What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dawsons
Intense. Alluring. Forbidden!
Witnessing the horrific demise of everyone he knew and loved has made Derrick Dawson strong, but it has also made him cold and broken. Tormented by his past and fears for the future, Derrick drowns himself in alcohol and drugs to dull the pain he can't seem to escape. When Rose, the granddaughter of his sworn enemy, suddenly appears in his life, his world turns upside down. The wall he has built to protect his heart is crumbling. Will Derrick ignore what he feels or will he let the wall fall?
Francesco has felt alone and miserable all his life. The loss of his family and the harshness he receives from his constantly intoxicated older brother has left a void inside him that he thought he would never fill. Until a young princess named Rosa stumbles into him and changes his life forever. There's only one thing that stands in his way--King Antonio has forbidden Rosa to have anything to do with a Dawson.
Is true love worth the risk?
Book Widget: http://www.book2look.com/book/UhcN8CkMS1
Witnessing the horrific demise of everyone he knew and loved has made Derrick Dawson strong, but it has also made him cold and broken. Tormented by his past and fears for the future, Derrick drowns himself in alcohol and drugs to dull the pain he can't seem to escape. When Rose, the granddaughter of his sworn enemy, suddenly appears in his life, his world turns upside down. The wall he has built to protect his heart is crumbling. Will Derrick ignore what he feels or will he let the wall fall?
Francesco has felt alone and miserable all his life. The loss of his family and the harshness he receives from his constantly intoxicated older brother has left a void inside him that he thought he would never fill. Until a young princess named Rosa stumbles into him and changes his life forever. There's only one thing that stands in his way--King Antonio has forbidden Rosa to have anything to do with a Dawson.
Is true love worth the risk?
Book Widget: http://www.book2look.com/book/UhcN8CkMS1
- GenresFiction
432 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2017
2 people are currently reading
1214 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 29, 2018
Magika is a world like none other, it is a magical planet filled with witches and the supernatural. Mere mortals can never find out about Magika and if they stumble upon it by mistake, they are never seen or heard from again. Magika can never be exposed for what it is. In Magika, we meet the Dawsons. They are a boisterous family full of merriment. They live life on their terms. During their yearly family gathering we learn that the Dawsons are not liked by the king of Magika and they try to steer clear of him at all times. There was a falling out many years ago when one of the Dawsons killed the King’s brother.
During the family gathering, well into the night Zancho, an evil demon set fire to the Dawson camp killing every member of the family except for Derrick and his siblings Francesco and Teresa. They were only children at the time and were forced to make it out into the world alone only having each other to rely on. They find an abandoned house and make it into a home. Derrick fights to keep his family together often stealing food so they won’t go hungry. Derrick being the oldest, has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Being poor does not offer them any luxuries and they fight every day of their lives to survive. Derrick does not believe in love. To him, love is pain, especially after witnessing his entire family being killed. He never wants to go through that pain ever again. All that is about to change though when they meet the Princesses, twins Rosa and Rose. Both Derrick and his younger brother Francesca feel a connection to the twins. Is love even possible between the poorest of the poor and the Princesses?
I really enjoyed this story when I first started reading it. There is a lot of action going on in the first quarter of the book. We witness the destruction of the Dawsons and I could not help but feel sorry for these poor children out on their own. Zancho is a nasty evil demon that will stop at nothing to make those he wishes suffer and die. Derrick was definitely a favorite of mine through the first half of the book. He really loved his siblings and in a way became a father figure to them. Derrick would do anything for his family to ensure their safety. Then we have Rose and Rosa who both grew up in a life of privilege. They never wanted for anything and lived in a castle with their grandparents, the king and queen. Rose and Rosa also lost their mother to the same evil demon much like Derrick and his family.
The romance is a slow buildup and you really can’t help yourself from rooting for a happily ever after and yet wondering how there will ever be a happily ever after when the king forbids the twins from any contact with the Dawson brothers. The romance is more like a modern version of Romeo and Juliet. The romance was very sweet at times and also very raunchy other times. Which I kind of liked.
Lydia and Santina Casablanca are very detailed in their story telling which helped immerse me into the story. Although I enjoyed the story, there were a couple of parts that I was iffy about. There is a lot of underage sex. Nothing graphic and everything was off scene, but it definitely touches on the taboo. There is also a reference to a gay comment that was a bit off putting, but all in all it did not sway me away from the main storyline. Please be aware that the ending kind of ends on a cliffhanger, so I am hoping their is going to be a sequel to the story? All in all, I did enjoy The Dawsons and would love to find out what happens next.
During the family gathering, well into the night Zancho, an evil demon set fire to the Dawson camp killing every member of the family except for Derrick and his siblings Francesco and Teresa. They were only children at the time and were forced to make it out into the world alone only having each other to rely on. They find an abandoned house and make it into a home. Derrick fights to keep his family together often stealing food so they won’t go hungry. Derrick being the oldest, has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Being poor does not offer them any luxuries and they fight every day of their lives to survive. Derrick does not believe in love. To him, love is pain, especially after witnessing his entire family being killed. He never wants to go through that pain ever again. All that is about to change though when they meet the Princesses, twins Rosa and Rose. Both Derrick and his younger brother Francesca feel a connection to the twins. Is love even possible between the poorest of the poor and the Princesses?
I really enjoyed this story when I first started reading it. There is a lot of action going on in the first quarter of the book. We witness the destruction of the Dawsons and I could not help but feel sorry for these poor children out on their own. Zancho is a nasty evil demon that will stop at nothing to make those he wishes suffer and die. Derrick was definitely a favorite of mine through the first half of the book. He really loved his siblings and in a way became a father figure to them. Derrick would do anything for his family to ensure their safety. Then we have Rose and Rosa who both grew up in a life of privilege. They never wanted for anything and lived in a castle with their grandparents, the king and queen. Rose and Rosa also lost their mother to the same evil demon much like Derrick and his family.
The romance is a slow buildup and you really can’t help yourself from rooting for a happily ever after and yet wondering how there will ever be a happily ever after when the king forbids the twins from any contact with the Dawson brothers. The romance is more like a modern version of Romeo and Juliet. The romance was very sweet at times and also very raunchy other times. Which I kind of liked.
Lydia and Santina Casablanca are very detailed in their story telling which helped immerse me into the story. Although I enjoyed the story, there were a couple of parts that I was iffy about. There is a lot of underage sex. Nothing graphic and everything was off scene, but it definitely touches on the taboo. There is also a reference to a gay comment that was a bit off putting, but all in all it did not sway me away from the main storyline. Please be aware that the ending kind of ends on a cliffhanger, so I am hoping their is going to be a sequel to the story? All in all, I did enjoy The Dawsons and would love to find out what happens next.
Currently reading
July 5, 2017I must say so far this book is exciting, interesting and keeps you wondering what's going to happen next. I don't want to put it down. I would most definitly reccomend this book, it's captivating!
July 18, 2018
This novel was interesting to read. I felt bad for Derrick as he had to take on the role of the main caregiver for his sister and brother at only four years old, but he somehow managed to do it. I disagreed with the way he changed because he became very abusive towards his siblings, and then got mad at his siblings when they began to act the same way that he had been acting for years. I understand where the story was trying to go, but he and his siblings actually succeeded at making me angry at certain times throughout the book.
My favorite character was Francesco. He had been bullied by his brother and sister all of his life, and he is falling for Rosa. He does not feel that he is worthy of her love though. I loved seeing him finally have the relationship that he deserved.
Teresa was a unique character. I couldn’t decide what I thought about her. Sometimes I thought that she was another victim of Derrick, but then with the way she treated Francesco, she definitely had a mind of her own. I wish that I had the chance to see things more from her perspective, but she is left behind as the time continues to move forward.
The plot moved smoothly even with the time skips and it was interesting to see how the characters changed as the years went on. The twin princesses also have interesting stories of their own, but they have a lot of spoilers so I won’t say too much about that.
The worldbuilding was definitely fleshed out at the beginning, but as the time went on I saw the description start to dwindle. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing because there was simply more story to cover, but I would have liked a bit more focus on the description.
When the excuse is given for why Derrick and Francesco are as sex-craving as they are, I found it to be a bit weak. I thought that they could have had a better reason for why they acted the way they did. I won’t spoil anything again, but it was just not what I was expecting. It also did not explain the reason why Derrick was addicted to alcohol and drugs.
The princesses definitely have personalities of their own. I saw Rosa’s start to disappear a bit when she got together with Francesco, but Rose’s never disappeared. Their brother also had some unique quirks that I grew to love as the story continued.
I did not find any editing errors in my copy of the novel that I read.
I would recommend this book to lovers of fantasy/dark fantasy romance novels. Even though the characters are teens for a good portion of the novel, I would suggest that you treat this as an adult or a new adult story if you aren’t a fan or adult themes in stories.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
My favorite character was Francesco. He had been bullied by his brother and sister all of his life, and he is falling for Rosa. He does not feel that he is worthy of her love though. I loved seeing him finally have the relationship that he deserved.
Teresa was a unique character. I couldn’t decide what I thought about her. Sometimes I thought that she was another victim of Derrick, but then with the way she treated Francesco, she definitely had a mind of her own. I wish that I had the chance to see things more from her perspective, but she is left behind as the time continues to move forward.
The plot moved smoothly even with the time skips and it was interesting to see how the characters changed as the years went on. The twin princesses also have interesting stories of their own, but they have a lot of spoilers so I won’t say too much about that.
The worldbuilding was definitely fleshed out at the beginning, but as the time went on I saw the description start to dwindle. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing because there was simply more story to cover, but I would have liked a bit more focus on the description.
When the excuse is given for why Derrick and Francesco are as sex-craving as they are, I found it to be a bit weak. I thought that they could have had a better reason for why they acted the way they did. I won’t spoil anything again, but it was just not what I was expecting. It also did not explain the reason why Derrick was addicted to alcohol and drugs.
The princesses definitely have personalities of their own. I saw Rosa’s start to disappear a bit when she got together with Francesco, but Rose’s never disappeared. Their brother also had some unique quirks that I grew to love as the story continued.
I did not find any editing errors in my copy of the novel that I read.
I would recommend this book to lovers of fantasy/dark fantasy romance novels. Even though the characters are teens for a good portion of the novel, I would suggest that you treat this as an adult or a new adult story if you aren’t a fan or adult themes in stories.
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
April 3, 2018
I'm not certain what I was expecting from this book, but it literally pulls you in from the start with forbidden love, betrayal, family, and so much more. The author(s) do a great job of bringing the characters and their world to life and making you want to continue reading. It is almost a compulsion. The story itself is well written and original. I liked that it didn't feel like a canned book that I've read before, but fresh and new.
There are different families, plots and characters that are woven together and it is intriguing. I was never bored in this book, and constantly turning pages wondering what would happen next. I'm not sure who my favorite character through the book was because I really liked almost all of them but I do know Zancho is creepy and evil! He gave me the creeps big time!
It was a 5/5 for me and I want more!
*I would say this is for more adult readers*
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
There are different families, plots and characters that are woven together and it is intriguing. I was never bored in this book, and constantly turning pages wondering what would happen next. I'm not sure who my favorite character through the book was because I really liked almost all of them but I do know Zancho is creepy and evil! He gave me the creeps big time!
It was a 5/5 for me and I want more!
*I would say this is for more adult readers*
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
August 30, 2017
This is an amazing novel that has entered the world. I started reading not knowing what to expect. Finding out that a forbidden love was happening, I wanted to know more. I continued reading and i realised i couldn't put it down. I would reccomend anyone to buy The Dawsons. This book is captivating and a page turner, and it truly deserves more then 5 stars.
December 13, 2017
This is the best book I've read in a long time.
Lydia and Santina have done a brilliant job for their first book.
It appeals to a wide age group.
I'm in my 50's and enjoyed it thoroughly.
I cannot wait for their next book as they have a unique and very talented writing style.
If you like Harry Potter you'll love the Dawsons.
Lydia and Santina have done a brilliant job for their first book.
It appeals to a wide age group.
I'm in my 50's and enjoyed it thoroughly.
I cannot wait for their next book as they have a unique and very talented writing style.
If you like Harry Potter you'll love the Dawsons.
September 8, 2018
This is an amazing story to read, part magic, fairytale and very hot love story in another world. It is a very clever story and I could not put it down. The ending is a cliff hanger and I really want to know what happens next.
Please keep writing.
Please keep writing.
December 14, 2017
Before I started reading the Dawsons I knew I would enjoy every minute of it, by just reading the blurb. I loved the fact that every page I read there was always something happening (that’s what I call a page turner) there was never a dull moment. Every time I picked the Dawsons up and read it felt like I was actually there with them, every minute of the way. I cried and I laughed. This is by far the best book I’ve ever read.
June 19, 2019
Excellent book!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2018
Okay guys. So we’re going to review our own book. And of course we rate it 5 stars. it’s our book. We rate it 5 stars because in all honesty we absolutely love the story and love the characters we have created. We love that the fairy tale vibe that it gives brings us back to our childhood. It brings us back to our teenage years when we wrote the book.
We love Derrick despite his coldness towards others, because we know who he truly is and how much he does love even though he would deny it with everything in him.
We love Rose and her strength, her willingness to always try to do the right thing even though her heart is always dying to do the opposite.
We love Francesco for his hope, and that he always holds onto the belief of true love even though his big bad brother frequently tells him otherwise, frequently tells him that love is pain.
And last but not least, to the last main, main character. Rosa. We love her for her courage, for not being afraid to tell you how she feels, to speak her mind.
If you love witches in fantasy worlds full of any supernatural creature you can think of, forbidden love, drama and scandal then you’ll love reading this book. Did we mention if you love The Little Mermaid you’ll love this? ;)
The Dawsons is our pride and joy and the characters we’ve created will always be apart of our heart and soul. We hope that you can read this book and go through all the emotions we did writing it. If so, you will laugh and you will cry. You will hate and you will love. We hope you will always remember and crave more. We hope that you will love this book as much as we loved writing it.
If you have loved reading The Dawsons and are dying to read more please spread the word to everyone you know so that we can get the chance to publish The Dawsons - No Turning Back. Thank you so much for reading! Thank you for being apart of our world. I can assure you that the next book is even better (in our opinion) and full of a lot more magic and aching love.
If you wish to speak with us please don’t hesitate. We can be found on Goodreads, Twitter, our blog (www.lydiaandsantina.com) or our Facebook page (The Dawsons).
With love
Lydia and Santina Casablanca
www.lydiaandsantina.com
https://www.facebook.com/lydiaandsant...
https://twitter.com/TDawsons
We love Derrick despite his coldness towards others, because we know who he truly is and how much he does love even though he would deny it with everything in him.
We love Rose and her strength, her willingness to always try to do the right thing even though her heart is always dying to do the opposite.
We love Francesco for his hope, and that he always holds onto the belief of true love even though his big bad brother frequently tells him otherwise, frequently tells him that love is pain.
And last but not least, to the last main, main character. Rosa. We love her for her courage, for not being afraid to tell you how she feels, to speak her mind.
If you love witches in fantasy worlds full of any supernatural creature you can think of, forbidden love, drama and scandal then you’ll love reading this book. Did we mention if you love The Little Mermaid you’ll love this? ;)
The Dawsons is our pride and joy and the characters we’ve created will always be apart of our heart and soul. We hope that you can read this book and go through all the emotions we did writing it. If so, you will laugh and you will cry. You will hate and you will love. We hope you will always remember and crave more. We hope that you will love this book as much as we loved writing it.
If you have loved reading The Dawsons and are dying to read more please spread the word to everyone you know so that we can get the chance to publish The Dawsons - No Turning Back. Thank you so much for reading! Thank you for being apart of our world. I can assure you that the next book is even better (in our opinion) and full of a lot more magic and aching love.
If you wish to speak with us please don’t hesitate. We can be found on Goodreads, Twitter, our blog (www.lydiaandsantina.com) or our Facebook page (The Dawsons).
With love
Lydia and Santina Casablanca
www.lydiaandsantina.com
https://www.facebook.com/lydiaandsant...
https://twitter.com/TDawsons
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews