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Don't You Dare
What if your daughter becomes your enemy?
When barmaid, Rachel, discovers her soon-to-be-married daughter, Beth, pinned down by a stranger in the pub cellar, Rachel lashes out in panic and the intruder ends up dead. In desperation, Rachel convinces Beth they should cover up the crime and go ahead with the planned wedding in one month’s time.
Rachel, however, has her own reasons for not involving the police.
Hiding their dreadful secret is harder than they both imagined and as the big day approaches and the lies multiply, Beth becomes a liability. Rachel looks on in dismay at the hen party when, after too many drinks, Beth declares she’s about to make a special announcement. But before Beth can say a word, she disappears...
When two people share a chilling secret, can both hold their nerve?
This book explores the dark side of a mother-daughter relationship when pushed to the limit.
It will appeal to fans of authors like Ruth Ware, Clare Mackintosh and C.L. Taylor.
When barmaid, Rachel, discovers her soon-to-be-married daughter, Beth, pinned down by a stranger in the pub cellar, Rachel lashes out in panic and the intruder ends up dead. In desperation, Rachel convinces Beth they should cover up the crime and go ahead with the planned wedding in one month’s time.
Rachel, however, has her own reasons for not involving the police.
Hiding their dreadful secret is harder than they both imagined and as the big day approaches and the lies multiply, Beth becomes a liability. Rachel looks on in dismay at the hen party when, after too many drinks, Beth declares she’s about to make a special announcement. But before Beth can say a word, she disappears...
When two people share a chilling secret, can both hold their nerve?
This book explores the dark side of a mother-daughter relationship when pushed to the limit.
It will appeal to fans of authors like Ruth Ware, Clare Mackintosh and C.L. Taylor.
314 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2018
552 people are currently reading
791 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Waines
11 books481 followersAJ Waines writes Psychological Thrillers with *over half-a-million* copies sold worldwide. She's a #1 International Bestselling Author: GIRL ON A TRAIN topped the full UK and Australian Kindle Charts in 2015 & 2016.
Follow on Facebook, Instagram or AJ's Blog
All her books can be read in any order:
The Evil Beneath, Girl on a Train, Dark Place to Hide, No Longer Safe, Inside the Whispers, Lost in the Lake, Don't you Dare, Perfect Bones, Enemy at the Window, Cut you Dead Find them all at: AJ Waines' Books
Formerly a Psychotherapist for fifteen years, she has worked with ex-offenders from high-security institutions, giving her a rare insight into abnormal psychology. She is fascinated by secrets and lies, crimes of passion, devious motives and anything hidden under floorboards.
*A Kindle (KDP) TOP 10 'MOST-READ AUTHOR' in UK (2016)*
AJ has book deals in UK, France, Germany, Norway, Hungary, Czech Republic and Canada (audiobooks). She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband.
Follow on Facebook, Instagram or AJ's Blog
All her books can be read in any order:
The Evil Beneath, Girl on a Train, Dark Place to Hide, No Longer Safe, Inside the Whispers, Lost in the Lake, Don't you Dare, Perfect Bones, Enemy at the Window, Cut you Dead Find them all at: AJ Waines' Books
Formerly a Psychotherapist for fifteen years, she has worked with ex-offenders from high-security institutions, giving her a rare insight into abnormal psychology. She is fascinated by secrets and lies, crimes of passion, devious motives and anything hidden under floorboards.
*A Kindle (KDP) TOP 10 'MOST-READ AUTHOR' in UK (2016)*
AJ has book deals in UK, France, Germany, Norway, Hungary, Czech Republic and Canada (audiobooks). She lives in Hampshire, UK, with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
May 8, 2018
DON’T YOU DARE is a psychological thriller by bestselling author A.J. Waines. This novel will hold your interest right up until the end. The tension keeps building and building. I loved it!
When Rachael, a barmaid in a popular pub, came to work, she found her soon-to-be-married daughter, Beth being attacked by a man in the cellar. Rachel did what any mother would do, she had to rescue her daughter. Rachel attacked the intruder and he fell backwards cracking his head and was dead instantly.
But Beth knew the intruder-Carl. Peter, Beth’s fiancé, a film producer had introduced Carl to Beth at a party. Peter and Beth were getting married in 5 weeks.
Rachel convinces Beth they should cover up the crime and go ahead with the planned wedding in one month’s time.
But Rachel, however, has her own reasons for not involving the police.
As the wedding approaches, the lies increase, and Beth is falling apart. They must both carry on as “normal.”
Rachel tells her daughter:
“We must pretend this didn’t happen and your marriage to Peter will go ahead as planned.”
Rachel looks on in dismay at the hen party when, after too many drinks, Beth declares she’s about to make a special announcement. But before Beth can say a word, she disappears...
The story is told from Rachel and Beth’s points of view in alternating chapters. In this respect, the reader is privy to observe the innermost thoughts and emotions of each character and observe how they are holding up. This book explores the dark side and strong bond between mother and daughter when pushed to the extreme.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for my copy.
When Rachael, a barmaid in a popular pub, came to work, she found her soon-to-be-married daughter, Beth being attacked by a man in the cellar. Rachel did what any mother would do, she had to rescue her daughter. Rachel attacked the intruder and he fell backwards cracking his head and was dead instantly.
But Beth knew the intruder-Carl. Peter, Beth’s fiancé, a film producer had introduced Carl to Beth at a party. Peter and Beth were getting married in 5 weeks.
Rachel convinces Beth they should cover up the crime and go ahead with the planned wedding in one month’s time.
But Rachel, however, has her own reasons for not involving the police.
As the wedding approaches, the lies increase, and Beth is falling apart. They must both carry on as “normal.”
Rachel tells her daughter:
“We must pretend this didn’t happen and your marriage to Peter will go ahead as planned.”
