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Dance or Die

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New town, no friends, no love, new freedoms.
Mallory Newman—now Scandal Oaks—is dropped on the doorstep of total strangers after a year in Louisiana Institute, a mental hospital for the “deranged.”
Arrested in her first week she is treated like the town pariah because it’s her fault some thug cop tackled her to the ground.
She doesn’t know why she’s here; she doesn’t care why she’s here; she doesn’t know who the Oaks are. All she knows is her body and what it can do, and what people have made her do. When all she really wants to do is just dance until she dies.
That is until she’s forced to form a dance trio with two boys she despises. Presley Myers, the cop’s son, who has taken it upon himself to make her life hell, and Carter Denzell because when his friend hates, so does he, and of course their band of little sheep who follow behind them.
For Scandal Oaks, life sucks, but then, what’s new?


**THIS BOOK IS NOT A NAKED OR DEAD SEQUEL, YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE READ NOD TO UNDERSTAND DANCE OR DIE, BUT IT IS LINKED IN MANY WAYS AND I AM SUPER EXCITED TO SEE IF YOU CONNECT THOSE DOTS.**

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2019

37 people are currently reading
220 people want to read

About the author

A.E. Murphy

32 books1,083 followers
A. E. Murphy is the Queen of sarcasm and satire, she likes long walks in the park, as much as ice cubes like to chill in a roasting oven.
She’s effortlessly independent and so good at adulting it’s unfair on the rest of the world. She only napped twice today and has only avoided the dishes for three days before making the child slaves do them this morning.
Winning!
Her favourite hobby is writing, her worst hobby is reading through that writing.
Also she has two cats that carry toys to the top of the stairs and drop them down so they can chase them. They do this repeatedly in the middle of the night.
Who cares if she has work the next morning?
Not the cats, that’s for sure.
And if it’s not the cats doing the waking, it’s the toddler crawling into bed with her and pulling individual hairs from her scalp with pudgy little fingers for comfort.
This is likely why she’s in a constant state of grump unless there’s chocolate and coffee.
P.S. Please leave feedback, if not on the book then on this ridiculous bio she wrote herself. It’s the least you can do seeing as she’ll forever talk in the third person now.
Alex loves her readers. Alex says thank you. Alex smiles.

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5 stars
131 (51%)
4 stars
77 (30%)
3 stars
29 (11%)
2 stars
10 (3%)
1 star
8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Paula  Phillips.
5,750 reviews348 followers
January 1, 2020
After reading and loving Naked or Dead, I just knew I had to read this book Dance or Die. I have to admit though I was hoping it would be just as good, it, however, didn't quite hit the craziness of the first book. In saying that though it was still a very good read as we meet Mallory Newman aka Scandal Oaks. She has been shipped from home to juvie to a mental ward etc after she was convicted wrongfully of her cousin's murder. He was a victim of the School Sigil whom we knew of in the first book Naked or Dead. Scandal moves to the small town to live with Stanley and his wife Lane. It is the first time that Scandal has ever felt true love as they really care about her. Or is that just a show as Scandal learns in the second part of the book her connection to the smalltown? At the beginning, we also read as Scandal clashes with Presley and Carter - two of the school's hottest guys but by the end of the book - they become her "two guys" which the tagline talks about as Scandal is an amazing dancer and Presley and Carter are made to take her into their group and turn their dance routine into a trio. I did like the family interactions that Scandal had with Stanley and Lane but have to admit near the last few chapters with Scandal's uncle - The Senator and the reporter it went a bit odd for me and ended up having a bit of a supernatural twist to the storyline which felt like it had come out of nowhere. Dance or Die by AE Murphy and Xela Knight was still a good YA Bully RH romantic suspense and if you enjoy edgy YA stories then you will enjoy Dance or Die.
Profile Image for Adriana.
1,325 reviews149 followers
November 10, 2019
Wow this book was something else. I went in blind only reading the title and the author was enough for me to want to read it, and so glad i did. I just recently discovered A.E. Murphy after reading Naked or dead and then went out and binged all her books and i adored all of them and this one was no different.

Mallory Newman aka Scandal gets dropped off and a new foster home, she thinks its just another in her long list. But Lane and Stanley are very different from any other they actually want her there and care for her, i actually loved both these characters. On the first day Scandal has a run in with the police and the police officers son .Scandal starts a new school where she again runs into Presley the police officers son but this time its worse as his dad got fired and he is blaming her. So Presley and Carter his best friend decide to make Scandals life hell. Scandal makes a new friend Alice OMG i loved her please tell me she gets a story of her own, this is a best friend we all want and need in our lives. When one of the teachers sees Scandal dancing alone on the roof he has a great idea, so he makes Carter , Presley and Scandal become a dancing trio. And the story begins. Its not your typical story girl falls for boy etc it has a few twists and turns ( nothing like naked or dead) and omg the passion the steam dammmm was so good. It also does have the heartbreak the swoon moments the omg i cant believe she did that moments. Oh and let’s not forget the MAGIC yes it has that too. Once again this author has created and amazing gripping story that keeps you on your toes wanting to see what happens next at every turn of the page. I loved every second of it . Cant wait to see what she writes next.
Profile Image for Clare Harrison.
1,074 reviews17 followers
December 19, 2019
Her life has never been the beauty in a garden of roses, but the thorns instead, they wrap around her very being to bring her down.

But now life is giving her a chance to see all that is good, and beautiful.

A moment in time to let her shine, to be free of her past, but if course it comes with a price.....

This book to me is everything! It's both the darkness and the light. The anger and serenity.

From the end of the first chapter I knew I had discovered something special, and my pounding heart totally agrees.

Scandal isnt damaged, she isnt ruined shes completely and utterly amazing both on and off the dance floor.

She's so brave and true, so hopeful yet pessimistic, she's simply perfect.

The boys are gods about the school and unfortunately zero in on her through no fault of her own.

When it becomes apparent that darkness is invading they are thrown together to create something beautiful.

The chaos that surrounds their harsh words and dangerous thoughts brought me to the edge of my seat, and I remained there.

This is the one book that changes everything. It breaks your heart, but shines a lil light far off in the distance. It makes you smile till your face aches and it makes you giddy inside like never before.

I'm completely and utterly crazily in love with this book! dramatic yes! true yes!

Do I need to say more?







Profile Image for Amanda Anderson (Beauty.and.the.bookies).
1,498 reviews61 followers
November 11, 2019
This book was AMAZING. And really, amazing seems like such a lame word to describe this book. I wanted to read it slowly so I could enjoy it for DAYS and make the intense feeling of joy last longer..BUT while I was reading I just couldnt stop. I found myself getting angry that I had to stop to cook dinner or sleep.
I really loved Scandals character and how tough she was for her age and all she had been through. I am going to make this review as vague as possible since I dont want to give anything away. I have nothing bad to say about Presley and Carter. They were the definition of perfection. I absolutely adored every single thing about this book from start to finish. I actually think I will read it again before the year is over. I loved it that much.
I love the guys.
I love Scandal.
I loved her bff.
I loved her family.
I LOVED EVERYTHING. I am so happy A.E. Murphy is sharing her talents with us. I cannot wait to read more of her work in the future and I am very excited to read her new stuff from her pen name Xela Knight. So far, with D.O.D and N.O.D, I see bright things for both of her names. 5 star book. 5 star author.
Profile Image for Victoria Full.
14 reviews2 followers
November 10, 2019
Let's start by saying this review comes from someone very tired and a little book hungover. It was so good I couldn't put it down to the point I didn't stop reading till I finished at 5am! (yes, I have kids but the suffering today is sooo worth it). Scandel's story was tragic, my heart broke for her and her ruined childhood but she came out of that horror so strong and positive. The guys, omg the guys! Carter is sweet and caring, Presley brooding and a little damaged. The perfect blend for Scandel.
I loved the hint of magic and the links to Naked or Dead, I can not wait to find out who the woman in the motel room was! Such a great book not to be missed, I love A.E Murphy's style of writing - easy to read but so thought provoking and doesn't shy away from difficult subjects plus it hits you in the feels in all the right ways.
Profile Image for LolliMolly ⫷fiction addiction⫸.
291 reviews18 followers
December 18, 2019
I just finished this and already can't wait for the series that comes after this. I think I see where this world is going and I'm all in for it lol.

I loved the free climbing and parkour elements, you hear about things like dancing in books a lot, but it was fun reading about setting a little different as well.

This book is a bit gritty, the MC has a rough past, but we don't get too many explicit details and most of that content is off the page, so I don't think this would be too triggering for most people. It's vastly different than Naked or Dead, but its in the same world and it was a lot of fun spotting the references to other characters and situations that were in NOD.

This one has a nice tidy ending, so if NOD left you feeling a little broken, dont be scared of going into Dance or Die.
Profile Image for Jessica CW.
1,058 reviews12 followers
December 17, 2019
Scandel has been tossed all over the place so she would never be in the spot light- that would ruin things for her uncle- even into the psych ward. Finally placed with a nice family to attend a nice private school she expects things to be similar but they are far from it.

This is a straight poly menage romance with two guys that began as her enemies.... It has supernatural twists and suspenseful moments all while keeping the passion flowing.

I really loved this story and cannot wait for more from the author.

***arc received in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for tania.
426 reviews2 followers
November 22, 2019
love love love, I can't put into words how much this book had me hooked, from being late from lunch as i couldn't put it down to staying up late to finish it. yet another fab read
Profile Image for Marsha.
504 reviews10 followers
April 11, 2020
Dance or Die

I'm so in love with this author. Seriously. Both of the books I've read are so fabulous. Easily within the top 10 favorites EVER. This book and Naked or Dead. Fabulous!
Scandal has lived a hard life. Abused, abandoned, locked up. She's been there and done it all. She moves in with her newest fosters and her life gets better, but still issues. Still so guarded. Until all things happen and change. Carter. Presley. The third. It all just keeps the pages turning so easily!

Also.. I love when authors have little bits from other books that they cross over. I enjoy finding those little morsels and being like, "oh hey, I remember that!"
Profile Image for Elizabeth Butts.
Author 5 books21 followers
December 20, 2019
I needed a moment... seriously, have you read a book before where you finished and needed a moment. Like, you weren't ready to give a review... you had to absorb. You had to process. You had to feel.

This is that book. Holy hell... Scandal/Mallory is every bit of darkness and pain you dont want to know exists... but she does. She might be a friend. She might be in the office next to yours.

Carter. Hellz yeah.
Presley.... press is still out on this one....

Fantasies I never thought I had I now have.

I give this one 5 D-batteries.... that means a heck of a lot more than 5 stars.
Profile Image for Mrsbooks.
1,094 reviews16 followers
December 8, 2020
Uh, terrible! I wish I had read enough spoilers before hand because had I known what this novel was... I would not have bothered with it. It is not my cup of tea. It's not that it's poorly written, it's just filled with story lines that I decidedly do not like.

At first I thought it was going to be a love triangle and that disappointed me because I don't usually care for those unless they're written really well with no cheating. For this though I kept thinking that the love story must start with the other guy because the first guy we are shown with a love interest developing, didn't actually feel like a love interest. I felt no romance just lust. Then the second guy gets involved and I quickly see... yeah no romance story here either. It was just this big lustfest instead of an actual romance. Claims of love get made but I didn't feel any of it.

Nobody gets picked as endgame because they're all endgame. Not for me!

Profile Image for Reyne Clark.
406 reviews46 followers
January 1, 2020
After reading first, Naked or Dead, and now, Dance or Die, I've decided A.E. Murphy is one of my top author finds of 2019. Each book she writes is so unique and full to the brim with characters that explode with full-bodied dimension. This book was so easy to read, yet also had enough intrigue to keep you guessing. I was thoroughly entertained and even a week later, I am still thinking about this book, the characters, and where things end up. 5 Wonderful Stars!
Profile Image for Book Boyfriend Whoarder Tania .
232 reviews121 followers
December 21, 2019
Wow what can I say just that this book knock me out off my feet.

This story is so unique so haunting and beautiful. I love how the heroine has had a tough life but all she’s ever had has been dancing to escape her reality.

This story is soo good if you havent read any of her books you need too. 5 star ⭐️ read.

Profile Image for Melissa J (Book Addicts Reviews).
1,220 reviews99 followers
August 4, 2021
5 stars!!

This is another hit by the wonderful A. E. Murphy (Xela Knight)!!

Alright all I went into this book not knowing if I would like it much since I’m not big into dancers or any time of love triangle (I have read a few that I love). But OMG this book was freaking fantastic. And I loved the end. The end is what made it perfect. Usually it ends different and I am pissed.

Man I said I am gonna read a few chapters and then go to bed. Nope I was up all night until I finished!! It’s like you can’t put this book down. I will say my only critique was there was a part that didn’t fit in with the rest. It was paranormal and just didn’t feel right but I still LOVED this book.

The author does a fabulous job of developing these characters and their lives. The back story was heart breaking but it made this so much better. I felt the entire rainbow of emotions and I was just devastated when it was over. I didn’t wanna let go.

This is a definite MUST read and is going on my favorites list!!!

**I received this as a review copy and in return gave my honest review**




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Profile Image for Abby J Capps.
506 reviews43 followers
November 11, 2019
This is the second book I’ve read by this author and I’m starting to think I’m really missing out! I didn’t even read the blurb before going into this, I just dived in and I was hooked from the very beginning! I manage to gobble this book up in 7 hours, only putting it down if I had to.

I love Scandal! She’s fierce, strong, funny and has a good heart despite the extremely hard life she endured. At first starting over wasn’t easy for her. She faced some obstacles and a certain hot broody a-hole instantly decides he hates her. So, naturally his best friend does too. After they are forced together to dance and other events occur, things shift and I love love love the relationships she forms with Presley and Carter. And the sexual tension in this book.. oof. Lots of it. Let me tell you, when it happens it’s worth it!

Also, can we talk about the magic..and and and... there’s this other scene that literally had me jumping at the bit. I was like “NO EFFIN WAY.” I can’t say anything because obviously that would ruin it for you guys, but holy crap!!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! From start to finish I was there for it. I could definitely read more about these characters and be happy. I’ll miss them!
Profile Image for Laura G/ _page.turner.
380 reviews
November 15, 2019
Dance or Die is one of those books that will stay with you. No matter how many other books you read, DoD will stick because just like it’s distant cousin, Naked or Dead, it’s just that good.

Dance or Die follows the story of a girl, formerly Mallory Newman, now Scandal Oaks, as she makes her way to a new foster family and starts a new chapter in her life. After a series of events, Scandal is forced to form a dance trio with two other boys, Presley and Carter. Things start off incredibly bumpy, but soon the group finds their footing.

But eventually Scandal’s past comes back around and she needs to make a decision; will she fight against those who have caused her harm, or will she let it go and figure it isn’t worth it anymore?

I loved Scandal’s story, of her finding her way and finding her true family, the one she chooses to create for herself. I loved the growth between Scandal, Presley, and Carter and how their bonds strengthens over time. This is such a heavy story, one of tense emotions and heartache, but also one about forgiveness and love as well.

There are little Easter eggs that connect this to Naked or Dead and those were so much fun to look for, too! Did you find them all??
35 reviews
November 17, 2019
Another "one-nighter" for me, and trust me, with how busy and tired I am it's not happening to me often. That says a lot about Alex Murphy, because it's mostly her books that I just can't put down until I read the last words of epilogue. "Dance or Die" was something unexpected for me, because even though I knew it will be same type like "Naked or Dead", this time it was a step further into the fantasy/paranormal side of genre, and at first I wasn't really happy with it, I mean, I like it more paranormal rather than fantasy, which for me means - everything you read could happen in real life. The scene from the motel was just too much fantasy for me, but beside that it was again gerat book from Alex. She again went for tabo topic, that probably not many will like, but I think she did great job with approaching it. I laughed, I cried, my heart broke many times - especially in relation to Scandal and her foster parents. Again - nobody is perfect and deserves second chance, even when it seems like impossible task - that book touches so many topics, that you can discover at least one thing, that will steal your heart. That book is only for open-minded people, so believe in this author, and give it a go. I'm happy I did again, and always will.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,903 reviews21 followers
December 22, 2019
Why can we only give 5 stars??? I'd easily give this story so much more than 5 if I could!
So I've been a bit of an AE Murphy binge reader the last few months and I've been loving everything I've read but wow her books just keep getting better and better in my opinion!
I was HOOKED in this story so quickly I couldnt put it down even if I'd wanted to... I needed to know what was happening next and what way the story would go next.
Keren had had an incredibly soul destroying life up to date and didnt expect anything to be different until a new foster family and 2 guys who hated her started to change her for the better.
Hurt loss drama emotions love heartbreak laughter and so much hotness this read has it all!
Presley and Carter are amazing.. the relationship between friends and Keren was just incredible and makes you so happy for them all with how it works out.
A E Murphy & Xela Knight you have smashed it out the park with this book!
Would highly recommend it to everyone and anyone!!!
Profile Image for Just A Little Book Addiction.
506 reviews44 followers
December 20, 2019
I loved this book and devoured it in one day. I couldn't put it down. I felt every emotion while reading this... happy, sad, frustrated, angry, shocked, excited, and freaking devastated! I was bawling at one point while reading what Scandal has had to endure during her life and when she finally let her emotions show. During that scene she was raw, exposed, vulnerable, and at the same time so strong. I also loved her dynamic with both Presley and Carter. Both guys are super swoon-worthy and fit her in their own unique way. Carter is the more carefree one who makes her laugh while Presley is the brooding jerk who takes out his personal life frustrations on her. But underneath his rough exterior, he really is a sweetheart who is fiercely loyal and protective to those he loves... and once he lets his guard down, Scandal easily becomes one of those people for him.

Also, if you have read her book Naked or Dead, look for the connections between these two books. There are so many little things that could be easy to miss if you're not paying attention. It also gives you a glimpse into who may be the main character (or one of them) for her upcoming supernatural series! I can't wait to see what else she comes up with!
Profile Image for Lauren miss.reads.alot.
102 reviews11 followers
December 19, 2019
Wow! Just Wow! Alex has stunned me once again. I sat down to read this book, knowing I was going to read it in one sitting and that I wasn't going to get any sleep and I was completely right. Keren/Scandal's life is do tragic and hard to handle that watching her life become so much more then so could imagine is just everything. The whole story was mindboggling and exciting that I was enraptured the whole time. And lets not forget the sex, because, for being her first non m/f book, you would never know. The scenes we hot without being over the top. Also, trying to find the links between Naked or Dead just added a whole new level to the book. I never thought I would love a book, or cry as hard, as I did when I read NOD, but DOD is right there with it. I sincerely hope there is more to come in this world because I am not ready to see it go.
Profile Image for Monika.
45 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2019
Scandal - yes, it is.
Mallory is Scandal because she said so. The hand life had dealt her as Mallory had been a tough one. So she decided to ditch it. Scandal as a person is nice, strong, compassionate and bold. I just loved her personality.
The story started as a regular YA one and quite fast developed into a seriously complex and quite piquant adult literature. Keep an open mind and you'll enjoy the book very much. It just grabs you by the short and curlies and won't let go until you are finished and perhaps not even then. It was mesmerizing to see the story unfold.
Thank you Ms. Murphy!
Profile Image for Mom Seeks Smut.
429 reviews31 followers
December 20, 2019
Wow. This book.

It tore my heart out. Mallory is dealt a really bad hand at life. Like, a reallllllllly bad hand. And not just once but over and over again, her life was just one living hell. So as the story begins she is hard, unlikeable, mean and just heartless on her blows to anyone in her wake. But, even at her worst she gives little bits of humor. These tiny pieces you can’t help but hold on to.

When she’s given a new chance at life, my heart just sings! But, she knows nothings is as good as it seems and she is right.
Profile Image for Gizel Alvarez.
581 reviews76 followers
December 21, 2019
Loved and Satified with the end

This is one of those books that you loose sleep to know what's next because not only did each chapter hold a new development but the interactions of the characters just kept me with an insane hunger for more.

With a paranormal twist, I wonder will we get more on said queen avenger as I've dubbed the appearance of an unexpected character.
I will say some subject touches can be hard to read thru however it only added to the admiration for the heroine.
134 reviews19 followers
March 7, 2021
I am so fucking confused.
And... turned on?
But like, more confused than anything.
And frustrated that I didn't get the JUSTICE I wanted for Scandal/Mallory/Keren.
I WANT JUSTICE, BITCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I loved this book, really I did, I love everything AE Murphy writes, because shes a wizard with words and plot twists.
But, the weird half chapter that was PNR... i was... Confused?
Like, really.
Really, really.
339 reviews7 followers
November 17, 2019
Fantastic, loved it. A gripping page turner that I struggled to put down, darn you life and the things we must do.
I loved the story line, the characters were amazing and the chemistry was off the charts! If you’re looking for something a little different, a little dark, a little edgy, then this is the book for you!
Profile Image for Kristy Odom.
1,569 reviews40 followers
December 21, 2019
I loved this book! I felt every emotion that Scandal felt. I wanted to cry for her. Presley and Carter are swoon worthy. They seriously made me sigh. I loved Stanley and Lane. They gave her a home, and then the the twist! There is so much more I could say, but I will leave you with... you need to read this book! I didn’t see this one coming. It truly hit me in the heart!💗
6 reviews3 followers
December 23, 2019
As usual her books are EVERYTHING and this one surely doesnt disappoint!

Raw, hard, harsh and perfect! Keeps you on your toes and reading on and on because you just need to know what comes next!

The story is flawless, the characters are unlikeable until you suddenly find yourself loving them!

Be warned it has triggers and touches some very sensitive subjects. You will feel pain, sadness, anger and a lot of love.

That said... do yourself a favor and read this book! You wont regret it and I promise the author will become one of your favs as is mine!
87 reviews
November 27, 2019
This book was amazing completely blew me away I could not put it down. I loved every character and the story line was perfect. Definately a 5 star read.
Profile Image for Diane Norwood For The Love of Pimping.
154 reviews4 followers
December 17, 2019
Quite interesting. Had me trying to figure out who Scandal's father was. The intensity between Scandal, Presley, and Carter was out of this world. I couldn't help but to like each of these characters equally.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews