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Don't Ever Tell
Never make a promise you can’t afford to keep…
This is a story about Charlotte – a mother and a wife with the perfect job, the perfect life… at least, that’s how it looks from the outside.
But behind closed doors, the marriage is breaking, and Charlotte’s husband Tris doesn’t even know how much. He has no idea what Charlotte has planned for him, who she has found, why she has hired someone to pretend to be her. But he doesn’t have long to wait to find out…
Don’t Ever Tell will keep you gripped from the very first page and have you guessing until the very last. From the bestselling author of The Daughter and White Lies comes an unputdownable psychological thriller unlike anything you’ve read before!
This is a story about Charlotte – a mother and a wife with the perfect job, the perfect life… at least, that’s how it looks from the outside.
But behind closed doors, the marriage is breaking, and Charlotte’s husband Tris doesn’t even know how much. He has no idea what Charlotte has planned for him, who she has found, why she has hired someone to pretend to be her. But he doesn’t have long to wait to find out…
Don’t Ever Tell will keep you gripped from the very first page and have you guessing until the very last. From the bestselling author of The Daughter and White Lies comes an unputdownable psychological thriller unlike anything you’ve read before!
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2019
2285 people are currently reading
1820 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Dawson
26 books656 followersLucy studied Psychology at Warwick University before becoming a children’s magazine editor. Her first bestselling book – His Other Lover – was published in 2008. Since then she has published four other novels and her work has been translated into numerous other languages. She lives in Exeter with her husband and children. Lucy finds writing in the third person uncomfortable.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
August 8, 2019
EXCERPT: 'You don't LOVE me! You LIED to me!' Tears are streaming down his face, he looks deranged, a stranger - no hint of the gentle man I love. 'You LIED and you stole it from me! LIAR!' His face contorts; the harder he pushes the angrier he becomes, or maybe it's the other way round.
It all happens very fast. The music is building again, about to drop, I'm not sure if his hand slips because he's drunk, or he means to - but suddenly he isn't pushing on my jaw, it's my throat. It's extraordinarily painful and I can't breathe properly. I start to writhe up against the wall. My hands flutter up like butterflies, pulling at his fingers in panic.
I'm going to die.
He's going to kill me.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Never make a promise you can’t afford to keep…
This is a story about Charlotte – a mother and a wife with the perfect job, the perfect life… at least, that’s how it looks from the outside.
But behind closed doors, the marriage is breaking, and Charlotte’s husband Tris doesn’t even know how much. He has no idea what Charlotte has planned for him, who she has found, why she has hired someone to pretend to be her. But he doesn’t have long to wait to find out...
MY THOUGHTS: The blurb says I was going to be gripped from the very first page and kept guessing until the very last, but I didn't believe it....I WAS WRONG! I read this book overnight, unable to put it down. I even left work early after having started it at lunchtime!
Dynamic. Gripping. Unpredictable. I had no idea what Charlotte was doing.
This book deserves a second, and slower, read. Brilliant!
*****
THE AUTHOR: Lucy studied Psychology at Warwick University before becoming a children’s magazine editor. Her first bestselling book – His Other Lover – was published in 2008. Since then she has published four other novels and her work has been translated into numerous other languages. She lives in Exeter with her husband and children. Lucy finds writing in the third person uncomfortable.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Don't Ever Tell by Lucy Dawson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my profile page on Goodreads.com or the about page on my webpage, sandysbookaday/wordpess.com This review and others also appear on my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
It all happens very fast. The music is building again, about to drop, I'm not sure if his hand slips because he's drunk, or he means to - but suddenly he isn't pushing on my jaw, it's my throat. It's extraordinarily painful and I can't breathe properly. I start to writhe up against the wall. My hands flutter up like butterflies, pulling at his fingers in panic.
I'm going to die.
He's going to kill me.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Never make a promise you can’t afford to keep…
This is a story about Charlotte – a mother and a wife with the perfect job, the perfect life… at least, that’s how it looks from the outside.
But behind closed doors, the marriage is breaking, and Charlotte’s husband Tris doesn’t even know how much. He has no idea what Charlotte has planned for him, who she has found, why she has hired someone to pretend to be her. But he doesn’t have long to wait to find out...
MY THOUGHTS: The blurb says I was going to be gripped from the very first page and kept guessing until the very last, but I didn't believe it....I WAS WRONG! I read this book overnight, unable to put it down. I even left work early after having started it at lunchtime!
Dynamic. Gripping. Unpredictable. I had no idea what Charlotte was doing.
This book deserves a second, and slower, read. Brilliant!
*****
THE AUTHOR: Lucy studied Psychology at Warwick University before becoming a children’s magazine editor. Her first bestselling book – His Other Lover – was published in 2008. Since then she has published four other novels and her work has been translated into numerous other languages. She lives in Exeter with her husband and children. Lucy finds writing in the third person uncomfortable.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Bookouture via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Don't Ever Tell by Lucy Dawson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my profile page on Goodreads.com or the about page on my webpage, sandysbookaday/wordpess.com This review and others also appear on my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
June 25, 2019
I love Lucy Dawson’s books and a new one is always greeted with excitement, one of those authors you know will deliver something special and different
Well ‘don’t ever tell’ is definitely both of those, probably one of the most unique books read this year
Charlotte and Tris have the perfect marriage, so it seems, Charlotte is a middle ranked author BUT wants to be a number 1 bestseller, she has a book she KNOWS will be just that....but not with her fronting it...through a set of coincidences she meets the ideal person to be the face of the book, in other words to pretend to have written it...Mia
And then the problems really begin, Charlotte has no idea who she has chosen to front her book, if she had she would run a mile and keep on running!!
The story then goes on to be multi layered and involves lies, deceit and a massive helping of revenge, all served in Lucy Dawsons brilliant narrative, on point and in your face
The nods to modern day publishing and what ‘goes on’ are a rare insight into a world most readers know fairly little about and I found this fascinating
The characters range from likeable to eurghhhhhhh I cant stand him 😃 and all play a part in this quick to develop book
The pace doesn’t falter and I loved that twice I was cocky and thought ha I have worked this part out only to have it confirmed a few lines down, just as the author intended the reader to do
I would say if you ‘expect the unexpected’ with this book you will be on the right track, NOTHING is as it seems
A great unusual read that you wont forget, guaranteed
10/10 5 Stars
June 16, 2019
Charlotte and Tris seem to have the perfect marriage, but they are going through a rough patch. She's an author whose struggling to meet deadlines with two young children to look after. Tris often works away from home. She first met Mia at a book signing and Charlotte I'd minded of her younger self, she even thinks Mia looks Loire she did. Mia is a struggling actress and Charlotte bumps into her again a year later. Charlotte asks Mia to pretend that she wrote one of Charlottes books. She promises that they will share the money they make from the book. But things are not all that it seems.
The story is told told by Charlotte and Mia's point of view. There is the usual red herrings but some of them are not obvious until nearer the end of the book. It's not the greatest plot line that I have read recently but it's addictive just the same. The pace is a bit slow but we needed it that way for the slow reveal of the plot unfolding. Another great read from the author.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Bookouture and the author Lucy Dawson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2019
For those looking in, Charlotte seems to lead a charmed life. However, she is a wife and a mother with some issues. Her marriage is fracturing and, as an author, she is falling behind with her latest deadline. That is how things are on the inside.
Husband Tris has no idea what is really going on with Charlotte. Imagine what his shock would be if he were to discover that Charlotte has hired someone to pretend to be her. No doubt, when he finds out, it will indeed be the shock of his life - especially once he learns the true reason why.
What an incredible story! It was really convoluted. While watching Charlotte execute her plan, we meet Mia. Mia is a young actress and the story is partly written in her point of view. I was drawn into her story because of her past, her relationship with her family, and her current romantic interest. Her connection to Charlotte took some time to prove as to why, and it was quite a twisted journey to get there.
The dynamics in this book is what made this book impossible to put down. Charlotte wanted to keep her children safe and happy. Mia wanted a happy and secure future. How their paths converged in their endeavors was definitely intriguing, and truly earth-shattering.
There were several characters in the book. Of course, we have Charlotte and Tris, but then we have Mia and boyfriend, Seth. Another pivotal player is Flo, Charlotte's sister. As readers roll through the pages, the connections between all of them becomes very interesting. This was especially so with the twists and turns that brought the pieces of this puzzle together in a shocking way. I especially liked the parts of the book that related to Charlotte being an author and Flo's profession as a therapist. I loved this book by Lucy Dawson and cannot wait to read another by her.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Husband Tris has no idea what is really going on with Charlotte. Imagine what his shock would be if he were to discover that Charlotte has hired someone to pretend to be her. No doubt, when he finds out, it will indeed be the shock of his life - especially once he learns the true reason why.
What an incredible story! It was really convoluted. While watching Charlotte execute her plan, we meet Mia. Mia is a young actress and the story is partly written in her point of view. I was drawn into her story because of her past, her relationship with her family, and her current romantic interest. Her connection to Charlotte took some time to prove as to why, and it was quite a twisted journey to get there.
The dynamics in this book is what made this book impossible to put down. Charlotte wanted to keep her children safe and happy. Mia wanted a happy and secure future. How their paths converged in their endeavors was definitely intriguing, and truly earth-shattering.
There were several characters in the book. Of course, we have Charlotte and Tris, but then we have Mia and boyfriend, Seth. Another pivotal player is Flo, Charlotte's sister. As readers roll through the pages, the connections between all of them becomes very interesting. This was especially so with the twists and turns that brought the pieces of this puzzle together in a shocking way. I especially liked the parts of the book that related to Charlotte being an author and Flo's profession as a therapist. I loved this book by Lucy Dawson and cannot wait to read another by her.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 19, 2020
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Revenge is sweet, or is it.
This is a mind blowing book. A tale that’s so gripping, so compulsive so habitual you will not want to leave it alone.
I read parts of this then was listening on audio which I borrowed from my library, I ended up staying with the audio as the voice was so emphatic in places reaching various tones, pitch and pace that had me either gasping, holding my breath or shocked.
It’s certainly a fast paced book and I loved it.
July 14, 2019
DON'T TELL ANYONE.....
We were so genuinely optimistic, but within forty-eight hours of returning home all that remained from Mallorca were our already fading tans and the echo of good intentions. A mountain of holiday washing for me, a deluge of emails on Sunday night for Tris when he switched his work phone on and two dull, grey last weeks of the holidays to fill before back to school saw to that. It was almost as if we’d never been away, save the tantalizing taste of a different, better life still lingering in our mouths.
Everyone was unsettled.
The stage was set for Mia to walk back into my life and for the true significance of that first meeting in Edinburgh to become shockingly apparent.
********
Don't Ever Tell by Lucy Dawson is an utterly gripping, unputdownable novel! The storyline is well thought out and unique and the characters are rich and full of life. The surprises just kept on coming as the shocking truth behind the lies was revealed!
This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last! I've already added other titles to my library!
With many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Lucy Dawson for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
We were so genuinely optimistic, but within forty-eight hours of returning home all that remained from Mallorca were our already fading tans and the echo of good intentions. A mountain of holiday washing for me, a deluge of emails on Sunday night for Tris when he switched his work phone on and two dull, grey last weeks of the holidays to fill before back to school saw to that. It was almost as if we’d never been away, save the tantalizing taste of a different, better life still lingering in our mouths.
Everyone was unsettled.
The stage was set for Mia to walk back into my life and for the true significance of that first meeting in Edinburgh to become shockingly apparent.
********
Don't Ever Tell by Lucy Dawson is an utterly gripping, unputdownable novel! The storyline is well thought out and unique and the characters are rich and full of life. The surprises just kept on coming as the shocking truth behind the lies was revealed!
This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last! I've already added other titles to my library!
With many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Lucy Dawson for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2019
Lucy Dawson never fails to deliver! I am a big fan of her books and this one had me reading late into the night to find out what was going to happen next. Absolutely brilliant - easily 5 stars from me. And can we talk about that cover - gorgeous!!! if you like psychological thrillers then you need to pick up a Lucy Dawson book and get reading - you will not be able to put it down.
As for the plot of this one I am not going to go into too much detail as to do so would be to give too much away. And you don't want it to be spoiled believe me. I am just going to say that nothing is what is seems and nobody can be trusted. Charlotte's life looks perfect from the outside but inside it is falling apart. What lengths would you go to fix it? You won't believe where this story goes!!
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
As for the plot of this one I am not going to go into too much detail as to do so would be to give too much away. And you don't want it to be spoiled believe me. I am just going to say that nothing is what is seems and nobody can be trusted. Charlotte's life looks perfect from the outside but inside it is falling apart. What lengths would you go to fix it? You won't believe where this story goes!!
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my advanced copy of this book to read. All opinions are my own and are in no way biased.
June 22, 2019
How do I review this book where the author Lucy Dawson has twisted me up so badly that everything I know feels a lie. Everything really appears topsy-turvy to me after reading this book as if the pieces I know and the pieces which are shown don't really fit. Have I just been thrown into a rabbit hole by this fascinating author?
Nothing could be more brilliant than a plan plotted in seclusion meant to harm the one who caused you pain soon bringing the worst kind of hurt you could ever imagine. This was the longest line written by me in any review. But that's what this book did. A pretzel was what I was, not knowing where I began and where I ended.
Charlotte and Tris and their two children - an image of a happy family till Tris began traveling for work. The rigmarole of the routine life got to them when Charlotte's sister revealed the truth. Then Charlotte took action, and a secret was borne which the women in this book could never tell anyone. A plan hatched in the seemingly ennui brain of a writer using someone who looked just like her 20 years younger. Was it wicked or plain stupid? Or was it something more than that? A revenge or a payback? A need to punish infidelity or get back the old unsuspecting life? A question that needed action or laid to rest?
The layers in this book made me look at everything with a new set of eyes. What I put together from the pieces of this story told to me in its chapters was so different from the final picture. Had she really done that? That was what kept me hooked onto this story. Innocence was left at the doorstep before I entered into the home and the mind of Charlotte. And I was just struck down breathless and confused when I closed my kindle.
Where was I? The beginning or the end?
Nothing could be more brilliant than a plan plotted in seclusion meant to harm the one who caused you pain soon bringing the worst kind of hurt you could ever imagine. This was the longest line written by me in any review. But that's what this book did. A pretzel was what I was, not knowing where I began and where I ended.
Charlotte and Tris and their two children - an image of a happy family till Tris began traveling for work. The rigmarole of the routine life got to them when Charlotte's sister revealed the truth. Then Charlotte took action, and a secret was borne which the women in this book could never tell anyone. A plan hatched in the seemingly ennui brain of a writer using someone who looked just like her 20 years younger. Was it wicked or plain stupid? Or was it something more than that? A revenge or a payback? A need to punish infidelity or get back the old unsuspecting life? A question that needed action or laid to rest?
The layers in this book made me look at everything with a new set of eyes. What I put together from the pieces of this story told to me in its chapters was so different from the final picture. Had she really done that? That was what kept me hooked onto this story. Innocence was left at the doorstep before I entered into the home and the mind of Charlotte. And I was just struck down breathless and confused when I closed my kindle.
Where was I? The beginning or the end?
June 16, 2019
Charlotte and Tris seem to have the perfect marriage from an outsider's perspective, but it is far from that.
Their marriage is going through a rough patch, what with Charlotte having to manage the house and the kids.
She’s a struggling author who doesn’t find time to write, with all the household chores on her.
She is also rushing to meet deadlines and hold onto their marriage as well.
One day at a book signing, a young fan comes up to her. Charlotte is startled to see that she looks almost identical to her, in her younger days.
Her name is Mia, and she’s a struggling actress. Mia also has a disturbed past.
When they meet again a year later, Charlotte has a proposition for her which will change both their lives forever. It will give Mia that extra boost that she needs, and Charlotte will stand to benefit from the deal as well.
Mia just has to pretend to be Charlotte.
The question is – why did Charlotte choose Mia for this project? Is it because of the striking resemblance? Or could there be a different reason?
Mia is desperate for something to happen – she accepts the offer.
The book starts off as a domestic suspense, but eventually turns into a revenge thriller, which is dark and twisted.
You can pretty much understand the plot as it unravels – but the ending may still surprise you.
Their marriage is going through a rough patch, what with Charlotte having to manage the house and the kids.
She’s a struggling author who doesn’t find time to write, with all the household chores on her.
She is also rushing to meet deadlines and hold onto their marriage as well.
One day at a book signing, a young fan comes up to her. Charlotte is startled to see that she looks almost identical to her, in her younger days.
Her name is Mia, and she’s a struggling actress. Mia also has a disturbed past.
When they meet again a year later, Charlotte has a proposition for her which will change both their lives forever. It will give Mia that extra boost that she needs, and Charlotte will stand to benefit from the deal as well.
Mia just has to pretend to be Charlotte.
The question is – why did Charlotte choose Mia for this project? Is it because of the striking resemblance? Or could there be a different reason?
Mia is desperate for something to happen – she accepts the offer.
The book starts off as a domestic suspense, but eventually turns into a revenge thriller, which is dark and twisted.
You can pretty much understand the plot as it unravels – but the ending may still surprise you.
April 24, 2021
The book's synopsis promises an "enthralling psychological thriller unlike anything you’ve heard before".
This book was NOT an enthralling psychological thriller. It was an audiobook "unlike anything I've heard before", but this did not earn the book any extra stars.
This book is about revenge and I am usually a huge fan of revenge books. Told from alternating POVs of Charlotte (wife, mother, author) and Mia (struggling actress, 20 years younger than Mia), this very, very, very, very, very slow-burn domestic drama had a tendency to stagnate.
Charlotte contacts Mia and asks her to pose as the author of her latest book. Profits would be split 50-50 and Charlotte tells Mia that since she is a young pretty actress with a loyal social media following, the book's success would be guaranteed.
But is the $$$ success of the book the only reason why Charlotte contacted Mia?
Although this book boasts a very compelling premise, it fell flat. Action does not start happening until the last few chapters. The flow of the book was uneven and choppy. Although the book does provide readers with one jolting twist, overall, the suspense element never seemed to appear.
I listened to the audiobook and I always love books narrated by multiple narrators. Both of the book's narrators did an excellent job.
Not my favorite Lucy Dawson book.
This book was NOT an enthralling psychological thriller. It was an audiobook "unlike anything I've heard before", but this did not earn the book any extra stars.
This book is about revenge and I am usually a huge fan of revenge books. Told from alternating POVs of Charlotte (wife, mother, author) and Mia (struggling actress, 20 years younger than Mia), this very, very, very, very, very slow-burn domestic drama had a tendency to stagnate.
Charlotte contacts Mia and asks her to pose as the author of her latest book. Profits would be split 50-50 and Charlotte tells Mia that since she is a young pretty actress with a loyal social media following, the book's success would be guaranteed.
But is the $$$ success of the book the only reason why Charlotte contacted Mia?
Although this book boasts a very compelling premise, it fell flat. Action does not start happening until the last few chapters. The flow of the book was uneven and choppy. Although the book does provide readers with one jolting twist, overall, the suspense element never seemed to appear.
I listened to the audiobook and I always love books narrated by multiple narrators. Both of the book's narrators did an excellent job.
Not my favorite Lucy Dawson book.
June 25, 2019
Don’t Ever Tell by Lucy Dawson is a psychological thriller
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Mia is an actress, struggling to make a go of it. She is rather naïve, rather vulnerable, and has been hurt badly in the past. She hasn’t had a whole lot of luck in her acting career or her love life, but things are looking up. Her new boyfriend Seth is going to help with part of it, and Charlotte with the balance.
Charlotte is an author, and has been “relatively” successful. She and her husband Tris have been having a few issues while she tries to find time to write, while still looking after their two small children. Tris is away on business a lot. Charlotte has a plan that will solve more than one of her problems.
Mia and Charlotte originally meet at a book signing. Charlotte is stunned when she first sees Mia, who looks so much like she did 20 years ago. Years later, Mia ends up fitting perfectly into her plans, when Charlotte asks a favour of her that could make them both very rich – as long as she doesn’t tell a soul.
My Opinions:
The story is told from the perspectives of both Mia and Charlotte, and it is done well. There are twists and turns and more than one red herring thrown in.
I really liked that the two main characters each had a devoted sister that they leaned on. I liked both of the sisters, especially as there were times Mia and Charlotte both drove me nuts. Mia was a little too needy at times, and Charlotte often didn’t seem to care about anyone. She was fairly cold and self-centered.
It is a fast entertaining read, and well worth your time.
For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
June 27, 2019
When author Charlotte Tristan contacts actress Mia Justice to work on a project, little do both these women know their lives will change dramatically.
Mia is a struggling actress. Jobs are few and far between. So when she is approached by Charlotte, it looks like things might finally be looking up. Charlotte wants Mia to pretend to be her, effectively offering her the part of “author” and sell a book.
That’s all I’m saying as I’m way too worried I’ll give something important away. Suffice to say, the intrigue drips from the pages. You know, from the prologue, that something quite bad has happened. But the what, who, why is a mystery. I couldn’t at all figure out how the pieces of this story fit together and felt compelled to keep reading until the answers were revealed to me.
The chapters alternate between Charlotte and Mia. I found Charlotte quite hard to connect to, or even like, most of the time. Although once I got to know her character’s circumstances better, it was easier to understand where she was coming from. Mia, on the other hand, immediately came across as someone to root for. She hasn’t had the easiest of times and I just desperately wanted something good to happen for her.
Lucy Dawson always manages to come up with an original plot that keeps you guessing until the very end, and Don’t Ever Tell is no different. You never know who to trust and I will give you cookies if you can at all predict where this story is going to end up. It is utterly unpredictable and another enjoyable read from Lucy Dawson.
Mia is a struggling actress. Jobs are few and far between. So when she is approached by Charlotte, it looks like things might finally be looking up. Charlotte wants Mia to pretend to be her, effectively offering her the part of “author” and sell a book.
That’s all I’m saying as I’m way too worried I’ll give something important away. Suffice to say, the intrigue drips from the pages. You know, from the prologue, that something quite bad has happened. But the what, who, why is a mystery. I couldn’t at all figure out how the pieces of this story fit together and felt compelled to keep reading until the answers were revealed to me.
The chapters alternate between Charlotte and Mia. I found Charlotte quite hard to connect to, or even like, most of the time. Although once I got to know her character’s circumstances better, it was easier to understand where she was coming from. Mia, on the other hand, immediately came across as someone to root for. She hasn’t had the easiest of times and I just desperately wanted something good to happen for her.
Lucy Dawson always manages to come up with an original plot that keeps you guessing until the very end, and Don’t Ever Tell is no different. You never know who to trust and I will give you cookies if you can at all predict where this story is going to end up. It is utterly unpredictable and another enjoyable read from Lucy Dawson.
June 18, 2019
My goodness this was scarily real and relatable I just Couldn’t stop reading. If you seriously only read one book the rest of the year, do yourself and favour and make it this one! It really is a story of you don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. Charlotte appears to have the perfect life, a loving husband, two gorgeous children, a job that she loves albeit struggling with the balance of it, the nice house and car. Life couldn’t be better, or could it? Under the surface, Charlotte and Tris’ marriage is struggling , it’s just a rough patch, isn’t it?
Charlotte – under pressure but rational??
Charlotte truly loves working from home. She’s a good writer but struggling juggling family life and her professional life – squeezing in time to write in between cooking teas, school runs and illness. Tris, is often working away from home, could he do more to ease her strain? Does he do more to cause strain? Absolutely.
One day at a book signing in Edinburgh, Charlotte is a approached by a young fan who hauntingly looks like a younger Charlotte. It is so striking that it stops Charlotte in her tracks…Apparently it hasn’t gone unnoticed by her husband either. The young fan called Mia is a struggling actress , struggling to make ends meet and has a disturbed past. She’s vulnerable and haunted.
The two women’s paths cross again when Charlotte’s sister, Flo reveals a secret about her husband, she really didn’t see coming. Charlotte turns up at a performance Mia is starring in and gives her a proposition she really can’t turn down. This reveals Charlotte’s darker side and her tenacity for her end game.
Mia is caught in the crossfire
Mia is the character I felt more empathy for. She had come out the other side after some extremely dark moments in her life. She worked to get herself into a healthy place and yet, the events that transpired in this book could have quite easily unravelled all her hard work. She was definitively a vulnerable character that in the end got played by them both.
Nothing breaks like a heart.
Plot – blown out the park
I haven’t read anything by Lucy Dawson before but by god this won’t be the last book I pick up from her. Outstanding, Psychological thriller at it’s best! This was by far the best take on the revenge thriller that I have come across so far. The plot is dark and twisted and executed oh so amazingly well! The main character was unreliable and darkly motivated herself and although you could surmise the way the plot was developing the ending was a surprise and it blew me away. Bravo Lucy Dawson, Bravo.
5 Stars
This Book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Netgalley and Bookouture.
Charlotte – under pressure but rational??
Charlotte truly loves working from home. She’s a good writer but struggling juggling family life and her professional life – squeezing in time to write in between cooking teas, school runs and illness. Tris, is often working away from home, could he do more to ease her strain? Does he do more to cause strain? Absolutely.
One day at a book signing in Edinburgh, Charlotte is a approached by a young fan who hauntingly looks like a younger Charlotte. It is so striking that it stops Charlotte in her tracks…Apparently it hasn’t gone unnoticed by her husband either. The young fan called Mia is a struggling actress , struggling to make ends meet and has a disturbed past. She’s vulnerable and haunted.
The two women’s paths cross again when Charlotte’s sister, Flo reveals a secret about her husband, she really didn’t see coming. Charlotte turns up at a performance Mia is starring in and gives her a proposition she really can’t turn down. This reveals Charlotte’s darker side and her tenacity for her end game.
Mia is caught in the crossfire
Mia is the character I felt more empathy for. She had come out the other side after some extremely dark moments in her life. She worked to get herself into a healthy place and yet, the events that transpired in this book could have quite easily unravelled all her hard work. She was definitively a vulnerable character that in the end got played by them both.
Nothing breaks like a heart.
Plot – blown out the park
I haven’t read anything by Lucy Dawson before but by god this won’t be the last book I pick up from her. Outstanding, Psychological thriller at it’s best! This was by far the best take on the revenge thriller that I have come across so far. The plot is dark and twisted and executed oh so amazingly well! The main character was unreliable and darkly motivated herself and although you could surmise the way the plot was developing the ending was a surprise and it blew me away. Bravo Lucy Dawson, Bravo.
5 Stars
This Book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Netgalley and Bookouture.
June 20, 2019
DON'T EVER TELL is my second Lucy Dawson book and I must say it was a disappointment after reading THE DAUGHTER, which I loved! I am not sure where to begin with this book because it was just so average, without much excitement at all.
The story is about Charlotte and Mia, told from both their perspectives in alternating chapters throughout. A domestic drama of sorts, the pace is somewhat slow for over half of the book - which in my opinion, is just far too slow. How can you have your readers on the edge of their seats if you are putting them to sleep? I normally devour books within 2 days...this one took me 4...and even that was a struggle.
Charlotte and Tris appear to have the perfect marriage but looks can be deceiving. A writer of domestic thrillers and having to manage the house, the kids and trying to find time to write is taking a toll on Charlotte while Tris commutes to London to do "real work", as he so kindly puts it. Charlotte is struggling to find the time to write as the kids and Tris demand more from her as she rushes to meet deadlines and hold on to her marriage.
When Charlotte first met Mia, it was at a book signing in Edinburgh, and she was startled to see how much she looked like her younger self...twenty years ago. They exchanged a few words, she signed her book and that was that. Until a year later.
Mia is an aspiring actress trying to make her mark in the world. She has struggled with relationships since her fiance and best friend ran off together. She sees a therapist who unfortunately takes ill and refers her to one of her colleagues. Her name is Florence, and she is Charlotte's sister. But Mia doesn't know that, as she pours her heart out to Florence, telling her about her new boyfriend Seth and showing her a photo of them together.
It is at a family celebration, Charlotte is confronted with some shocking news which then sets in motion a course of events that snowballs out of control that even Charlotte cannot control.
So when Charlotte seeks out Mia with a proposition that will change both their lives forever she has no doubt the young woman will accept. It will give the young actress the career boost she needs and Charlotte herself stands to benefit as well.
The proposition? Mia just needs to pass off a book Charlotte has written as her own...and she stands to make a tidy sum as a debut.
The question is - why did Charlotte choose Mia? Is it because of the resemblance? Or is there a different darker reason? Just what is Charlotte hiding?
One thing is for sure, when Charlotte sought out Mia, neither woman could know just how far Charlotte's plan would spiral.
DON'T EVER TELL is not what it appears. It's not at all really like the description says. Mia doesn't have to "pretend" to be Charlotte as we are lead to believe - that would entail her stepping into Charlotte's shoes as wife and mother and everything else, and that just wouldn't work. Her "pretense", such as it is, is just her passing off a novel Charlotte has written as her own for publication. That is not pretending to be Charlotte because it has Mia's name on the cover. So I think that was quite misleading.
While premise for this book sounded like an intriguing idea, I just don't think it hit the mark. It was not edge-of-your-seat. It was not exciting. And it was definitely not fast paced. (Not that a book has to be fast paced to be exciting). I've read many slow burn starts, but this one just took too long to explode...and even then, it didn't. The reveals, when they came, were not mind blowing or shocking. In fact, despite never actually saying so, I made one of the links very early on which was only confirmed when a character's full name was disclosed. Then it made sense. The other was quite clever, I admit.
However, the execution of reveals were a little convoluted I felt, and didn't flow. The reader would be left wondering at the end of Mia's chapter, only to pick up in Charlotte's next in a completely different place and you're left wondering "What...?" Even when it did pick up where the previous chapter left off, it felt as if it was just thrown in as a "by the way". It made for confusing reading that didn't flow as neatly as it could have.
The climax, which began in the Prologue, that took us through to the ultimate ending wasn't really edge-of-your-seat stuff. And in the end, the reader is left with questions as to what actually happened on "that night". There was no surprise, no shock, no real twist - just a lot of unanswered questions.
While I do love dual narrative stories and that between Charlotte and Mia, I did find the way it was delivered was both convoluted and confusing at times.
Honestly, I felt DON'T EVER TELLL could have been executed a lot better than it was, particularly as Dawson's previous books have been of a far greater calibre.
While I personally wasn't thrilled with this book, don't let my own opinions deter you from checking it out. It may surprise you - you may enjoy it as others have.
I would like to thank #LucyDawson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #DontEverTell in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
The story is about Charlotte and Mia, told from both their perspectives in alternating chapters throughout. A domestic drama of sorts, the pace is somewhat slow for over half of the book - which in my opinion, is just far too slow. How can you have your readers on the edge of their seats if you are putting them to sleep? I normally devour books within 2 days...this one took me 4...and even that was a struggle.
Charlotte and Tris appear to have the perfect marriage but looks can be deceiving. A writer of domestic thrillers and having to manage the house, the kids and trying to find time to write is taking a toll on Charlotte while Tris commutes to London to do "real work", as he so kindly puts it. Charlotte is struggling to find the time to write as the kids and Tris demand more from her as she rushes to meet deadlines and hold on to her marriage.
When Charlotte first met Mia, it was at a book signing in Edinburgh, and she was startled to see how much she looked like her younger self...twenty years ago. They exchanged a few words, she signed her book and that was that. Until a year later.
Mia is an aspiring actress trying to make her mark in the world. She has struggled with relationships since her fiance and best friend ran off together. She sees a therapist who unfortunately takes ill and refers her to one of her colleagues. Her name is Florence, and she is Charlotte's sister. But Mia doesn't know that, as she pours her heart out to Florence, telling her about her new boyfriend Seth and showing her a photo of them together.
It is at a family celebration, Charlotte is confronted with some shocking news which then sets in motion a course of events that snowballs out of control that even Charlotte cannot control.
So when Charlotte seeks out Mia with a proposition that will change both their lives forever she has no doubt the young woman will accept. It will give the young actress the career boost she needs and Charlotte herself stands to benefit as well.
The proposition? Mia just needs to pass off a book Charlotte has written as her own...and she stands to make a tidy sum as a debut.
The question is - why did Charlotte choose Mia? Is it because of the resemblance? Or is there a different darker reason? Just what is Charlotte hiding?
One thing is for sure, when Charlotte sought out Mia, neither woman could know just how far Charlotte's plan would spiral.
DON'T EVER TELL is not what it appears. It's not at all really like the description says. Mia doesn't have to "pretend" to be Charlotte as we are lead to believe - that would entail her stepping into Charlotte's shoes as wife and mother and everything else, and that just wouldn't work. Her "pretense", such as it is, is just her passing off a novel Charlotte has written as her own for publication. That is not pretending to be Charlotte because it has Mia's name on the cover. So I think that was quite misleading.
While premise for this book sounded like an intriguing idea, I just don't think it hit the mark. It was not edge-of-your-seat. It was not exciting. And it was definitely not fast paced. (Not that a book has to be fast paced to be exciting). I've read many slow burn starts, but this one just took too long to explode...and even then, it didn't. The reveals, when they came, were not mind blowing or shocking. In fact, despite never actually saying so, I made one of the links very early on which was only confirmed when a character's full name was disclosed. Then it made sense. The other was quite clever, I admit.
However, the execution of reveals were a little convoluted I felt, and didn't flow. The reader would be left wondering at the end of Mia's chapter, only to pick up in Charlotte's next in a completely different place and you're left wondering "What...?" Even when it did pick up where the previous chapter left off, it felt as if it was just thrown in as a "by the way". It made for confusing reading that didn't flow as neatly as it could have.
The climax, which began in the Prologue, that took us through to the ultimate ending wasn't really edge-of-your-seat stuff. And in the end, the reader is left with questions as to what actually happened on "that night". There was no surprise, no shock, no real twist - just a lot of unanswered questions.
While I do love dual narrative stories and that between Charlotte and Mia, I did find the way it was delivered was both convoluted and confusing at times.
Honestly, I felt DON'T EVER TELLL could have been executed a lot better than it was, particularly as Dawson's previous books have been of a far greater calibre.
While I personally wasn't thrilled with this book, don't let my own opinions deter you from checking it out. It may surprise you - you may enjoy it as others have.
I would like to thank #LucyDawson, #NetGalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #DontEverTell in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
May 27, 2020
Did I miss something? There was nothing twisty or thrilling about this one. I kept hanging on waiting for that big moment or reveal and absolutely nothing shocking happened. I would call this more a drama than a psychological thriller. Meh
July 24, 2019
Don't Ever Tell by Lucy Dawson is a great suspense book and is my second book by the author. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and it keeps you hooked right till the very end. The prologue of this book is dark & gritty and there are very high chances you'll find it difficult to stop turning the pages, once you're through it.
This is a story about Charlotte – a mother and a wife with the perfect job, the perfect life… at least, that’s how it looks from the outside. But behind closed doors, the marriage is breaking, and Charlotte’s husband Tris doesn’t even know how much. He has no idea what Charlotte has planned for him, who she has found, why she has hired someone to pretend to be her. But he doesn’t have long to wait to find out…
While I really liked the plot of this one, I felt a bit let down by the ending. I was expecting twists after twists after twists right till the very end. But after that one very well executed major twist, it gets a bit emotional and a bit of an anti-climax in my opinion. The characters are fabulous and very well portrayed. I loved both Charlotte and Mia, well maybe Charlotte a bit more. I thought there would be a twisted subplot linking Charlotte and Mia's past, given where the story was heading - but I was wrong. Wishful Thinking!
I loved Lucy Dawson's last "The Memory" and this book too surely will keep you reading late into the night - at least a few chapters till the very end which was my case.
Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture and Lucy Dawson for an arc!
This is a story about Charlotte – a mother and a wife with the perfect job, the perfect life… at least, that’s how it looks from the outside. But behind closed doors, the marriage is breaking, and Charlotte’s husband Tris doesn’t even know how much. He has no idea what Charlotte has planned for him, who she has found, why she has hired someone to pretend to be her. But he doesn’t have long to wait to find out…
While I really liked the plot of this one, I felt a bit let down by the ending. I was expecting twists after twists after twists right till the very end. But after that one very well executed major twist, it gets a bit emotional and a bit of an anti-climax in my opinion. The characters are fabulous and very well portrayed. I loved both Charlotte and Mia, well maybe Charlotte a bit more. I thought there would be a twisted subplot linking Charlotte and Mia's past, given where the story was heading - but I was wrong. Wishful Thinking!
I loved Lucy Dawson's last "The Memory" and this book too surely will keep you reading late into the night - at least a few chapters till the very end which was my case.
Thank you, NetGalley, Bookouture and Lucy Dawson for an arc!
September 11, 2019
“I wonder where this is going”
“Okay, so what about those people? Why is she in the story?”
“That is not a good idea!”
“OMG I didn’t see that coming!”
“Oh yeah, it’s a train wreck and it is happening now!”
“Yikes!”
The above basically sums up my experience with this book. At first, I just couldn’t see the whole picture. There is Charlotte with her seemingly perfect life. She is married to Tris and they have two kids. Then we are introduced to Mia, a young struggling actress with a shitty love life. I really had no idea how the stories would connect but when it finally happened, I had to pick my jaw from the floor. One bad idea spiraled out of control and it became messy.
This was a slow-build story. It took time to slowly suck me in and before I knew it, I was anxiously turning pages just waiting for the mayhem. The character development was stellar. Charlotte is relatable and I could understand her thinking even though I didn’t agree with her crazy ideas. The support characters were all well crafted. The story line was so gripping. It felt like I had gotten on a bus whose destination I didn’t know. It was one hell of a crazy ride.
I have enjoyed Lucy’s previous titles and Don’t Ever Tell was no different. I thought it was twisty, brilliantly narrated and quite captivating. What started as a slow-paced domestic thriller ended up being a riveting revenge thriller.
“Okay, so what about those people? Why is she in the story?”
“That is not a good idea!”
“OMG I didn’t see that coming!”
“Oh yeah, it’s a train wreck and it is happening now!”
“Yikes!”
The above basically sums up my experience with this book. At first, I just couldn’t see the whole picture. There is Charlotte with her seemingly perfect life. She is married to Tris and they have two kids. Then we are introduced to Mia, a young struggling actress with a shitty love life. I really had no idea how the stories would connect but when it finally happened, I had to pick my jaw from the floor. One bad idea spiraled out of control and it became messy.
This was a slow-build story. It took time to slowly suck me in and before I knew it, I was anxiously turning pages just waiting for the mayhem. The character development was stellar. Charlotte is relatable and I could understand her thinking even though I didn’t agree with her crazy ideas. The support characters were all well crafted. The story line was so gripping. It felt like I had gotten on a bus whose destination I didn’t know. It was one hell of a crazy ride.
I have enjoyed Lucy’s previous titles and Don’t Ever Tell was no different. I thought it was twisty, brilliantly narrated and quite captivating. What started as a slow-paced domestic thriller ended up being a riveting revenge thriller.
June 14, 2019
Nothing much happens in the first half of this book and I did not start enjoying it until the second half. Charlotte is an author and is married to Tris, a businessman and it seems as if their marriage is in trouble. They have 2 young children thrown into the mix. Charlotte has a sister, Florence and they seem to argue and cry a lot. I enjoyed the second half of the book so I would give this book 3.5 stars. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2019
Don’t Ever Tell by Lucy Dawson is a psychological suspense with a surprising twist. I found myself thoroughly hooked right from the start!
Charlotte and Tris seem to have the perfect marriage, but nothing is as it looks. Cracks slowly come to be revealed the deeper we get into the story and the once perfect marriage looks far from a happy affair. Charlotte is an author and Tris is a businessman often gone for work which leaves Charlotte to raise their two children. Besides being a wife and mother, Charlotte is also an author who writes suspense novels. During a book signing she meets a younger version of herself, Mia. Mia is an actress with her own set of problems and when they meet a year later Charlotte gives Mia a propsition that sets the course of this story in motion.
I will admit the first half of the story is slower paced, but I feel it was needed as you really get a background on both Charlotte and Mia, but once the second half starts oh boy does it pick up! Lucy Dawson does such a wonderful job misdirecting her readers while throwing in red herrings meant to throw you off what is really happening. I even found myself gasping quite a few times when things slowly start to be revealed.
One thing I like about this story is Dawson’s unique ability to twist a simple story and create a truly twisted unputdownable read that will have you flipping through the pages while trying to figure it all out. With unreliable narrators you won’t know who to trust and believe in.
Don’t Ever Tell by Lucy Dawson is definitely a book that you do not want to miss. I am so thrilled to have found a new to me author to stalk!
Charlotte and Tris seem to have the perfect marriage, but nothing is as it looks. Cracks slowly come to be revealed the deeper we get into the story and the once perfect marriage looks far from a happy affair. Charlotte is an author and Tris is a businessman often gone for work which leaves Charlotte to raise their two children. Besides being a wife and mother, Charlotte is also an author who writes suspense novels. During a book signing she meets a younger version of herself, Mia. Mia is an actress with her own set of problems and when they meet a year later Charlotte gives Mia a propsition that sets the course of this story in motion.
I will admit the first half of the story is slower paced, but I feel it was needed as you really get a background on both Charlotte and Mia, but once the second half starts oh boy does it pick up! Lucy Dawson does such a wonderful job misdirecting her readers while throwing in red herrings meant to throw you off what is really happening. I even found myself gasping quite a few times when things slowly start to be revealed.
One thing I like about this story is Dawson’s unique ability to twist a simple story and create a truly twisted unputdownable read that will have you flipping through the pages while trying to figure it all out. With unreliable narrators you won’t know who to trust and believe in.
Don’t Ever Tell by Lucy Dawson is definitely a book that you do not want to miss. I am so thrilled to have found a new to me author to stalk!
May 27, 2019
Good on the edge of your seat book. Such a great read. This author never seems to disappoint.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an early release of this book.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an early release of this book.
May 31, 2019
DON’T EVER TELL was a great read with complex characters that had me hooked until the very end!
Charlotte is a wife and mother to Tris. She’s a somewhat struggling author, and they are having problems in their marriage. One day at a book signing, the one fan who comes up to her is a younger woman who looks almost identical to Charlotte. Her name is Mia, and she’s an actress. When they meet again a year later, Charlotte asks Mia to do something unthinkable...pretend to do something she didn’t do, but that Charlotte did. This agreement will have irreversible consequences.
Author Lucy Dawson does a great job of character revelation, and it was very easy to “watch” everything unfold while reading this. While I don’t think I was completely blown away by what I was reading, I still found this a great suspense novel that intrigued me. It’s an easy read with twists, and some likable co-stars in the forms of the main characters’ sisters. I am a fan of Lucy Dawson, and would recommend this to her other fans. I look forward to more.
Charlotte is a wife and mother to Tris. She’s a somewhat struggling author, and they are having problems in their marriage. One day at a book signing, the one fan who comes up to her is a younger woman who looks almost identical to Charlotte. Her name is Mia, and she’s an actress. When they meet again a year later, Charlotte asks Mia to do something unthinkable...pretend to do something she didn’t do, but that Charlotte did. This agreement will have irreversible consequences.
Author Lucy Dawson does a great job of character revelation, and it was very easy to “watch” everything unfold while reading this. While I don’t think I was completely blown away by what I was reading, I still found this a great suspense novel that intrigued me. It’s an easy read with twists, and some likable co-stars in the forms of the main characters’ sisters. I am a fan of Lucy Dawson, and would recommend this to her other fans. I look forward to more.
November 1, 2019
A very solid four-star read.
The first half was interesting and largely scene setting/character development. By about Chapter 15 this one takes off at super-sonic speed. Everything falls into place, and the dominoes start tumbling.
Charlotte and Mia voice their stories well. The supporting characters and twisted relationships really made this one feel like ‘Big Little Lies’ by Liane Moriarity. If you like that type of book, this is one for you. Excellent psychological mind-twisting plot...very clever.
A great find, as this is my first book from Lucy Dawson, so my ‘to-read’ list grew a little more.
The first half was interesting and largely scene setting/character development. By about Chapter 15 this one takes off at super-sonic speed. Everything falls into place, and the dominoes start tumbling.
Charlotte and Mia voice their stories well. The supporting characters and twisted relationships really made this one feel like ‘Big Little Lies’ by Liane Moriarity. If you like that type of book, this is one for you. Excellent psychological mind-twisting plot...very clever.
A great find, as this is my first book from Lucy Dawson, so my ‘to-read’ list grew a little more.
June 26, 2019
Our lives are made up of stories. Our own. The those of our family and friends. Our world collides with strangers, forming imperceptible bonds. Most of which won’t lead to anything. But some change the scenery of our days forever.
When I met Charlotte, I judged her based on the basic information released by the author. Charlotte is a woman, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a writer. Alright. So, even if we all have a story, could Charlotte hide several, being a writer? Quickly, it becomes apparent she is struggling. Marriage is complicated, juggling kids and work is hell, and it doesn’t help that your husband think being a writer is not a real job. While enjoying the setting brought to me by the author, I did not know where the book would lead me. I was even less sure of what I was reading when Charlotte meets Mia, a young woman who looks a lot like her. Boom. A bond. A tiny thread connecting the two women after a lucky encounter in Edinburgh. Well, you don’t know it at the time, but this the moment the novel spreads its wings. It starts here.
How? Why? I couldn’t figure out a plot that would reunite those women. They have nothing in common, they meet by chance, and yet, I knew there was a meaning to it.
More of Charlotte’s life. A husband who seems to have his head on something else, the feeling of suffocating in your own house and skin… I felt bad for Charlotte. Nice and sweet Charlotte who didn’t deserve this.
But that assessment was a mistake! I laugh at how I took things for what they were. Lucy Dawson really fooled me! A teeny tiny bit of information appears and then another boom! What started as a slow-paced novel suddenly turns into a dark pool and each chapter drags you deeper into the water. When Charlotte and Mia meet again, the older woman has a plan. What if they could take fate in their own hands and change their lives?
Mia, young, lovely, and struggling actress, is confused at first. Why would someone you met a year before seeking you out to help her with a wicked plan? I remembered my ‘tut’s. I was weary. Suddenly, Charlotte appeared different to me but I couldn’t pinpoint what had changed, and what was on her mind! Do you like being kept in the dark? If done right, it only adds a cool and dangerous thrill to your read. Let me tell you that in this case, it totally worked! I was forced (not that is was so hard for me to read, haha! I was already hooked and NEEDED to know what was next) to follow our two main characters with my hand tied and my eyes shut. I had no control and I loved the feeling. I was in the truck of a car, feeling every bump in the road, every twist, the sweat dripping down my back as I could sense the car speed up. I could imagine the giant wall it would crash into. Except I didn’t know what kind of crash it would be.
Nearing the end, pieces of different puzzles appeared, making me doubt my first impressions, my judgement. Don’t Ever Tell is made of many layers, so many that when the bigger picture appeared, I was gobsmacked! Had I been reading the right book??? How could I have missed the hints? Far from a simple domestic tale, this novel is about revenge, pure and twisted. I am not talking about the revenge of someone who plots forever in their basement, or those of people bidding their time to hit hard, fuelled by malice. Lucy Dawson explores revenge from wronged people, people who don’t mean things to turn bad. People who want to teach a lesson. But revenge has its own way, it always does. No matter how good the plan, expect the unexpected. Don’t Ever Tell is a tale of revenge gone terribly wrong. It brings out the best and the worst in people. It stains life, it teaches, it takes whatever it wants, leaving all sides involved reeling.
Special mention to sisterhood in this book! I loved how the author showed the effect of the wave of events on both women’s families. Kids, parents, sisters. Life is just like this, ordinary, and affecting everyone around us!
Don’t Ever Tell is a twisted psychological thriller with a highly original structure built to allow the characters to lead the dance. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a fantastic read with a mind-blowing ball of twists and turns!
When I met Charlotte, I judged her based on the basic information released by the author. Charlotte is a woman, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a writer. Alright. So, even if we all have a story, could Charlotte hide several, being a writer? Quickly, it becomes apparent she is struggling. Marriage is complicated, juggling kids and work is hell, and it doesn’t help that your husband think being a writer is not a real job. While enjoying the setting brought to me by the author, I did not know where the book would lead me. I was even less sure of what I was reading when Charlotte meets Mia, a young woman who looks a lot like her. Boom. A bond. A tiny thread connecting the two women after a lucky encounter in Edinburgh. Well, you don’t know it at the time, but this the moment the novel spreads its wings. It starts here.
How? Why? I couldn’t figure out a plot that would reunite those women. They have nothing in common, they meet by chance, and yet, I knew there was a meaning to it.
More of Charlotte’s life. A husband who seems to have his head on something else, the feeling of suffocating in your own house and skin… I felt bad for Charlotte. Nice and sweet Charlotte who didn’t deserve this.
But that assessment was a mistake! I laugh at how I took things for what they were. Lucy Dawson really fooled me! A teeny tiny bit of information appears and then another boom! What started as a slow-paced novel suddenly turns into a dark pool and each chapter drags you deeper into the water. When Charlotte and Mia meet again, the older woman has a plan. What if they could take fate in their own hands and change their lives?
Mia, young, lovely, and struggling actress, is confused at first. Why would someone you met a year before seeking you out to help her with a wicked plan? I remembered my ‘tut’s. I was weary. Suddenly, Charlotte appeared different to me but I couldn’t pinpoint what had changed, and what was on her mind! Do you like being kept in the dark? If done right, it only adds a cool and dangerous thrill to your read. Let me tell you that in this case, it totally worked! I was forced (not that is was so hard for me to read, haha! I was already hooked and NEEDED to know what was next) to follow our two main characters with my hand tied and my eyes shut. I had no control and I loved the feeling. I was in the truck of a car, feeling every bump in the road, every twist, the sweat dripping down my back as I could sense the car speed up. I could imagine the giant wall it would crash into. Except I didn’t know what kind of crash it would be.
Nearing the end, pieces of different puzzles appeared, making me doubt my first impressions, my judgement. Don’t Ever Tell is made of many layers, so many that when the bigger picture appeared, I was gobsmacked! Had I been reading the right book??? How could I have missed the hints? Far from a simple domestic tale, this novel is about revenge, pure and twisted. I am not talking about the revenge of someone who plots forever in their basement, or those of people bidding their time to hit hard, fuelled by malice. Lucy Dawson explores revenge from wronged people, people who don’t mean things to turn bad. People who want to teach a lesson. But revenge has its own way, it always does. No matter how good the plan, expect the unexpected. Don’t Ever Tell is a tale of revenge gone terribly wrong. It brings out the best and the worst in people. It stains life, it teaches, it takes whatever it wants, leaving all sides involved reeling.
Special mention to sisterhood in this book! I loved how the author showed the effect of the wave of events on both women’s families. Kids, parents, sisters. Life is just like this, ordinary, and affecting everyone around us!
Don’t Ever Tell is a twisted psychological thriller with a highly original structure built to allow the characters to lead the dance. I highly recommend it if you are looking for a fantastic read with a mind-blowing ball of twists and turns!
June 18, 2019
Charlotte has a great family and the perfect job, writing mystery thrillers. But beyond the facade, things aren’t so perfect. Her husband, Tris, belittles her profession, and rarely helps with the kids. She and her sister are still reeling by the unexplained eight year absence of their father. And Charlotte’s novels aren’t receiving the attention they deserve. So when Mia steps into her life, Charlotte sees a perfect opportunity.
But Mia is vulnerable, a struggling actress with a bad breakup in her past. Under Charlotte’s tutelage her world changes forever.
This is a riveting novel with some interesting twists and turns. I admit, I wanted all the loose ends nicely tied up, and that didn’t quite happen here. But it was certainly an engaging read!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
But Mia is vulnerable, a struggling actress with a bad breakup in her past. Under Charlotte’s tutelage her world changes forever.
This is a riveting novel with some interesting twists and turns. I admit, I wanted all the loose ends nicely tied up, and that didn’t quite happen here. But it was certainly an engaging read!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
May 25, 2019
Don’t Ever Tell by Lucy Dawson 🖤
Thanks @netgalley @lucydawsonbooks and @bookouture
Publication date 25th June 2019
‘Never make a promise you can’t afford to keep’. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I was so excited to receive this ARC as I am a long time fan of Lucy Dawson’s books. And wow this was just amazing! Like literally couldn’t put it down. So good! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Psychological thrillers is a tough genre and to try and release a unique and original story is a mean feat. Lucy Dawson has done it with this book! What begins as a typical tale of revenge becomes dark and twisted and completely unpredictable. I loved it. I read it in one night. This author just gets better and better! Highly recommended xx
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Thanks @netgalley @lucydawsonbooks and @bookouture
Publication date 25th June 2019
‘Never make a promise you can’t afford to keep’. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I was so excited to receive this ARC as I am a long time fan of Lucy Dawson’s books. And wow this was just amazing! Like literally couldn’t put it down. So good! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Psychological thrillers is a tough genre and to try and release a unique and original story is a mean feat. Lucy Dawson has done it with this book! What begins as a typical tale of revenge becomes dark and twisted and completely unpredictable. I loved it. I read it in one night. This author just gets better and better! Highly recommended xx
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June 1, 2019
WOW, what a fantastic book!!! I flew through Don’t Ever Tell within one day, and that included sleeping through the night and going to my daughter’s soccer game! This is hands down the best suspenseful psychological thriller I have ever read. I have not read any books by Lucy Dawson before, and I can’t wait to find out if her other books are as fabulous as this one! She has a new fan and follower! I don’t think I could come up with a single thing negative about this book. You seriously need to read this book. You will love it.
April 30, 2021
Meh.. this book was marketed as an un-put-downable thriller but I put it down plenty of times. The entire first half was a big yawn, then things finally started happening, but not soon enough to save this story. 1 1/2 stars.
June 25, 2019
4.5 Stars
I have to admit that I almost put this book down about halfway through. The build up just seemed to take too long and I wondered when it would get to the point.
Nothing really of consequence happened until Charlotte’s psychologist sister, Flo heard a few sessions from a new client named Mia Justice. Charlotte had met Mia a year or so earlier and marveled at how she almost seemed like a twenty year younger version of herself. She had the same mannerisms as she did also. Looks and mannerisms. It was uncanny. Then Flo told her a secret she shouldn’t have revealed. Charlotte’s husband, Tris and Mia were having an affair. To Mia his name was Seth. She had no idea he was married.
That is when Charlotte concocted a pretty sly plan. It was brilliant, actually. And this plot she came up with is what this book is about. You don’t discover what that is until after the halfway point. So don’t give up on this book too early. My rating is based on the latter half. It was a stunning picture of what could happen to a couple when things start to dry out in their relationship and cause their eyes to wander to more appealing options. Charlotte wanted the money fame could bring but not the fame itself. Mia wanted the fame and Tris wanted them both.
Great concept for a book. I thought that was the best part. When I realized what Charlotte had done and what Flo had revealed to her, I was shocked. The fallout of this is sad and scary. I didn’t see that coming.
I never quite understood the connection between Mia and Charlotte. I think it is assumed in the end that we will figure it out due to Mia’s last scene with her sister but I don’t know.
This would make a great movie or tv drama. Check it out and see for yourself. It’s a roller coaster ride!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
I have to admit that I almost put this book down about halfway through. The build up just seemed to take too long and I wondered when it would get to the point.
Nothing really of consequence happened until Charlotte’s psychologist sister, Flo heard a few sessions from a new client named Mia Justice. Charlotte had met Mia a year or so earlier and marveled at how she almost seemed like a twenty year younger version of herself. She had the same mannerisms as she did also. Looks and mannerisms. It was uncanny. Then Flo told her a secret she shouldn’t have revealed. Charlotte’s husband, Tris and Mia were having an affair. To Mia his name was Seth. She had no idea he was married.
That is when Charlotte concocted a pretty sly plan. It was brilliant, actually. And this plot she came up with is what this book is about. You don’t discover what that is until after the halfway point. So don’t give up on this book too early. My rating is based on the latter half. It was a stunning picture of what could happen to a couple when things start to dry out in their relationship and cause their eyes to wander to more appealing options. Charlotte wanted the money fame could bring but not the fame itself. Mia wanted the fame and Tris wanted them both.
Great concept for a book. I thought that was the best part. When I realized what Charlotte had done and what Flo had revealed to her, I was shocked. The fallout of this is sad and scary. I didn’t see that coming.
I never quite understood the connection between Mia and Charlotte. I think it is assumed in the end that we will figure it out due to Mia’s last scene with her sister but I don’t know.
This would make a great movie or tv drama. Check it out and see for yourself. It’s a roller coaster ride!
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
June 16, 2019
4,5 Stars
This books starts as a domestic drama but during the last half it develops into a very dark and unexpected story. I got totally absorbed while reading it although it is slow paced. Somehow the author dragged me completely into her dark tale of revenge.
Charlotte and Tris are living a normal family life with their two kids. But you can see that the marriage is struggling. Charlotte is at first a person you can connect to. She has to care for their children while her husband is working long hours and often away for days. She herself is a writer, already published several books. Charlotte feels that her demands for her job and her efforts for the family are not appreciated by Tris. Both Charlotte and Tris characters are very well worked out with all their flaws. As the story goes on we learn that Charlotte has a darker side. I was not sure where the story was heading to and that kept me guessing.
I really enjoyed the book. I was totally sucked in and I think it was because of the writing. I became totally absorbed by the story and I got shivers by all the dark implications you get towards the end. This was my second book from Lucy Dawson and definitely not my last.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
This books starts as a domestic drama but during the last half it develops into a very dark and unexpected story. I got totally absorbed while reading it although it is slow paced. Somehow the author dragged me completely into her dark tale of revenge.
Charlotte and Tris are living a normal family life with their two kids. But you can see that the marriage is struggling. Charlotte is at first a person you can connect to. She has to care for their children while her husband is working long hours and often away for days. She herself is a writer, already published several books. Charlotte feels that her demands for her job and her efforts for the family are not appreciated by Tris. Both Charlotte and Tris characters are very well worked out with all their flaws. As the story goes on we learn that Charlotte has a darker side. I was not sure where the story was heading to and that kept me guessing.
I really enjoyed the book. I was totally sucked in and I think it was because of the writing. I became totally absorbed by the story and I got shivers by all the dark implications you get towards the end. This was my second book from Lucy Dawson and definitely not my last.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
September 15, 2019
3/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Lucy Dawson for a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Charlotte and Tris seem to have the perfect marriage from an outsider's perspective, but it is far from that. Their marriage is crumbling, except Tris seems to be oblivious to the fact that his marriage is failing...
Don't Ever Tell start off as a domestic suspense/thriller, but turns into a revenge thriller. My opinions may be an outlier, but I didn't enjoy this book as much as I had hoped, based on the synopsis. I was confused with the first 150 pages and didn't feel like I knew what was happening. I had to stop reading the book and go back to it from the start, hoping that I could get a fresh start; but this didn't help. I'm not sure why my experience was so poor - it could have been the wrong time to read another thriller, it could have been the multiple POVs that seemed to be convoluted, or simply a writing preference style.
I wouldn't be able to recommend this novel based on my experience, however, if you're hooked by the synopsis, I would say it doesn't hurt to give this book a try.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Lucy Dawson for a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Charlotte and Tris seem to have the perfect marriage from an outsider's perspective, but it is far from that. Their marriage is crumbling, except Tris seems to be oblivious to the fact that his marriage is failing...
Don't Ever Tell start off as a domestic suspense/thriller, but turns into a revenge thriller. My opinions may be an outlier, but I didn't enjoy this book as much as I had hoped, based on the synopsis. I was confused with the first 150 pages and didn't feel like I knew what was happening. I had to stop reading the book and go back to it from the start, hoping that I could get a fresh start; but this didn't help. I'm not sure why my experience was so poor - it could have been the wrong time to read another thriller, it could have been the multiple POVs that seemed to be convoluted, or simply a writing preference style.
I wouldn't be able to recommend this novel based on my experience, however, if you're hooked by the synopsis, I would say it doesn't hurt to give this book a try.
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