Rachel looks on in dismay at the hen party when, after too many drinks, Beth declares she’s about to make a special announcement. But before Beth can say a word, she disappears...
The story is told from Rachel and Beth’s points of view in alternating chapters. In this respect, the reader is privy to observe the innermost thoughts and emotions of each character and observe how they are holding up. This book explores the dark side and strong bond between mother and daughter when pushed to the extreme.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for my copy.
May 2, 2018
The only way to keep something secret is to not tell anyone about whatever it is ... not your family, not your friends, not the stranger you meet at the bar.
Book Blurb -- When barmaid, Rachel, discovers her soon-to-be-married daughter, Beth, pinned down by a stranger in the pub cellar, Rachel lashes out in panic and the intruder ends up dead. In desperation, Rachel convinces Beth they should cover up the crime and go ahead with the planned wedding in one month’s time.
It doesn't take long for Beth to become a liability. The lies she has to tell to her fiancee, her friends, the police is slowly driving her crazy. It is always so much harder to remember the lies you've told ... one mistake can be fatal.
Rachel is just plain devious. She's trying to cover for her daughter but it's getting harder and harder. The enormous number of lies she has to tell is weighing her down. And there's a reason she won't go to the police to explain ... she has another secret that her daughter doesn't even know.
This is a well-written psychological thriller that shows the dark side of a mother-daughter relationship. Characters have been carefully constructed with a lot of credibility. I found it hard to decide if I liked the characters or not. There are twists and turns that kept me glued to this riveting story.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of DON'T YOU DARE. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
May 4, 2018
https://thecrimetime.wordpress.com/20...
When Rachel walks in on her engaged daughter Beth in a compromising position with a guy she’s never seen before, panic takes over as she hears her daughter scream thinking she was being raped. Adrenaline charged, Rachel does what any mother would do, she pushes him off and he lands on a barrel that kills him instantly. They both have a good reason why they should cover up the crime and get rid of the body but it’s a matter of time before someone breaks under pressure...
The story is written from Rachel and Beth’s point of view in alternating chapters which helps us see how they both coping with what they’ve done, in different ways.
“Don’t you dare” starts with a bang and ends with one as well. It’s not easy to connect with main characters on an emotional level as they both have done something no human ever should, but I wanted them to find peace, regardless.
Rachel is an overly protective mother and, at times, she went to such despicable lengths trying to keep her daughter safe that it had to backfire at some point.
I enjoyed this read, it had some predictable and naive moments that would unlikely happen in real life but that didn’t bother me at all, it is fiction after all.
What did bother me was the title of the book, I don’t feel the connection of it to the story, but It’s something I can ignore.
Many thanks to publisher for sending me a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Rachel walks in on her engaged daughter Beth in a compromising position with a guy she’s never seen before, panic takes over as she hears her daughter scream thinking she was being raped. Adrenaline charged, Rachel does what any mother would do, she pushes him off and he lands on a barrel that kills him instantly. They both have a good reason why they should cover up the crime and get rid of the body but it’s a matter of time before someone breaks under pressure...
The story is written from Rachel and Beth’s point of view in alternating chapters which helps us see how they both coping with what they’ve done, in different ways.
“Don’t you dare” starts with a bang and ends with one as well. It’s not easy to connect with main characters on an emotional level as they both have done something no human ever should, but I wanted them to find peace, regardless.
Rachel is an overly protective mother and, at times, she went to such despicable lengths trying to keep her daughter safe that it had to backfire at some point.
I enjoyed this read, it had some predictable and naive moments that would unlikely happen in real life but that didn’t bother me at all, it is fiction after all.
What did bother me was the title of the book, I don’t feel the connection of it to the story, but It’s something I can ignore.
Many thanks to publisher for sending me a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2021
Roller coaster
3.5 rounded up to 4.
I didn't love this one as much as I loved The Evil Beneath..., not exactly sure why. It was written with each chapter from the perspective of the mother and daughter, which seems to becoming a trend lately. I didn't connect with any of the characters. But the idea behind the story is an excellent concept, with a great ending, I will definitely be reading more by this author, (I already have a couple more of her books in the pile), Hopefully the others work better for me.
3.5 rounded up to 4.
I didn't love this one as much as I loved The Evil Beneath..., not exactly sure why. It was written with each chapter from the perspective of the mother and daughter, which seems to becoming a trend lately. I didn't connect with any of the characters. But the idea behind the story is an excellent concept, with a great ending, I will definitely be reading more by this author, (I already have a couple more of her books in the pile), Hopefully the others work better for me.
July 18, 2020
I wasn't sure rating this book from 3.5 rounded it up to four,as enjoyed most of this read mother and daughter relationship was difficult after a murder it's all about the cover up and the guilt but was disappointed with the end of this book.love this authors books and looking forward to reading more.
October 11, 2018
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Don’t You Dare is my first read by A.J. Waines. I totally enjoyed this book right from the beginning. Chapter one hooked me right from the get-go…great opening!
The chapters alternate points of view between Rachel the mother and her daughter Beth. These two find themselves having committed a crime and then trying to cover it up. I found it interesting how Rachel and Beth each handle what they have done. The author cleverly shares their thoughts while switching from each of their points of view. They each have their own way of dealing with the burden of guilt and the cover-up…the anxiety involved while they wait to see if the police are going to end up questioning them.
Another part of the story that’s interesting is Rachel’s secret from the past. Throughout the book the author periodically reminds the reader of a past secret and Beth wants to find out from her Grandad but he has dementia and can only share bits and pieces of the mystery at a time. I thought the author did a great job presenting it this way and kept me interested throughout. The buildup at the end of the book was awesome and nicely wrapped up. Overall just a great read. I will be adding this author to my favorites list. Thank you A.J. Wainesand Bloodhound Books for providing me with a copy of this book to read.
June 5, 2018
The blurb caught my eye, and the beginning of the story hooked me in. Rachel, a bartender, hears her daughter Beth struggling with someone in the cellar, and all her motherly instincts flood her body. She rushes to protect her daughter and accidentally kills the man, Carl. Why accidentally, you ask? Well, they were both enacting a sex scene from Basic Instinct.
Then comes the roller-coaster ride of hiding the body, having alibis, coordinating the story, and waiting for the cops. Will they, won't they? Incidentally, Carl is the best man of Peter, Beth's fiancé. What a rush!!! The babe was having an affair with fiancé's best friend.
I loved the way the author A. J. Waines has developed the characters. Would I call them lovable, likable, or even tolerable? Nah!! But they were fascinating, the way the mother hid the body (you've got to read it to believe it), then provided cool alibis, and she thought of practically everything.
Then came the daughter, a very immature girl, who started unraveling right at the beginning at the dual horror. Narrated in both their POV, the book thrilled me, I would call this a wide-eyed thriller, as I was astonished with the aplomb and the audacity, the way circumstances played out!!
Waines had the twists and turns well in place, secrets popped up at inopportune moments, a searching desperate wife, a delirious grandfather added to the aura which spiraled and curved. It even had far reaching characters taking centre-stage. An unexpected letter at the end had the story turn upside down. I was enthralled and invigorated.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Bloodhound Books, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Then comes the roller-coaster ride of hiding the body, having alibis, coordinating the story, and waiting for the cops. Will they, won't they? Incidentally, Carl is the best man of Peter, Beth's fiancé. What a rush!!! The babe was having an affair with fiancé's best friend.
I loved the way the author A. J. Waines has developed the characters. Would I call them lovable, likable, or even tolerable? Nah!! But they were fascinating, the way the mother hid the body (you've got to read it to believe it), then provided cool alibis, and she thought of practically everything.
Then came the daughter, a very immature girl, who started unraveling right at the beginning at the dual horror. Narrated in both their POV, the book thrilled me, I would call this a wide-eyed thriller, as I was astonished with the aplomb and the audacity, the way circumstances played out!!
Waines had the twists and turns well in place, secrets popped up at inopportune moments, a searching desperate wife, a delirious grandfather added to the aura which spiraled and curved. It even had far reaching characters taking centre-stage. An unexpected letter at the end had the story turn upside down. I was enthralled and invigorated.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Bloodhound Books, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 11, 2018
This is my first but definitely not my last read by this author. I inhaled this within a day.
We are told the story through two points of view- Rachel and her daughter Beth’s. When Rachel walks in on her daughter Beth being pinned down by a stranger she reacts with dire consequences. They dispose of the body and keep it a secret.
I gotta say I did prefer Beth to Ruth. The mom came across as over bearing.
I thought this was a well written gripping read with twists and turns I definitely didn’t see coming. I’ll definitely be recommending this:)
We are told the story through two points of view- Rachel and her daughter Beth’s. When Rachel walks in on her daughter Beth being pinned down by a stranger she reacts with dire consequences. They dispose of the body and keep it a secret.
I gotta say I did prefer Beth to Ruth. The mom came across as over bearing.
I thought this was a well written gripping read with twists and turns I definitely didn’t see coming. I’ll definitely be recommending this:)
Read
April 20, 2018Interview with the Author:
What is Don’t you Dare about?
It’s starts with a drastic misunderstanding – Rachel bursts in on her daughter, Beth, when she thinks she’s being attacked. She steps in as any good mother would and a terrible crime is committed. A man is dead, but it’s what happens next that is crucial. Beth says they must report the crime to the police. Her mother says no…no way…
Can you sum up the book in a few words?
Mother and daughter. One dead body.
Who’ll be the first to crack?
Where does the tension in the book come from?
The tension in the book comes from the different ways in which mother and daughter handle what they’ve done. Neither of them planned on committing a crime, but now they’re trapped in a terrible dilemma that will affect their lives forever. Who is going to keep their nerve? Who’ll be the first to crack? It’s a nail-biting ride and perfect (I hope) for fans of Ruth Ware, C.L Taylor and Clare Mackintosh!
What inspired you to write this book?
As a former psychotherapist I’ve always been interested in people’s motives for doing things. In this story, I wanted a dreadful crime to be committed by the lead character, Rachel, and for her to be desperate to cover it up. She has a very good reason, but keeps that reason hidden from Beth, her daughter (and the reader). A battle of wills unfolds as Beth, the queen of oversharing on social media, becomes a liability.
What was the first scene you envisaged?
It’s the scene where Beth gets drunk at her hen party and announces to everyone that she has something important to reveal. Her mother flies into a complete panic. Will Beth give them both away because it’s the ‘right’ thing to do? How can Rachel stop her? It’s the point when the story hangs on a thread and can swing either way.
What genre do your books fall under?
They are psychological thrillers, but nearly all involve a murder mystery too. In Don’t you Dare, we see the story unfold from Rachel and Beth’s points of view in alternating chapters. We see the inner motives and emotions they are not sharing with each other, the secrets being kept right from the start, even though they are devoted to each other. They both want to protect the other person and, ironically, a lot of the problems arise from this place of love.
Can you give us a flavour of the book?
This is near the beginning of the book, from Rachel’s point of view:
‘We’ve done something despicable,’ Beth whispers.
‘I know. But I hope you know why.’
Only – of course, she doesn’t know the real reason. And she must never find out.
I always love stories involving secrets and lies and this novel has plenty of them, with a big twist at the end!
What is Don’t you Dare about?
It’s starts with a drastic misunderstanding – Rachel bursts in on her daughter, Beth, when she thinks she’s being attacked. She steps in as any good mother would and a terrible crime is committed. A man is dead, but it’s what happens next that is crucial. Beth says they must report the crime to the police. Her mother says no…no way…
Can you sum up the book in a few words?
Mother and daughter. One dead body.
Who’ll be the first to crack?
Where does the tension in the book come from?
The tension in the book comes from the different ways in which mother and daughter handle what they’ve done. Neither of them planned on committing a crime, but now they’re trapped in a terrible dilemma that will affect their lives forever. Who is going to keep their nerve? Who’ll be the first to crack? It’s a nail-biting ride and perfect (I hope) for fans of Ruth Ware, C.L Taylor and Clare Mackintosh!
What inspired you to write this book?
As a former psychotherapist I’ve always been interested in people’s motives for doing things. In this story, I wanted a dreadful crime to be committed by the lead character, Rachel, and for her to be desperate to cover it up. She has a very good reason, but keeps that reason hidden from Beth, her daughter (and the reader). A battle of wills unfolds as Beth, the queen of oversharing on social media, becomes a liability.
What was the first scene you envisaged?
It’s the scene where Beth gets drunk at her hen party and announces to everyone that she has something important to reveal. Her mother flies into a complete panic. Will Beth give them both away because it’s the ‘right’ thing to do? How can Rachel stop her? It’s the point when the story hangs on a thread and can swing either way.
What genre do your books fall under?
They are psychological thrillers, but nearly all involve a murder mystery too. In Don’t you Dare, we see the story unfold from Rachel and Beth’s points of view in alternating chapters. We see the inner motives and emotions they are not sharing with each other, the secrets being kept right from the start, even though they are devoted to each other. They both want to protect the other person and, ironically, a lot of the problems arise from this place of love.
Can you give us a flavour of the book?
This is near the beginning of the book, from Rachel’s point of view:
‘We’ve done something despicable,’ Beth whispers.
‘I know. But I hope you know why.’
Only – of course, she doesn’t know the real reason. And she must never find out.
I always love stories involving secrets and lies and this novel has plenty of them, with a big twist at the end!
June 23, 2018
“Things are not always what they seem.” Some people walk through life wearing rose colored glasses, never seeing what is truly in front of them. Nor do they realize, their actions, no matter how harmless, can come with consequences.
Don’t You Dare, is a skillfully written, edge of your seat read that keeps you guessing. It also reaffirms the lengths a parent will travel to protect their children. 5 stars
Don’t You Dare, is a skillfully written, edge of your seat read that keeps you guessing. It also reaffirms the lengths a parent will travel to protect their children. 5 stars
April 30, 2018
The story flicks in alternating chapters between Rachel and her daughter Beth. The opening chapter of Rachel finding her daughter in what looks like a dangerous situation had me absolutely hooked. I think any parent in the same position would do the exact same thing. After that though, who knows how any of us would react with the consequences.
Rachel obviously loves her daughter but I did find her over bearing at times. Wanting what she thinks is best for her and her daughter and not thinking about her daughters needs. She has to be in control at all times. There is obviously also more to her past of which I was very intrigued to find out more.
Beth I really liked. She is a normal twenty three year old who is trying to make it in the acting world. She is being torn every way but which and doesn't know which way to turn. She is trying her best to keep on top of everything but life just seems to be dealing her one knock after the other.
This is one of those reads where you can feel the tension building. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. The author certainly knows how to weave a story that will have you gripped through out. Whilst I found Rachel over bearing, the bond between both was very much believable and touching at times.
Don't You Dare is packed full of tension and a definite page turner of a read. An absolute must read for fans of psychological thrillers that will keep you entertained right up until the very last page.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Rachel obviously loves her daughter but I did find her over bearing at times. Wanting what she thinks is best for her and her daughter and not thinking about her daughters needs. She has to be in control at all times. There is obviously also more to her past of which I was very intrigued to find out more.
Beth I really liked. She is a normal twenty three year old who is trying to make it in the acting world. She is being torn every way but which and doesn't know which way to turn. She is trying her best to keep on top of everything but life just seems to be dealing her one knock after the other.
This is one of those reads where you can feel the tension building. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. The author certainly knows how to weave a story that will have you gripped through out. Whilst I found Rachel over bearing, the bond between both was very much believable and touching at times.
Don't You Dare is packed full of tension and a definite page turner of a read. An absolute must read for fans of psychological thrillers that will keep you entertained right up until the very last page.
My thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
May 6, 2018
Life changes suddenly for Beth and her Mum Rachel, when Rachel sees her daughter being attacked in the cellar of the pub where she works.
Rachel defends her daughter but the consequences are fatal.
Beth is trying to organise her wedding to Peter and also desparate to find an acting job but after the night in the cellar she struggles with everyday life.
Rachel thinks her daughter should sort herself out and does all she can to make sure the wedding to Peter goes ahead - but someone else has other ideas.
This is a real page turner and will have you gripped throughout.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Rachel defends her daughter but the consequences are fatal.
Beth is trying to organise her wedding to Peter and also desparate to find an acting job but after the night in the cellar she struggles with everyday life.
Rachel thinks her daughter should sort herself out and does all she can to make sure the wedding to Peter goes ahead - but someone else has other ideas.
This is a real page turner and will have you gripped throughout.
Thanks to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to read this book.
April 24, 2018
The premise is any one of us could be a killer by accident rather than design, but then most of us would not try to cover our tracks by hiding the body, and cleaning up the crime scene, or would we? Most of us would be scared of going to the police.
The story starts by Rachel stumbling into the pub cellar, where she works, and discovers her daughter Beth is tied up and is being raped. Rachel did what any mother would do, given the circumstances, and uses the necessary force to save her daughter resulting in the rapist being killed from a head injury. However, it turns out Beth was having an illicit fling with the murder victim, and the rape was a fantasy role-play that she was willingly engaging in. Add to the mix, that Beth is engaged to someone else and is about to be married, a marriage that Rachel has hedged all her bets must go ahead, no matter what, to secure her daughter's future.
The plot thickens with more twists and turns within a web of lies and deceit, and relationships disintegrate. What more do you want from a psychological thriller. Excellent.
The story starts by Rachel stumbling into the pub cellar, where she works, and discovers her daughter Beth is tied up and is being raped. Rachel did what any mother would do, given the circumstances, and uses the necessary force to save her daughter resulting in the rapist being killed from a head injury. However, it turns out Beth was having an illicit fling with the murder victim, and the rape was a fantasy role-play that she was willingly engaging in. Add to the mix, that Beth is engaged to someone else and is about to be married, a marriage that Rachel has hedged all her bets must go ahead, no matter what, to secure her daughter's future.
The plot thickens with more twists and turns within a web of lies and deceit, and relationships disintegrate. What more do you want from a psychological thriller. Excellent.
June 25, 2018
😕very disappointing and unrealistic,the story was so far fetched,it was about a mother and daughter relationship and the mother thought of herself as her daughter's friend, there were some parts of this book that were so bad I was embarrassed!
Awful! I have never read such a far fetched and unrealistic book! I only finished it to see if it would get any better......it didn't!
Awful! I have never read such a far fetched and unrealistic book! I only finished it to see if it would get any better......it didn't!
January 25, 2019
A satisfying, gripping novel, the first I’ve read from AJ Waines. The mother and daughter are both relatable and feel realistic, and I really enjoyed seeing the complexities of their relationship.
Beth, the daughter, is an ambitious actress just starting out who hasn't had much success yet. She's dazzled by a rich, highly successful older man, who would be ideal to help lift her into the career of her dreams... But her feelings for him aren't clear cut.
I don't want to give away too much but early on in Don't You Dare, Beth's mother makes an impulsive disastrous decision involving an accidental murder, and the consequences are played out over course of the novel. The relationship between the women becomes strained, to say the least, as they struggle to cope with keeping their secret... The mother, who works in a pub and is affected by her own financial difficulties, is keen for Beth to marry the older man still despite what's happened. But Beth isn't so sure any more... Later, past secrets come to light.
Beth’s mother behaves rather weirdly later on, which was a slightly jarring note for me. However, given the stress she's under, one can understand that she might go off the rails a little!
Highly recommended if you like high suspense, twisty novels with strong characterisation. I'll be reading more of AJ Waines’ books!
Beth, the daughter, is an ambitious actress just starting out who hasn't had much success yet. She's dazzled by a rich, highly successful older man, who would be ideal to help lift her into the career of her dreams... But her feelings for him aren't clear cut.
I don't want to give away too much but early on in Don't You Dare, Beth's mother makes an impulsive disastrous decision involving an accidental murder, and the consequences are played out over course of the novel. The relationship between the women becomes strained, to say the least, as they struggle to cope with keeping their secret... The mother, who works in a pub and is affected by her own financial difficulties, is keen for Beth to marry the older man still despite what's happened. But Beth isn't so sure any more... Later, past secrets come to light.
Beth’s mother behaves rather weirdly later on, which was a slightly jarring note for me. However, given the stress she's under, one can understand that she might go off the rails a little!
Highly recommended if you like high suspense, twisty novels with strong characterisation. I'll be reading more of AJ Waines’ books!
May 8, 2018
Well this certainly grabbed my attention from the start, with one of the most horrific scenes a mother could ever come across. Beth was in the cellar, where her mum worked, pinned down by a man with his intentions very obvious. OMG, every primal instinct that had been passed down by my ancestors would kick in to protect my daughter, no matter how old she was and actions would definitely come before any words. Now the bloke was dead and soon to be married daughter Beth tells her it wasn’t as it all seemed. Rachel is determined that this won’t ruin her daughter’s future and so a cover up begins.
To say that I was stunned by Rachel’s reaction afterwards is a gross under statement and I have to say that I took an instant dislike to her. Ok there were times in the story that I felt a little sorry for her but on the whole I found her shallow and controlling. Poor Beth, who to be honest was pretty shell-shocked, at first numbly went along with what Rachel was doing. After all mums should know whats best, right?
The chapters alternate between mother and daughter which I at times read open-mouthed. Rachel certainly has the rose-coloured spectacles on when things start to fall apart, including the sanity of her own daughter. There is far more to all this than meets the eye. What begins as a story centring round only a few characters to begin with gradually expands, but A. J. Waines makes each one very distinctive and were easy to keep fixed in my mind.
This is a truly edgy story where you may not always pick up on things consciously at first but it all sits in your mind niggling away. I loved the build up in the story where each twist could have made it at alternative ending but boy I wasn’t disappointed this author just squeezes every ounce out of giving her readers the whole caboodle. She must be drained because she gave me everything I needed in a super story. Just brilliant!
I wish to thank NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for my e-copy of this book with I have reviewed honestly.
To say that I was stunned by Rachel’s reaction afterwards is a gross under statement and I have to say that I took an instant dislike to her. Ok there were times in the story that I felt a little sorry for her but on the whole I found her shallow and controlling. Poor Beth, who to be honest was pretty shell-shocked, at first numbly went along with what Rachel was doing. After all mums should know whats best, right?
The chapters alternate between mother and daughter which I at times read open-mouthed. Rachel certainly has the rose-coloured spectacles on when things start to fall apart, including the sanity of her own daughter. There is far more to all this than meets the eye. What begins as a story centring round only a few characters to begin with gradually expands, but A. J. Waines makes each one very distinctive and were easy to keep fixed in my mind.
This is a truly edgy story where you may not always pick up on things consciously at first but it all sits in your mind niggling away. I loved the build up in the story where each twist could have made it at alternative ending but boy I wasn’t disappointed this author just squeezes every ounce out of giving her readers the whole caboodle. She must be drained because she gave me everything I needed in a super story. Just brilliant!
I wish to thank NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for my e-copy of this book with I have reviewed honestly.
June 3, 2018
A great thriller, but not also that, a story about how far you would go to protect your daughter, or even your mother.
I was hooked within the first two chapters because already there’s action. I loved how it began right away and it didn’t wait till the middle to begin. It’s a great way to hook the readers to the story. Waines doesn’t fail to deliver.
I loved how the mother daughter relationship aspect was linked in this novel. It proves that no matter how close you are, everyone has their secrets. It’s plays such a huge part in the story that when they unravel, you’re just shocked.
The twist was predictable if you’re really good at guessing plot twists but that ending...oof! I did not expect that all. Like I said, secrets are plenty in this one.
I finished it in a day because I just had to keep reading. It’s one of those books where you have to just until you get the ending.
The characters I really liked. Peter the fiancé, Beth the daughter, Rachel the mother. Even Adrian, Rachel’s father. His dementia made the story even more intriguing because of the little hints he would leave and then he would forget what he said. It really just made me want to flip to the last few pages and spoil it for myself. But I didn’t, and I’m glad I didn’t.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bloodhound Books for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was hooked within the first two chapters because already there’s action. I loved how it began right away and it didn’t wait till the middle to begin. It’s a great way to hook the readers to the story. Waines doesn’t fail to deliver.
I loved how the mother daughter relationship aspect was linked in this novel. It proves that no matter how close you are, everyone has their secrets. It’s plays such a huge part in the story that when they unravel, you’re just shocked.
The twist was predictable if you’re really good at guessing plot twists but that ending...oof! I did not expect that all. Like I said, secrets are plenty in this one.
I finished it in a day because I just had to keep reading. It’s one of those books where you have to just until you get the ending.
The characters I really liked. Peter the fiancé, Beth the daughter, Rachel the mother. Even Adrian, Rachel’s father. His dementia made the story even more intriguing because of the little hints he would leave and then he would forget what he said. It really just made me want to flip to the last few pages and spoil it for myself. But I didn’t, and I’m glad I didn’t.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bloodhound Books for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2018
This was a thrilling quick read novel that hooked me in from the first chapter, what then came spiralling out of the chapters, the aftermath; I just had to read on to find out where it was all going to end.
I warmed to Rachel slightly more than Beth, and watched how their relationship unravels, and I was invested in how or if there were going to resolve the issues, of remaining calm and serene when they were involved in a murder and crime scene.
The following outfall of the event makes for a page turning, addictive read, How they interacted with each other, others and how they coped individually had me on tender hooks.
A fully suspension fuelled read, which I thoroughly enjoyed, especially the relationship aspect and the secrets that Rachel held in. A great domestic noir crime fiction read with mother and daughter’s relationship at the forefront.
I will definitely be looking out for more books by A J Waines.
I warmed to Rachel slightly more than Beth, and watched how their relationship unravels, and I was invested in how or if there were going to resolve the issues, of remaining calm and serene when they were involved in a murder and crime scene.
The following outfall of the event makes for a page turning, addictive read, How they interacted with each other, others and how they coped individually had me on tender hooks.
A fully suspension fuelled read, which I thoroughly enjoyed, especially the relationship aspect and the secrets that Rachel held in. A great domestic noir crime fiction read with mother and daughter’s relationship at the forefront.
I will definitely be looking out for more books by A J Waines.
April 20, 2018
I was doing what any mother would have done without a second’s thought.
This book was a pleasant NetGalley surprise. I just love the thrillers I’ve been picking up from there lately, and this one was even better than I anticipated! I also really like the fact that there was NO animal cruelty – something that’s rarer and rarer in thrillers this days but made me really happy.
The one thing I don’t really understand about this book is the title… I think they could’ve done a better job with it! It just feels like it belongs to a different book, not the one I read. My other problem was that this was quite predictable. I hope not all the author’s books are like that…
Now onto the good stuff!
This was a thrilling novel that I read in less than 24 hours, in 2 sittings. It was really gripping and held my attention from the beginning to end. I do think some things got resolved too quickly/ were too coincidental, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this book. I give it a solid four stars and I’m definitely glad I read it. I enjoyed the writing style, loved the story and connected with the characters. I’m excited to read more from this author as this book was a very enjoyable read. A little bit generic perhaps, but really exciting nonetheless.
Oh, I also just noticed I’m the first one to review it! I feel quite important now (: I hope everyone else likes this as much as I did.
I would definitely pick up another book from this author, and might do so in the very near future. I see she has quite a few books out I’m interested in.
Would recommend to: fans of British domestic noir! If you like Lucie Whitehouse, you might enjoy this one as well.
May 6, 2018
Everyone keeps secrets. When one secret multiplies into another and quickly another, life becomes complicated and suffocating. Don't You Dare by A.J. Waines is a visceral thriller that weaves the characters relationships together to create a stunning tale of murder, deception, and coverups. The story develops twists and turns that I didn't expect to occur so it made the deep secrets take on a life of their own. I enjoyed the authors style of writing and how she alternated chapters between mother and daughter. Their relationship was a bit difficult to relate too at times but it doesn't hinder the storyline. The amount of deceit amongst the main characters was enough to propel the story forward and I couldn't wait to see how the lies and characters would be exposed. Fun read!
April 25, 2018
Both mother and daughter, Rachel and Beth, share a secret that, if found out, will cost them everything. Rachel finds Beth pinned down by a stranger and assumes the worst. She strikes him, and he ends up dead. They each have their own reasons for keeping this a secret between them, even disposing of the body. For one thing, Beth is getting married in about a month, and Rachel it’s not about to let what happened get in the way of that wedding.
As they go through wedding preparations, something that slowly disillusions Beth, their secret is in danger of being discovered. Things begin falling into place, but definitely not in a good way. But then, there is a twist. And, Wow! What a twist! I couldn’t flick my screen fast enough! This incredible psychological thriller has a conclusion that truly shocked and surprised me.
Many thanks for Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for this ARC for review.
As they go through wedding preparations, something that slowly disillusions Beth, their secret is in danger of being discovered. Things begin falling into place, but definitely not in a good way. But then, there is a twist. And, Wow! What a twist! I couldn’t flick my screen fast enough! This incredible psychological thriller has a conclusion that truly shocked and surprised me.
Many thanks for Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for this ARC for review.
May 6, 2018
I love thrillers with several twists and turns and Don’t You Dare certainly has those. I have read several books by A. J. Waines and I enjoy her writing style. Her newest psychological thriller hooked me from the beginning and I liked that the chapters flipped back and forth between the mom and the daughter. It was an interesting relationship between the two of them and the lengths they would go to protect and yet deceive each other. It was hard for me to relate to Beth and her mom but that is what made it interesting for me. I love a book that has me liking and hating characters at the same time. It kept it interesting and wanting to find out what they would do next. The book had a good pace but speeds up at the end with unexpected twists, mystery, and many, many lies.
May 12, 2018
This book is a wonderfully entertaining piece of fiction best described as domestic noir. Responding to a situation which rapidly became out of hand resulting in murder, Rachel takes control and finds herself quickly enmeshed with her daughter Beth in a web of lies, which threatens to spiral out of control.
Written from the points of view of both Rachel and Beth, the story flows seamlessly detailing Beth's uncertainty with the situation they are in, plus Rachel's increasingly controlling and bizarre behaviour to ensure their crime remains undiscovered. The reader is aware from fairly early on that Rachel harbours a secret although it is not until the final pages that the details of this are revealed.
I enjoyed this book in its entirety although the latter part was particularly entertaining culminating in a clever conclusion. At times the story veered towards farcical but this served only to add to the entertainment factor as Rachel took extreme steps to maintain the status quo for herself and her daughter. While not always agreeing with Rachel's actions I understood her motivation and loved her character, resemblant of a lioness doing whatever it takes to protect her daughter and preserve her future via her ambitious marriage.
A very decent read, fast paced and easy to follow, gleeful in its ability to entertain with a clever and satisfying conclusion.
Written from the points of view of both Rachel and Beth, the story flows seamlessly detailing Beth's uncertainty with the situation they are in, plus Rachel's increasingly controlling and bizarre behaviour to ensure their crime remains undiscovered. The reader is aware from fairly early on that Rachel harbours a secret although it is not until the final pages that the details of this are revealed.
I enjoyed this book in its entirety although the latter part was particularly entertaining culminating in a clever conclusion. At times the story veered towards farcical but this served only to add to the entertainment factor as Rachel took extreme steps to maintain the status quo for herself and her daughter. While not always agreeing with Rachel's actions I understood her motivation and loved her character, resemblant of a lioness doing whatever it takes to protect her daughter and preserve her future via her ambitious marriage.
A very decent read, fast paced and easy to follow, gleeful in its ability to entertain with a clever and satisfying conclusion.
April 21, 2018
When a mother walks in on her daughter thinking she is being raped, she reacts as any caring mother would. The consequences however are not what she planned and they suddenly have a body to get rid of and a secret to keep. Beth, an aspiring actress, is engaged to Peter- a “name” in the dance and acting world. Her mother Rachel is struggling to make ends meet since the death of her partner. The man Beth was with was not her fiance. Lies and secrets. As we all know tell one lie and another soon joins it. Oooh!! This is one of those books that draws you in without your really knowing why. I wanted to keep turning and turning as I just knew there was just something that I was missing and wanted to find it- whatever “it” was. I loved the characters- well researched ( The authors former occupation shines through) and written with a depth and an honesty that brings them to life from the page. A brilliant read, an excellent plot, a wonderful enjoyable book.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1
May 21, 2018
Thanks to Netgalley for my copy.
Rachel reacts violently when she thinks her daughter is being attacked in the cellar of a pub. Unfortunately all is not as it appears and Rachel and her daughter Beth are catapulted head first into a nightmare.
Beth is an aspiring actress engaged to an older man and Rachel is a barmaid that is financially struggling after her partner dies and leaves in her debt. I liked the character of Rachel but wanted to give Beth a shake. She is a spoiled selfish little madam who thinks the world revolves around her. The fact that the mother and daughter were very close in age added to the story as we learn of long buried secrets.
I enjoyed the writing style and the pace of this book but like other readers I don't like the title. It suggest very little about the books subject and feels disconnected.
Rachel reacts violently when she thinks her daughter is being attacked in the cellar of a pub. Unfortunately all is not as it appears and Rachel and her daughter Beth are catapulted head first into a nightmare.
Beth is an aspiring actress engaged to an older man and Rachel is a barmaid that is financially struggling after her partner dies and leaves in her debt. I liked the character of Rachel but wanted to give Beth a shake. She is a spoiled selfish little madam who thinks the world revolves around her. The fact that the mother and daughter were very close in age added to the story as we learn of long buried secrets.
I enjoyed the writing style and the pace of this book but like other readers I don't like the title. It suggest very little about the books subject and feels disconnected.
May 8, 2018
I was looking forward to this book after thoroughly enjoying a few of A.J. Waines other psychological thrillers, particular ‘Dark Place to Hide’.
Unfortunately I was left exceptionally underwhelmed. I hate being so negative but the book read like a b-grade film. From the outset the plot felt forced and the character interactions almost staged.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for a review copy.
Unfortunately I was left exceptionally underwhelmed. I hate being so negative but the book read like a b-grade film. From the outset the plot felt forced and the character interactions almost staged.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for a review copy.
May 7, 2018
Don't You Dare starts off with a murder when Rachel discovers a man she believes is assaulting her daughter Beth. Through a rash action, she sends their lives into a tail-spin with both of them covering up a crime and telling one lie after another. All Rachel wants is for her daughter to be happy and make a good life for herself (with the right man).
The perspective goes back and forth between Rachel and Beth, including a past view of when Beth meets Peter, her fiancé. Both mother and daughter keep secrets from each other, with each of them wanting the other to be happy... however, as we discover the secrets are what is keeping everyone from being happy.
The author gives a huge hint about the action/suspense toward the end of the book and who is behind it, however there are some really good twists in this book that made me enjoy the ending so much more.
*Thank you to Net Galley for providing a copy of this book to read and review.*
The perspective goes back and forth between Rachel and Beth, including a past view of when Beth meets Peter, her fiancé. Both mother and daughter keep secrets from each other, with each of them wanting the other to be happy... however, as we discover the secrets are what is keeping everyone from being happy.
The author gives a huge hint about the action/suspense toward the end of the book and who is behind it, however there are some really good twists in this book that made me enjoy the ending so much more.
*Thank you to Net Galley for providing a copy of this book to read and review.*
May 8, 2018
The book begins with the murder of a man at the pub where Rachel works. Rachel and her daughter, Beth, decide to hide the body and conceal their involvement in the murder. The two try to carry on as before and immerse themselves in planning Beth’s wedding. However, they soon discover that getting away with murder is not so easy.
This was a suspenseful read. I was tense with every turn of the story. My heart raced with each reveal and I dreaded the moment the police would discover everything. Seriously, trying to get away with murder is nerve wrecking! The author portrays this vividly through alternating narrations by Beth and Rachel. I was tense just like the characters waiting to see how events would unfold. Will they get away with it? Will the police unravel the mystery and send the two to jail? These questions were running through my mind all the way to the last page.
This was a captivating story about secrets, lies and murder. It is also a story about a mother- daughter relationship which I thought was very realistically portrayed. I loved how the tension developed through the chapters making it hard to put down the book. There were sections around the middle of the story that slowed down a bit but this didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. The ending and especially the final chapter were befitting of this suspenseful read although I was left with some questions that made me wonder if there is a second book coming. I definitely recommend Don’t You Dare to fans of psychological thrillers.
This was a suspenseful read. I was tense with every turn of the story. My heart raced with each reveal and I dreaded the moment the police would discover everything. Seriously, trying to get away with murder is nerve wrecking! The author portrays this vividly through alternating narrations by Beth and Rachel. I was tense just like the characters waiting to see how events would unfold. Will they get away with it? Will the police unravel the mystery and send the two to jail? These questions were running through my mind all the way to the last page.
This was a captivating story about secrets, lies and murder. It is also a story about a mother- daughter relationship which I thought was very realistically portrayed. I loved how the tension developed through the chapters making it hard to put down the book. There were sections around the middle of the story that slowed down a bit but this didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. The ending and especially the final chapter were befitting of this suspenseful read although I was left with some questions that made me wonder if there is a second book coming. I definitely recommend Don’t You Dare to fans of psychological thrillers.
May 12, 2018
I love the way that A.J. Waines always manages to hook me into her books right from the outset and Don't You Dare is no exception. Told in alternating chapters by Rachel and Beth and it was fascinating to see how the mother/daughter relationship evolved following the accidental murder. It's clear that Rachel was only trying to protect her daughter but it soon becomes obvious that both women are keeping secrets from each other. Rachel has her reasons for not wanting to involve the police but Beth has no idea why and she is desperate to talk to someone about what's happened but instead she shuts herself away but that only makes the situation worse as her friends start to become suspicious. Surely a bride to be would be busy making sure things were perfect for her upcoming big day - not shutting herself off from everyone.
Rachel fears that the wedding won't go ahead so she takes matters into her own hands to ensure that Beth's fiance, Peter is oblivious to the whole thing and she goes to some pretty extreme lengths to ensure that Beth's marriage will go ahead as planned so that her daughter doesn't lose all the opportunities that the union will bring.
Don't You Dare is a gripping tale of secrets, lies and deception and reading it was like being shut in a pressure cooker - I could feel the tension building up all around me and I couldn't wait to reach the end so that I knew how this tangled web of lies was going to be concluded. A.J. Waines has once again written a fabulous psychological thriller that is worthy of a place on every fan of this genre's bookshelf or kindle.
With kind thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the review copy.
Rachel fears that the wedding won't go ahead so she takes matters into her own hands to ensure that Beth's fiance, Peter is oblivious to the whole thing and she goes to some pretty extreme lengths to ensure that Beth's marriage will go ahead as planned so that her daughter doesn't lose all the opportunities that the union will bring.
Don't You Dare is a gripping tale of secrets, lies and deception and reading it was like being shut in a pressure cooker - I could feel the tension building up all around me and I couldn't wait to reach the end so that I knew how this tangled web of lies was going to be concluded. A.J. Waines has once again written a fabulous psychological thriller that is worthy of a place on every fan of this genre's bookshelf or kindle.
With kind thanks to Bloodhound Books and NetGalley for the review copy.
May 17, 2018
Can you keep a secret? Rachel, Beth’s mother hopes that an unpremeditated fatal incident can be kept between herself and Beth. As you would expect, nothing ever goes to plan, especially where the consequences of discovery are so severe. The mother and daughter’s relationship is not an easy one and the author cleverly weaves this fast paced plot with a real insight into humanity and its weaknesses. The suspense grows and when the unthinkable happens - the disappearance of Beth, who is responsible and is Rachel going to break under all of this pressure? Will Beth return or be discovered and was the initial incident as unrelated as first thought? Just some of the questions running throughout the story! A great thriller with that personal connection!
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