Hannah and Scarlett are best friends going to college together. One day, they meet Thomas and they quickly become tight knit with him as well. They begin playing the Daring game, leaving each other dares that keep escalating until one goes very wrong. Thomas ends up expelled from college and moves back home. Fast forward to the present day, and Hannah is very unhappy in her marriage and bored of her daily life as a housewife. One day, Thomas reappears and so does the Daring game which quickly turns bad.

I felt like I was reading a raunchy popcorn thriller. I didn’t really care for this one, but I couldn’t look away. It was cringey, but in a good way? Right off the bat, Hannah was unlikeable. But you wanted to know what she was going to do next. I found it predictable, but far fetched. Was this entertaining? Yes. Was it realistic? Nope.

"For fans of Riley Sager and Wendy Walker, Jessica Hamilton’s Don’t You Dare is a searing look at the things we are willing to do in the name of friendship; a spine-tingling suspense filled with secrets and lies."

I really enjoyed this book, as a mother I understand how the sameness of everyday can make you think about doing crazy things just to feel something new. Hannah is ready to join in the Daring Game again only it brings consequences she didn't think through.

Firstly I wouldn’t really class this book as a YA thriller. Just a thriller would probably be more accurate.
Fairly well written with a decent albeit predictable plot, I couldn’t quite warm to any of the characters and they seemed childish and unrealistic.
That said, there were a few surprising twists and it rolled along at a mediocre pace, I finished the book, guessed the ending beforehand but enjoyed nevertheless.

Don't you dare is a YA drama I found very difficult to love. I picked up this book thinking it would be a mystery/thriller but this definitely was neither - I felt obligated to power through the book nonetheless. I really hope books are classified correctly so they can reach the right audience and reviewing would be unbiased. The main characters were unappealing & vapid mostly acting like teenagers (though I empathized with Hannah). The ending was predictable you could see it a mile off. Reading through the various silly things Hannah does was a tiring experience for me. Sadly this wasn't a book for me.
Thank you Netgalley, Crooked Lane Books & Jessica Hamilton for the arc!

This was a fun, twisty, and unexpectedly but pleasantly smutty read. I didn't particularly care for most of the characters but I did enjoy the story even if it was a bit predictable and required me to suspend my disbelief. Not a literary masterpiece but certainly a good rainy day or vacation read.

In "Don't You Dare" by Jessica Hamilton, friendship turns into a dangerous game with high stakes and deadly consequences. With shades of Riley Sager and Wendy Walker, Hamilton crafts a gripping tale of secrets, lies, and betrayal that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. When best friends Hannah and Scarlett meet Thomas in college, they become entangled in a perilous game of dares that pushes boundaries and tests loyalties. Sixteen years later, Hannah receives a mysterious letter from Thomas reigniting the dangerous game they once played. As the stakes escalate and someone threatens to expose their secrets, Hannah is forced to confront the truth about her past and the people she thought she knew. With twists and turns aplenty, "Don't You Dare" is a chilling thriller that delves into the darkest corners of friendship and obsession. Hamilton's sharp prose and relentless pacing make this a must-read for fans of psychological suspense.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review*

A great thriller - I would recommend it!

This book had me hooked from the very beginning. I loved the twists and turns that had me guessing until the end.

A unique story with great characters and enough suspense to keep you reading "just one more chapter" until you realized you read the whole thing in one sitting! 5 stars!!

Firstly I liked the pacing, it never got too slow or boring at any point. I also liked the flashbacks to the past, giving more insight into the characters lives and how they came to be in this position. Overall the plot was ok, I guessed at some twists but not at others. It wasn’t clear quite what was going on until the very end which I liked, nothing was made too obvious.

The downsides for me: there was a lot of sex, I thought this was supposed to be a thriller? I didn’t find a single character likeable, with the main character being irritating and just childish at times.

The book has a rather YA feel even though the plot should lends itself to anything but. I think what I struggled with the most is how unrealistic this felt given Hannah was a mom and as a mom myself, I could not related at ALL to her decisions. I know it is a thriller so you have to get rid of some of reality and I have no problem doing so in other books yet in this one I found it really hard to do and ultimately that greatly impacted my overall perception of the book.

📄✏️Book Review:
Title: Don't You Dare
Author: Jessica Hamilton
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/4 stars

Sometimes, a dare can go too far.

Hannah is mid 30's, unhappily married with two children. She's a stay at home mother who spends way too much time stalking Scarlett, her college friend, on Instagram, drinking and getting too caught up in her fictional novels. Anything she can do to escape what is now her life.

Then, out of nowhere, she receives a letter from Thomas, the man she was head over heels in love with in college. In this letter is a dare. This was something they did, along with another mutual friend, Scarlett, back in college. Remember I mentioned her above? Thomas dares Hannah to meet him. While the game of dares was exciting and fun, it also became dangerous when one of the dares ended in tragedy.

Is this the excitement that Hannah's been looking for in her dull life, or is this just the beginning of more danger?

Published: May 16th, 2023

Thank you, @netgalley and @crookedlanebooks, for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

3.5/5
This book was steamy. I thought overall it was a really entertaining read and it was hard to put down. It was hard to root for Hannah or really any of the characters as they were all majorly flawed. I didn't see the ending coming at all. I feel like this could be a hit for many reader, but just not sure it was a me book as really the "thriller" was the cheating spouses and their games.

Excellent, solid thriller. This had all the makings of a great read - well done character development, solid twists and the right amount of suspense to keep me engaged.

"Don't You Dare" by Jessica Hamilton is an electrifying, rollercoaster of a psychological thriller that left me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. This captivating novel is an absolute gem that deserves all the praise it can get.

Hamilton's storytelling prowess is evident throughout the book. Her writing style is crisp, descriptive, and masterful, making it effortless for readers to immerse themselves in the dark and suspenseful world she has created. The pacing is perfect, with just the right balance of tension, twists, and revelations that kept me guessing at every turn.

The characters in "Don't You Dare" are exceptionally well-drawn, complex, and multi-dimensional. I found myself deeply invested in their fates, and Hamilton's ability to create such relatable and believable characters in such a chilling and surreal setting is truly commendable.

The plot is a heart-pounding exploration of fear, trust, and the depths of the human psyche. With every chapter, I was drawn deeper into the mystery, unable to put the book down as I sought to uncover the truth behind the gripping events that unfolded.

Jessica Hamilton has managed to craft a thriller that not only keeps you glued to the pages but also leaves you reflecting long after you've finished the book. "Don't You Dare" is a gripping and unforgettable read, and I can't recommend it enough to fans of the psychological thriller genre. It's a masterclass in suspense and storytelling, and I eagerly anticipate more from this talented author in the future.

Let me begin by saying:
I had so much fun with this book!

Hannah is a lonely and unhappy mother of two who is bored with her mundane routine lifestyle when she receives a letter inviting her to renew the 'daring game,' a game well known to her in college. The game goes like this: Make a dare. the dares get more dangerous as they come, and in college it ends in disaster. Fast forward 16 years later, and Hannah is more than ready to begin again. Boredom can totally cause bad decision making...

All in all I really enjoyed this title! I though the dare game was super exciting, which was the whole reason for me picking this book in the first place. The characters were so enjoyable. I have a special place in my heart for books that involve possibly deadly and dangerous games, and this hit the spot.

The only criticism I could even possibly have is that I do wish it were a bit darker.

I'm a disturbed soul, what can I say?

This was an ok book! I felt the concept a little immature for grown adults to be playing, but it wasn't a bad book to read!

Rating: 3.3/5
Author Read Alikes: Jennifer Fawcett, C.J. Cooke, Rachel Harrison
In Short: Slow crawl of intrigue, but unlikeable characters.

This one took me a while to review, because I honestly didn't know how to feel about this book. It offers some early intrigue, but my biggest issue is I didn't feel connected to these characters, nor feel any of them were likeable. I wasn't into the idea that a grown woman with a family would play "the daring game", despite her considerable issues.
I feel like one read closer to a YA and I was searching to find a deeper connection to Hannah and I personally didn't find it. In saying all of this, there was enough intrigue and hints to make me want to get to the end. Hannah's husband comes off as controlling and annoying, so that's the one thing that made me want to root for her!
I can see others really enjoying this book, but it wasn't my thing (hence the middle rating).

This was a DNF for me at about 50%. I really did try to like it but it felt ridiculously juvenile. A story about grown adults playing a dare game had potential but this was like two teenagers picking up where they left off, having not grown one iota over the years, seriously stunted humans. What little storyline there was between the nonstop sex scenes (I mean, seriously, we get it) just highlighted how unlikable the characters were and I lost interest in even finding out what the twist was..

Book Review: “Don’t You Dare” by Jessica Hamilton

⭐⭐⭐.5 of of 5 stars

Summary

When Hannah and Scarlett meet Thomas in college, the chemistry between them is immediate. They become closer as they engage in the Daring Game, a series of escalating dares. However, their bond is tested when jealousy arises, and Scarlett dares Thomas one last time, leading to a tragic outcome. Thomas is expelled from school and disappears without a trace, seemingly putting an end to the Daring Game.

Sixteen years later, Hannah finds herself trapped in an unhappy marriage and a dissatisfying life. Then, out of the blue, she receives a mysterious email from Thomas himself about the Daring Game. With Scarlett no longer in the picture, the spark between Hannah and Thomas reignites. They decide to return to where it all began, only to be confronted with a single dare: to tell the truth.

But there’s a twist. Someone else is playing the game too, someone who knows about Hannah and Thomas’s affair. A cryptic message left in Hannah’s house warns her: “Don’t You Dare.” With a long list of potential suspects, including her nosy neighbor Libby and her vengeful husband, Hannah must risk everything she holds dear to uncover the truth.

Review

First off, let’s appreciate the captivating cover of “Don’t You Dare” by Jessica Hamilton. It draws you in and sets the tone for an intriguing mystery. Now, let’s delve into my thoughts on the book.

1. Engaging Writing Style

Hamilton’s writing style is highly readable and keeps you turning the pages. The narrative flows smoothly, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the story. The fast pace adds to the overall tension and excitement, making it difficult to put the book down.

2. Intriguing Plot

The plot of “Don’t You Dare” is undoubtedly intriguing. The concept of the Daring Game adds a thrilling twist, as each dare becomes riskier than the last. The mystery surrounding Thomas’ sudden disappearance and his reappearance years later pulls readers into a web of suspense and anticipation.

3. Juvenile Elements

One aspect that may divide readers is the perception of the Daring Game coming off as juvenile for middle-aged adults. While some may find it adds a unique layer to the story, others might feel that it detracts from the seriousness of the overall plot.

4. Underdeveloped Characters

In terms of character development, “Don’t You Dare” falls slightly short of expectations. While the plot takes center stage, the characters could have been more fleshed out. None of them come across as particularly likable, which may be intentional for the purpose of creating a sense of suspicion and mistrust.

5. Overall Entertainment Value

Despite its minor flaws, “Don’t You Dare” manages to entertain readers throughout its entirety. The combination of a gripping plot, fast-paced writing, and mysterious elements keeps readers engaged until the very end. While it may not blow you away, it certainly delivers an enjoyable reading experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Don’t You Dare” by Jessica Hamilton presents an intriguing mystery that will keep readers hooked until the final page. With a fast-paced writing style and an engaging plot, it successfully captures the essence of suspense and anticipation. While some elements may come off as slightly juvenile and the characters could have been more developed, it ultimately provides an entertaining reading experience.

If you’re seeking a thrilling mystery that will keep you guessing until the end, “Don’t You Dare” is definitely worth adding to your reading list. So dare to uncover the truth and immerse yourself in this captivating tale by Jessica Hamilton.

**ARC Via NetGalley**