly plagued by disturbing dreams of a future where she hates her husband and her daughters’ lives are at risk? At first, she chalks the dreams up to an overactive imagination. But when details from her dreams, details she couldn’t possibly have predicted, begin to materialize, she realizes these aren’t just dreams but rather premonitions of a terrifying future. They all point to a singular choice, an unknown moment that holds Annabelle’s life in the balance.
Then Annabelle has a dream that her daughter Scarlett is in immediate danger. Someone wants Scarlett dead, and Annabelle has no idea who or why. Suddenly, every choice she makes is fraught with peril, with no inkling of which move could bring this terrifying vision to life. As Annabelle’s present life starts to collide with the future in her dreams, she wrestles with how much control she really has over her destiny and whether she can change what is meant to be.
Thank you to Liv Constantine, Random House—Bantam, and NetGalley for my complimentary digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 17, 2025
Content warning: dementia, bullying, inappropriate relationship, pregnancy, infidelity, grooming, preeclampsia, kidnapping, mention of: hit-and-run accident
July 5, 2025
Should the title of "Don't Open Your Eyes"
be "Don't Open This Book"????
Ouch!
The book was eye-rolling, overwritten, and all over the place.
Portions of the book had a YA vibe.
I listened to the 10-hour audiobook that easily could have been a 5-hour audiobook.
Liv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine.
Why did I keep my eyes open and stick with it?
Liv Constantine is usually a go-to author(s); penning books I enjoy.
The audiobook was expertly narrated by Valerie Rose Lohman, Alex McKenna, and Christine Lakin.
All narrators did a superb job with the narration.
June 17, 2025
What an addicting book! This had me hooked from page one. I didn’t want to put it down!
Annabelle seems to have the perfect life with two daughters and a doctor for a husband. She is quite successful in her own career involving social media marketing . One minor issue, Annabelle is having nightmares that an actuality are turning out to be premonitions. And not win the lottery kind of a premonition. James, her doctor husband, of course, does not believe her and attributes them to stress.
The story is mainly told through multiple points of view, obviously from Annabelle both her past and present self and through Scarlett her eldest daughter. This helps provide a little bit of backstory as well as another alternating perspective. I will say some of Scarlett’s actions made me shake my head, but she’s a teenage girl so I assume that can be expected. I like the past and present timelines as it helped paint a picture of what was going on with Annabelle, with the past time, being my favorite
I loved the first 3/4 of this book. I absolutely could not put it down. Then the ending happened and I was just disappointed. It’s certainly wasn’t boring. It just went more into LMN territory than what I was expecting. I also felt the dreams, once their use as a plot device was finished, they sort of never got fully explained minus a small reference to Annabelle‘s grandmother. It isn’t a loose end. I just was curious that’s all! Overall, it was still an entertaining book and I would highly recommend giving it a try.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Annabelle seems to have the perfect life with two daughters and a doctor for a husband. She is quite successful in her own career involving social media marketing . One minor issue, Annabelle is having nightmares that an actuality are turning out to be premonitions. And not win the lottery kind of a premonition. James, her doctor husband, of course, does not believe her and attributes them to stress.
The story is mainly told through multiple points of view, obviously from Annabelle both her past and present self and through Scarlett her eldest daughter. This helps provide a little bit of backstory as well as another alternating perspective. I will say some of Scarlett’s actions made me shake my head, but she’s a teenage girl so I assume that can be expected. I like the past and present timelines as it helped paint a picture of what was going on with Annabelle, with the past time, being my favorite
I loved the first 3/4 of this book. I absolutely could not put it down. Then the ending happened and I was just disappointed. It’s certainly wasn’t boring. It just went more into LMN territory than what I was expecting. I also felt the dreams, once their use as a plot device was finished, they sort of never got fully explained minus a small reference to Annabelle‘s grandmother. It isn’t a loose end. I just was curious that’s all! Overall, it was still an entertaining book and I would highly recommend giving it a try.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
July 12, 2025
Don't Open Your Eyes
Don't Read This Book
Don't Pass Go
Don't Collect $200
Ummmmm, I dunno. I've loved this duo of writing sisters in the past. But, I think they phoned this one in. The writing was cringe-worthy. Ooof.
April 13, 2025
Are dreams a pathway to the soul? What happens when dreams and nightmares become reality? Annabelle appears to have it all; a perfect family, a wonderful career, and a bright future. Her seemingly perfect world is fractured as the line between dreams and reality becomes blurred. Is fate trying to tell her something, or is something more sinister at play? This character-driven addictive thriller hooked me from beginning to end. I was instantly pulled into Annabelle’s world of high anxiety and mystery. The countless twists and turns had me racing to the shocking and satisfying conclusion. I like how the story was told from multiple POVs and timelines. The plot was perfectly paced and never felt too slow or rushed. This thriller is the perfect cure for any reading slump. Thank you, NetGalley and Bantam Publishing for my advanced copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 1, 2025
4.5-5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ok, I loved this one!
I’ve only read about three other books by this talented duo, but I’ve quickly become a huge fan after reading Don’t Open Your Eyes!
If you’re looking for a suspenseful, twisty - really twisty - book that is totally bingeable - look no further. Grab your popcorn and pick this one up! I couldn’t put it down.
Lots to love in this thriller: Alternating POVs - including a mystery “wife” who is rather dark and possessive, before and current timelines, family secrets, deception and a surprise ending!
This pulled me in from the start. Expect to suspend some disbelief in order to really love it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine my advanced copy to read and review.
Ok, I loved this one!
I’ve only read about three other books by this talented duo, but I’ve quickly become a huge fan after reading Don’t Open Your Eyes!
If you’re looking for a suspenseful, twisty - really twisty - book that is totally bingeable - look no further. Grab your popcorn and pick this one up! I couldn’t put it down.
Lots to love in this thriller: Alternating POVs - including a mystery “wife” who is rather dark and possessive, before and current timelines, family secrets, deception and a surprise ending!
This pulled me in from the start. Expect to suspend some disbelief in order to really love it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House - Ballantine my advanced copy to read and review.
June 9, 2025
Wow! Can you tell the future? How does this happen? Moreover, how would you handle it? Lots to love in this story with the manufactured drama and intense character connections. But ultimately, there's a fine line to reality and magic. A good family drama, I found myself wondering how much fate plays a role in our lives. Solid writing. Charming background and setting. Love Constantine books!
June 30, 2025
3 "meh" stars. This one just didn't work for me. The blurb's premise about prophetic dreams was a really interesting idea but it failed to actually materialize & instead the story just turned into a mish-mash of stalker/groomers, bad spouses, long buried secrets & total nonsense. I could follow all of the time-line jumps and shifting POV's just fine but it just felt overly complicated and like it was trying way too hard to be clever.
June 23, 2025
3.5 rounded to 4 for GR! this was a lot of fun, deff my fave of hers since THE LAST MRS PARRISH.
the twists were surprising to me (and one was very savage lol!) and it was overall so quick and easy to binge which was exactly what i was looking for. kept me coming back to finish, which i did in 2 quick binge sittings!
deff an easy pool/beach read. more of a slow burn family drama mystery vs hardcore thriller. tbh it has soooooo much drama!!! the middle was getting a bit slow for me pacing wise, but the last 20% got super juicy and had numerous twists. for fans of Lisa Jewell and Shari Lapena.
thanks to Random House for the gifted copy! deff a “grab” in my eyes!
the twists were surprising to me (and one was very savage lol!) and it was overall so quick and easy to binge which was exactly what i was looking for. kept me coming back to finish, which i did in 2 quick binge sittings!
deff an easy pool/beach read. more of a slow burn family drama mystery vs hardcore thriller. tbh it has soooooo much drama!!! the middle was getting a bit slow for me pacing wise, but the last 20% got super juicy and had numerous twists. for fans of Lisa Jewell and Shari Lapena.
thanks to Random House for the gifted copy! deff a “grab” in my eyes!
July 2, 2025
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ more in depth RTF!! But oh boy what a fun, twisty, salacious story! Get ready for some shocking twists and turns and pretty vivid dreams, which was probably my favorite aspect of this book. You’re going to be questioning everyone- literally EVERYONE, even the main character Annabelle. I couldn’t stop thinking that she was simply crazy!
Definitely worth the hype!!
Definitely worth the hype!!
June 16, 2025
This novel was so well written with several great cliff hangers and of course the requisite big twist which was a doozy in this case.
Constantine made me fall in love with the family and really care what happened to them. She made me carefully watch the perfect yet controlling husband as I tried to figure where the holes were in his facade. I also especially enjoyed the daughter Scarlett's outlier friend Avery.
However, she made me suspend belief throughout the whole book except at her fabulous ending. The huge double twist at the end I swallowed hook, line and sinker.
The fact that the protagonist had dreams that foretold the future just did not sit right with me. Even though I had to suspend belief throughout almost the entire book I still felt quite compelled to continue reading the novel. For that reason this book gets a 4 from me.
It sounds confusing I know but I still really enjoyed the novel. Perhaps you will be able to consume the entire book as the author intended dreams and all…then you will be reading a perfect thriller.
I would like to thank Liv Constantine, Bantam Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication day which is June 17th.
Constantine made me fall in love with the family and really care what happened to them. She made me carefully watch the perfect yet controlling husband as I tried to figure where the holes were in his facade. I also especially enjoyed the daughter Scarlett's outlier friend Avery.
However, she made me suspend belief throughout the whole book except at her fabulous ending. The huge double twist at the end I swallowed hook, line and sinker.
The fact that the protagonist had dreams that foretold the future just did not sit right with me. Even though I had to suspend belief throughout almost the entire book I still felt quite compelled to continue reading the novel. For that reason this book gets a 4 from me.
It sounds confusing I know but I still really enjoyed the novel. Perhaps you will be able to consume the entire book as the author intended dreams and all…then you will be reading a perfect thriller.
I would like to thank Liv Constantine, Bantam Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication day which is June 17th.
June 23, 2025
Annabelle hates to go to sleep.
She keeps having awful dreams that seem to come true with no reason for dreaming about these situations.
Other problems are going on in Annabelle's life as well.
She thinks her husband is having an affair.
Her daughter is talking to someone online and hasn't told anyone.
DON'T OPEN YOUR EYES has quite a few characters and jumps from one time frame to the next making it a bit confusing about who is who and what is going on.
Despite this bit of confusion, the stress that continues to build in Annabelle's life will keep you glued to the pages.
I was most worried about the teenager talking to that stranger.
This confusion had me wondering where this was all going, but it still kept me turning the pages as the tension mounted and answers were revealed.
And boy were the answers revealed - the ending turned out to be a wow!! 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
She keeps having awful dreams that seem to come true with no reason for dreaming about these situations.
Other problems are going on in Annabelle's life as well.
She thinks her husband is having an affair.
Her daughter is talking to someone online and hasn't told anyone.
DON'T OPEN YOUR EYES has quite a few characters and jumps from one time frame to the next making it a bit confusing about who is who and what is going on.
Despite this bit of confusion, the stress that continues to build in Annabelle's life will keep you glued to the pages.
I was most worried about the teenager talking to that stranger.
This confusion had me wondering where this was all going, but it still kept me turning the pages as the tension mounted and answers were revealed.
And boy were the answers revealed - the ending turned out to be a wow!! 4/5
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book. All opinions are my own.
August 8, 2025
When your dreams start to materialize in reality and you have to save your family from the premonitions you are also getting. Who is foe and who is friend? Lets find out!
Solid 4 stars!!!!
Solid 4 stars!!!!
August 17, 2025
the setup…
Annabelle Reynolds is a PR consultant specializing in social media. She’s married to James, a neurosurgeon, and mother of two daughters, Scarlett (15) and Olivia (11). Life has been good and she’s content with her life. Inexplicably, she begins to have disturbing dreams that are prophetic. Some of them are fairly innocuous but others warn of future dangers to her marriage and family. And, unbeknownst to her, Scarlett is keeping secrets that may be the fuel for these prophecies.
the heart of the story…
We get three points of view here: Annabelle, Scarlett and someone known as “The Wife.” And, the story transitions to “before” when Annabelle was in college. I paid close attention because I knew at some point there’d be a connection to the present in a meaningful way and this paid off. As Annabelle’s dreams became more intense, my tension elevated, and theories multiplied.
the narration…
Christine Lakin was excellent (as always) as Annabelle. Valerie Rose Lohman captured teenager Scarlett wonderfully. Alex McKinna as The Wife gave me chills. I loved everything about their performances, individually and collectively.
the bottom line…
I’m a longtime fan of this writing duo and they’ve pulled off another one. The paranormal element was weird but somehow they made it believable, giving me something to grasp as to why Annabelle would suddenly have this “gift.” It’s twisty, some of it I guessed but others I didn’t see coming (that ending!). This was the listening experience (the audio is great) I was hoping for.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
Annabelle Reynolds is a PR consultant specializing in social media. She’s married to James, a neurosurgeon, and mother of two daughters, Scarlett (15) and Olivia (11). Life has been good and she’s content with her life. Inexplicably, she begins to have disturbing dreams that are prophetic. Some of them are fairly innocuous but others warn of future dangers to her marriage and family. And, unbeknownst to her, Scarlett is keeping secrets that may be the fuel for these prophecies.
the heart of the story…
We get three points of view here: Annabelle, Scarlett and someone known as “The Wife.” And, the story transitions to “before” when Annabelle was in college. I paid close attention because I knew at some point there’d be a connection to the present in a meaningful way and this paid off. As Annabelle’s dreams became more intense, my tension elevated, and theories multiplied.
the narration…
Christine Lakin was excellent (as always) as Annabelle. Valerie Rose Lohman captured teenager Scarlett wonderfully. Alex McKinna as The Wife gave me chills. I loved everything about their performances, individually and collectively.
the bottom line…
I’m a longtime fan of this writing duo and they’ve pulled off another one. The paranormal element was weird but somehow they made it believable, giving me something to grasp as to why Annabelle would suddenly have this “gift.” It’s twisty, some of it I guessed but others I didn’t see coming (that ending!). This was the listening experience (the audio is great) I was hoping for.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
June 21, 2025
Liv Constantine always delivers doesn’t she! The twist Queen really got me with this one. I was certain I had this one figured out and then bam 💥 Gosh it was good, and much better than my theory 😂
I read this in an afternoon, really enjoying the dual timelines and learning more about Annabelle, the woman with the seemingly perfect life.married to a doctor, a beautiful house and 2 daughters, as well as a job she loved. It is a fast paced and entertaining thriller that will keep you turning the pages. The dreams coming to life was freaky, I would not want my weird dreams coming true.
Thriller readers you know this author is amazing and you just have to read it.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Ballantine, Bantam for my early copy to read on NetGalley. Publishes on June 17th.
I read this in an afternoon, really enjoying the dual timelines and learning more about Annabelle, the woman with the seemingly perfect life.married to a doctor, a beautiful house and 2 daughters, as well as a job she loved. It is a fast paced and entertaining thriller that will keep you turning the pages. The dreams coming to life was freaky, I would not want my weird dreams coming true.
Thriller readers you know this author is amazing and you just have to read it.
Thanks to Random House Publishing Ballantine, Bantam for my early copy to read on NetGalley. Publishes on June 17th.
June 8, 2025
thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC!
I am so sorry to be this mean, but this book is so bad it made me want to give up reading (don't worry I'm not going to do that). the prose is absolutely inexcusably bad, maybe the worst I have ever read in a seriously published book, and quite honestly I don't think it should be published in the state it's in. here's an example, which will sound like a massive spoiler but I promise it isn't:
now this quote is especially bad but it's not like the rest of the book is any better. but do you see what I mean? this reads like far more of an outline that a good writer would detail in later with actual emotions (besides writing out the "o" in "no" 9 times) than something that should actually be published.
as far as the plot goes, I was so intrigued by the summary of this book and immediately and happily downloaded it upon getting the ARC... but it's so boring. I recently praised It Should Have Been You for how it very cleverly let the reader know more than any individual character in the book, which made for a lot of great irony and very dark humor that super fit that book. well, this book shows you why it's so hard to pull that off, because the reader tends to know more than most characters here too, but it makes chapters and reveals very boring because the author doesn't know how to put any tension in so you're just waiting for the idiotic characters to catch on. the twists are not particularly interesting and you will probably see them coming ahead of time, which isn't a death knell to any book honestly, but in a book that's already this bad it's doing it no favors.
boy. I thought it was going to be really hard to beat Silver Elite and Parents Weekend in terms of terrible books. but it took me, what, less than a month to find this one?
I am sorry to Liv Constantine and her dogs, which I'm sure are very cute, but so far this is the worst book of the year, with absolutely inexcusable prose even for a popcorn thriller and nothing else to recommend it either.
I am so sorry to be this mean, but this book is so bad it made me want to give up reading (don't worry I'm not going to do that). the prose is absolutely inexcusably bad, maybe the worst I have ever read in a seriously published book, and quite honestly I don't think it should be published in the state it's in. here's an example, which will sound like a massive spoiler but I promise it isn't:
She pulls the lighter from her pocket and flicks it. A loud boom! Fire engulfs the room. Black smoke everywhere. Windows shatter, debris flies, everyone is screaming.
I can't catch my breath. It's so horrible. And then the screen goes blank. Next. A news story. A gas leak in a local medical office caused by a crack in the gas line. No survivors.
I scream, tears running down my face. Nooooooooo.
now this quote is especially bad but it's not like the rest of the book is any better. but do you see what I mean? this reads like far more of an outline that a good writer would detail in later with actual emotions (besides writing out the "o" in "no" 9 times) than something that should actually be published.
as far as the plot goes, I was so intrigued by the summary of this book and immediately and happily downloaded it upon getting the ARC... but it's so boring. I recently praised It Should Have Been You for how it very cleverly let the reader know more than any individual character in the book, which made for a lot of great irony and very dark humor that super fit that book. well, this book shows you why it's so hard to pull that off, because the reader tends to know more than most characters here too, but it makes chapters and reveals very boring because the author doesn't know how to put any tension in so you're just waiting for the idiotic characters to catch on. the twists are not particularly interesting and you will probably see them coming ahead of time, which isn't a death knell to any book honestly, but in a book that's already this bad it's doing it no favors.
boy. I thought it was going to be really hard to beat Silver Elite and Parents Weekend in terms of terrible books. but it took me, what, less than a month to find this one?
I am sorry to Liv Constantine and her dogs, which I'm sure are very cute, but so far this is the worst book of the year, with absolutely inexcusable prose even for a popcorn thriller and nothing else to recommend it either.
June 16, 2025
Annabel has everything a wife and mother could ask, so why is she suddenly having terrifying nightmares? And why are they coming true in real time? Annabel’s deja vu begins to affect her mentally as it involves her family being in danger, and after revealing to her husband what’s happening to her, he calls it imaginary and pushes her to see a therapist.
At this point, while being a liked but didn’t love read, it had peaked my curiosity to find out more. And as it so happened the best part was towards the end.. in that last quarter of the book—phenomenal! And for that I rated up from 3.5 to a solid 4 stars. Pub. 6/17/25
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
At this point, while being a liked but didn’t love read, it had peaked my curiosity to find out more. And as it so happened the best part was towards the end.. in that last quarter of the book—phenomenal! And for that I rated up from 3.5 to a solid 4 stars. Pub. 6/17/25
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2025
DON’T OPEN YOUR EYES kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the dual timelines and multiple POV’s. Annabelle was a great character and I felt for her throughout this story. The surprise at the end was really perfect and I can’t recommend this book enough! Make sure you grab yourself a copy on publication day, June 17th!
Many thanks to Random House Publishing-Ballantine and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
Many thanks to Random House Publishing-Ballantine and NetGalley for my gifted ARC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
June 17, 2025
Annabelle has a husband 2 kids and a career she loves. Everything seems to be going well.
How ever she is having nightmares all the time.
These dreams start coming true and these dreams aren't happy ones.
This is definitely a page turner you don't want to miss.
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House publishing for an arc.
July 10, 2025
* 4⭐️0🌶️
* Annabelle, who experiences vivid dreams that begin to come true, forcing her to confront a terrifying future and question her own reality. As details from her dreams materialize, she realizes they are premonitions and that her life is in danger, especially her daughter's. The story explores themes of maternal protection, trust, destiny, and the consequences of truth, all while Annabelle fights to regain control and protect her family.
* What I found stood out with this book is just reiterating to parents with kids to always check their social media and their texts!
* Read if you like: tons of twists, domestic thriller, children are a main part, premonitions with dreaming, painful truths
* Annabelle, who experiences vivid dreams that begin to come true, forcing her to confront a terrifying future and question her own reality. As details from her dreams materialize, she realizes they are premonitions and that her life is in danger, especially her daughter's. The story explores themes of maternal protection, trust, destiny, and the consequences of truth, all while Annabelle fights to regain control and protect her family.
* What I found stood out with this book is just reiterating to parents with kids to always check their social media and their texts!
* Read if you like: tons of twists, domestic thriller, children are a main part, premonitions with dreaming, painful truths
April 16, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Bantam for the digital arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Annabelle has a seemingly perfect life. A devoted husband, two daughters, and a career she loves. But then she starts dreaming of a completely different future herself. At first, she assumes it’s just an overactive imagination. Until they start coming true.
This was a decent popcorn thriller, but I found it too predictable and was disappointed by the ending. Not my favorite of her books.
Annabelle has a seemingly perfect life. A devoted husband, two daughters, and a career she loves. But then she starts dreaming of a completely different future herself. At first, she assumes it’s just an overactive imagination. Until they start coming true.
This was a decent popcorn thriller, but I found it too predictable and was disappointed by the ending. Not my favorite of her books.
June 16, 2025
The writing was so bad. Not shockingly so, I was still expecting that, but disappointing nonetheless. I’m not a fan of “thrillers” that lean too heavy in the unreliable nature so it’s not enjoyable! I thought this one developed at an inconsistent pace which made it challenging to enjoy. I’d definitely expect more domestic drama than suspense.
June 26, 2025
3.5 Stars, rounded up!
This is a book that some readers might find a bit far-fetched, and if you're someone who needs a realistic plot to stay invested, you might have a hard time connecting with this one. On the other hand, if you're in it for the twists, turns, and entertainment value, this could be right up your alley! I'm one of those readers that falls in the middle, but I'm totally here for a great popcorn thriller, which is definitely what this one is!
Don't Open Your Eyes is yet another gripping psychological thriller by this writing duo that pulls you into a world of secrets, manipulation, and mind games - all of my favorites! The storyline kept me intrigued throughout, and I really had no idea in which direction this one would go. Was I dealing with an unreliable narrator? Was there going to be a supernatural element to this? Who could I trust, and who was just bad to their core?? I had no clue! The suspense and tension throughout rarely ever let up and I just had to keep reading and find out!
If you enjoy thrillers that toy with your perception and keep you flipping pages way past your bedtime, this one's for you!!
This is a book that some readers might find a bit far-fetched, and if you're someone who needs a realistic plot to stay invested, you might have a hard time connecting with this one. On the other hand, if you're in it for the twists, turns, and entertainment value, this could be right up your alley! I'm one of those readers that falls in the middle, but I'm totally here for a great popcorn thriller, which is definitely what this one is!
Don't Open Your Eyes is yet another gripping psychological thriller by this writing duo that pulls you into a world of secrets, manipulation, and mind games - all of my favorites! The storyline kept me intrigued throughout, and I really had no idea in which direction this one would go. Was I dealing with an unreliable narrator? Was there going to be a supernatural element to this? Who could I trust, and who was just bad to their core?? I had no clue! The suspense and tension throughout rarely ever let up and I just had to keep reading and find out!
If you enjoy thrillers that toy with your perception and keep you flipping pages way past your bedtime, this one's for you!!
May 5, 2025
Don’t Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine is one of the twistiest thrillers I’ve read in a long time. It had me on the edge of my seat from the first page and the ending had me gasping out loud!!! Wow, what an ending! I also loved her other 6 books and all have been 5-stars!!! I highly recommend this and can’t wait for her next great book. She really is the queen of psychological thrillers! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my 5-star review. I also love love love the cover!!!!
February 27, 2025
"𝑰𝒕'𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆. 𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒈𝒈𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆-𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒖𝒔-𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒚 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒔."
I wasn't sure about this one at first because while I don't mind at all some supernatural references in my thrillers, I don't want the entire plot to be centered about it. Thankfully, this one ended up delivering.
Annabelle has mostly everything she’s ever wanted. A devoted husband, even though he wasn't her first choice; two wonderful daughters, although one is in the throes of the terrible teenage years; and a career she loves. She's content; even happy, most days. But out of nowhere, she's suddenly plagued by disturbing dreams of an alternate reality in which her mild-mannered husband is violent and her daughters are at risk. Even worse, many of the dreams have elements that materialize in her waking life. Her sensible husband, a doctor, tells her she needs therapy. But Annabelle knows something sinister is happening to her.
You must suspend disbelief to fully enjoy this story, and once you do that, Annabelle's predicament becomes completely immersive. Told in alternating timelines with a mysterious bonus POV that adds yet another layer of unease and deceit, DON'T OPEN YOUR EYES is a fun, engaging read about trusting your instincts and knowing that the past will always come back to haunt you. Thank you to Random House Publishing/Ballantine Books for the early copy. This title will publish June 17, 2025.
I wasn't sure about this one at first because while I don't mind at all some supernatural references in my thrillers, I don't want the entire plot to be centered about it. Thankfully, this one ended up delivering.
Annabelle has mostly everything she’s ever wanted. A devoted husband, even though he wasn't her first choice; two wonderful daughters, although one is in the throes of the terrible teenage years; and a career she loves. She's content; even happy, most days. But out of nowhere, she's suddenly plagued by disturbing dreams of an alternate reality in which her mild-mannered husband is violent and her daughters are at risk. Even worse, many of the dreams have elements that materialize in her waking life. Her sensible husband, a doctor, tells her she needs therapy. But Annabelle knows something sinister is happening to her.
You must suspend disbelief to fully enjoy this story, and once you do that, Annabelle's predicament becomes completely immersive. Told in alternating timelines with a mysterious bonus POV that adds yet another layer of unease and deceit, DON'T OPEN YOUR EYES is a fun, engaging read about trusting your instincts and knowing that the past will always come back to haunt you. Thank you to Random House Publishing/Ballantine Books for the early copy. This title will publish June 17, 2025.
June 28, 2025
Are the Ms. Constantines okay?? Blink twice so we know. 😬
What did I just read? Whatever it was- it was not IT.
I have always enjoyed the Constantine duos books but this one missed the mark by a longggggggg shot.
It was laughable and your reality had to be so far suspended that it was nonexistent.
Storyline one- Annabel and her doctor husband James and their adorable daughters, Scarlet and Olivia are seemingly a normal family. But Annabel is having strange dream like premonitions that keep happening and a lot of the dreams are really horrible things occurring to her family.
Husband is gaslighting per the usual. Annabel must get to the bottom of it.
Then we have an entirely different storyline in the second part- from Annabel’s past when she was in her twenties and had pregnancy but the storyline goes off the rails-
They merge or try to but very sloppily and it made my head explode.
I can’t even make sense of my thoughts honestly.
I do not recommend this. It was quite honestly Willy nilly slapped together for the reader. Pass.
What did I just read? Whatever it was- it was not IT.
I have always enjoyed the Constantine duos books but this one missed the mark by a longggggggg shot.
It was laughable and your reality had to be so far suspended that it was nonexistent.
Storyline one- Annabel and her doctor husband James and their adorable daughters, Scarlet and Olivia are seemingly a normal family. But Annabel is having strange dream like premonitions that keep happening and a lot of the dreams are really horrible things occurring to her family.
Husband is gaslighting per the usual. Annabel must get to the bottom of it.
Then we have an entirely different storyline in the second part- from Annabel’s past when she was in her twenties and had pregnancy but the storyline goes off the rails-
They merge or try to but very sloppily and it made my head explode.
I can’t even make sense of my thoughts honestly.
I do not recommend this. It was quite honestly Willy nilly slapped together for the reader. Pass.
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