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Dare #1
I Dare You
What do you do when the devil has you in his sights? You show him that you can play his game. Austin Lowes is new to town. She's running from a mom who hates her to her dad who cares nothing about her. Only a few months and she will be free, or at least, that's what she hopes ... until she meets him.Cole Reynolds is the devil disguised as a man. He wants her fear, he wants her blood, and he wants her soul. Just a little game, he says, I dare you. Will Austin survive him, or will she lose herself and the game? Secrets are revealed and justice will be served, but at what cost? Who survives and who doesn't?Due to mature content and themes this book is recommended for readers aged eighteen and over. I Dare You is a full-length novel, 123k words. The first in the Dare Series, but can be read as a standalone.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2018
5,205 people are currently reading
29.8k people want to read
About the author
Shantel Tessier
65 books29.3k followersShantel is a USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author. She lives in Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, who is a wonderful, supportive husband and their two daughters. She loves to spend time cuddled up on the couch with a good book. Although she has a passion to write, her family is most important to her.
Email her at: Shanteltessierassistant@gmail.com
Email her at: Shanteltessierassistant@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,683 reviews
June 12, 2018
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! I Dare You (stand-alone). Dark erotic suspense centered around a group of high school seniors, sinister dares, seduction & deadly secrets!
“We’re like the devil is to sin. Without one, we wouldn’t have the other.”
I Dare You (stand-alone) opens up to 17-year old student Austin Anne Lowes moving in with her wealthy father in a new town. After witnessing a crime she is becomes the target of pursuit and seduction by 17-year old heir, high school senior and swimmer Cole Ethan Reynolds.
At first Cole just wants to toy with Austin, but his plan is quickly derailed by mind-blowing sex and possessiveness. Follow them in wicked and dangerous games of I dare you hiding dangerous truths, sinister revenge, decade-old cover-ups, envy, jealousy, love, hate and murder….
Told from dual POV, it’s a is a dark erotic suspense thick on plot and mystery. Don’t be fooled by their age, these teenagers get it on; no expense spared, nothing off-limits. Set against the backdrop of the games they play it’s a race against time with shocking pasts, buried secrets and sinister forces out to hurt them.
Decadent! Dark! Devious!
“Since I first laid eyes on Austin Lowes, I’ve wanted to control her. Own her. Hurt her.”
***
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★1/2
Story ending: ★★★★1/2
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | HIGH FOCUS |
Humor: | LOW FOCUS |
Kink: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Romance: | HIGH FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | HIGH FOCUS |
Suspense: | HIGH FOCUS |
July 16, 2018
"My father says I was born a fighter. He would say if a man can’t use his hands, then what is he good for? The only difference is that my father pays to use someone else’s hands."
DNF at 37%
I guess this book just goes to show how much characters can make or break a story.
____________
╭∩╮(-_-)╭∩╮
When I saw the blurb for I Dare You, I got excited and like usual - I started hyping the book up in my head before I even started reading it. I love the dark romance genre and this being the first of a new author I was trying out, I thought it was a win both ways. Both those things are risks that I love taking.
In all fairness, the plot was the least of my problems with this. In fact, had it not been for the plot, I wouldn't have even read on to the part that I did.
When Austin Lowes arrives in town in effort to get away from her mother - her homecoming welcome gift is bearing witness to cold blooded murder. Conducted none other by our main hero, Cole Reynolds! Cole seemingly hears Austin and then hunts her down to threaten her into silence. ONLY WAIT! Austin is actually pretty?? Cole is actually hot for a murderer???
...
So the only obvious answer (come on, guys) is to.... ASK AUSTIN TO JOIN HIS LITTLE MERRY MEN TRAVELING BAND OF FUCKING PSYCHOPATHS.
...
ONLY WAIT! They're all good looking!
Even though I say that with malice and mischief, I really did like the sound of it - no matter how awkwardly plotted and unbelievably unrealistic it was. What pulled me in was the promise of some hot scenes and even hotter swimmermen boys.
┌∩┐(◕◡◉)┌∩┐
Austin and Cole.
I cannot think about them without screaming. To put it very bluntly, I hated Cole and Austin annoyed me. I felt zero chemistry and it all felt too forced and unreal. If there is one thing I really dislike that is repeatedly accomplished by dark romance authors is ensuring that their girls are pushovers.
The concept of this book was senseless and structure-less to begin with, but then sprinkle two main characters that absolutely made me cringe and want to throw my kindle across the room. There was not a chapter that went by where I didn't highlight dialogue or a quote on my kindle and note how awful it was. It would be bad readership if I stroke out this author after having read one novel, so if there is a time when I see another book that they write that peaks my interest - I will pick it up. However, I Dare You and me were like repelling magnets and I can’t get myself to pick up where I left this and give it another chance.
DNF at 37%
I guess this book just goes to show how much characters can make or break a story.
____________
╭∩╮(-_-)╭∩╮
When I saw the blurb for I Dare You, I got excited and like usual - I started hyping the book up in my head before I even started reading it. I love the dark romance genre and this being the first of a new author I was trying out, I thought it was a win both ways. Both those things are risks that I love taking.
In all fairness, the plot was the least of my problems with this. In fact, had it not been for the plot, I wouldn't have even read on to the part that I did.
When Austin Lowes arrives in town in effort to get away from her mother - her homecoming welcome gift is bearing witness to cold blooded murder. Conducted none other by our main hero, Cole Reynolds! Cole seemingly hears Austin and then hunts her down to threaten her into silence. ONLY WAIT! Austin is actually pretty?? Cole is actually hot for a murderer???
...
So the only obvious answer (come on, guys) is to.... ASK AUSTIN TO JOIN HIS LITTLE MERRY MEN TRAVELING BAND OF FUCKING PSYCHOPATHS.
...
ONLY WAIT! They're all good looking!
Even though I say that with malice and mischief, I really did like the sound of it - no matter how awkwardly plotted and unbelievably unrealistic it was. What pulled me in was the promise of some hot scenes and even hotter swimmer
“These waters are infested with sharks. And you are bleeding.” She looks over my shoulder at Cole, then back at me. “But there are worse ways to die.”
┌∩┐(◕◡◉)┌∩┐
Austin and Cole.
I cannot think about them without screaming. To put it very bluntly, I hated Cole and Austin annoyed me. I felt zero chemistry and it all felt too forced and unreal. If there is one thing I really dislike that is repeatedly accomplished by dark romance authors is ensuring that their girls are pushovers.
The concept of this book was senseless and structure-less to begin with, but then sprinkle two main characters that absolutely made me cringe and want to throw my kindle across the room. There was not a chapter that went by where I didn't highlight dialogue or a quote on my kindle and note how awful it was. It would be bad readership if I stroke out this author after having read one novel, so if there is a time when I see another book that they write that peaks my interest - I will pick it up. However, I Dare You and me were like repelling magnets and I can’t get myself to pick up where I left this and give it another chance.
“He’s a manwhore, don’t get me wrong, but he is very discreet about who he takes to bed"
May 30, 2018
RATINGS: 1 STAR FOR DARING TO WRITE A TRASHY BOOK
WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS AND CURSING. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.
I want to laugh at myself for daring to read this book. I don't know how this book ended up in my tbr shelf but it's making me to check all the books in the shelf. Well, I didn't expect much from this book from the beginning because of the book cover (yeah, it's painful to the eyes) but what I didn't expect was that the book would be so trashy and degrading. No offence but I really want to ask all the people out there who rated this book 4/ 5 stars that which version of the book they received because honestly, the version which I got was a crap. I want my money and time back because the book wasn't worth it.
So let's get why I didn't like the book. Firstly, I would like to introduce Austin and Cole to everyone. Austin was a typical Mary Sue with a bark but no sting. She is supposed to be a badass but all we get is a stupid, whiny, spineless and violent girl. Nothing could make me feel connected to this girl because she could have finished the story in the beginning itself. What would a normal person do if he/ she sees that an unwilling man is dragged to the forest by five boys? Well, I think one would have called the police but guess what, Austin was such a badass that she followed them and didn't bother to inform this incident to the police. Then comes Cole, who is one of the five boys. He is sick bastard who is obsessed with blood, violence and fight. He took and destroyed lives for his own entertainment (honestly, I don't think the reason for his actions they've given in the book is enough explanation) and it would be no surprise if he gets landed behind the bars in future but what we get instead is his happy ending. I didn't get why everybody obeyed his orders and were timid around him. And he seriously needed a psych ward because I was almost going to throw up while reading his POV. Like in one of the chapters, his thoughts were:
I'm not surprised, considering she burned a body and crushed the bones with a hammer. I like her creativity. It's sexy.
Are you getting what I am trying to say?
Well, there wasn't any chemistry between the protagonists. Austin was a pushover who obeyed Cole’s commands without giving much of a protest and thinking about how it'll affect her life and Cole was a selfish asshole who didn't consider the feelings of the others. The obsession and possessiveness of Cole towards Austin was suffocating and torturous. It wouldn't be a surprise if Cole made Austin to have a tattoo of his name on her head. I couldn't comprehend anything that was going on between them. The secondary characters were like some names mentioned in the book without having any role. The antagonists were nearly invisible in the entire book. The beginning of the story was brutal and it ended up in a cheesy way. I don't know whether to laugh or get angry on myself to read a book which was pointless. We get no reasons or clarifications of why the characters are so violent and volatile in the entire book. The author just wrapped up the book when he/ she (I am not bothering to know who the person is) felt like the book should end. The book didn't make any sense. And did I mention that the protagonists are in high school and are with a bunch of rich brats? There were ridiculous dares out of which some were outright illegal. I didn't get why this characters needed such dares.
Here, I am stopping my ranting and ending up my review. The book was the worst and I just want to forget that I have ever read this book. Please excuse all my spelling and grammatical errors because I didn't bother to check the review as I am in a hurry to forget about it.
Thank you to everyone who have taken a trouble to read this review. Happy Reading!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I don't know whether I'll end up liking this book but I know I'm going to like having buddy read with the daredevil Kim Possible . Let's do this, girl!
WARNING: CONTAINS SPOILERS AND CURSING. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.
I want to laugh at myself for daring to read this book. I don't know how this book ended up in my tbr shelf but it's making me to check all the books in the shelf. Well, I didn't expect much from this book from the beginning because of the book cover (yeah, it's painful to the eyes) but what I didn't expect was that the book would be so trashy and degrading. No offence but I really want to ask all the people out there who rated this book 4/ 5 stars that which version of the book they received because honestly, the version which I got was a crap. I want my money and time back because the book wasn't worth it.
So let's get why I didn't like the book. Firstly, I would like to introduce Austin and Cole to everyone. Austin was a typical Mary Sue with a bark but no sting. She is supposed to be a badass but all we get is a stupid, whiny, spineless and violent girl. Nothing could make me feel connected to this girl because she could have finished the story in the beginning itself. What would a normal person do if he/ she sees that an unwilling man is dragged to the forest by five boys? Well, I think one would have called the police but guess what, Austin was such a badass that she followed them and didn't bother to inform this incident to the police. Then comes Cole, who is one of the five boys. He is sick bastard who is obsessed with blood, violence and fight. He took and destroyed lives for his own entertainment (honestly, I don't think the reason for his actions they've given in the book is enough explanation) and it would be no surprise if he gets landed behind the bars in future but what we get instead is his happy ending. I didn't get why everybody obeyed his orders and were timid around him. And he seriously needed a psych ward because I was almost going to throw up while reading his POV. Like in one of the chapters, his thoughts were:
I'm not surprised, considering she burned a body and crushed the bones with a hammer. I like her creativity. It's sexy.
Are you getting what I am trying to say?
Well, there wasn't any chemistry between the protagonists. Austin was a pushover who obeyed Cole’s commands without giving much of a protest and thinking about how it'll affect her life and Cole was a selfish asshole who didn't consider the feelings of the others. The obsession and possessiveness of Cole towards Austin was suffocating and torturous. It wouldn't be a surprise if Cole made Austin to have a tattoo of his name on her head. I couldn't comprehend anything that was going on between them. The secondary characters were like some names mentioned in the book without having any role. The antagonists were nearly invisible in the entire book. The beginning of the story was brutal and it ended up in a cheesy way. I don't know whether to laugh or get angry on myself to read a book which was pointless. We get no reasons or clarifications of why the characters are so violent and volatile in the entire book. The author just wrapped up the book when he/ she (I am not bothering to know who the person is) felt like the book should end. The book didn't make any sense. And did I mention that the protagonists are in high school and are with a bunch of rich brats? There were ridiculous dares out of which some were outright illegal. I didn't get why this characters needed such dares.
Here, I am stopping my ranting and ending up my review. The book was the worst and I just want to forget that I have ever read this book. Please excuse all my spelling and grammatical errors because I didn't bother to check the review as I am in a hurry to forget about it.
Thank you to everyone who have taken a trouble to read this review. Happy Reading!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I don't know whether I'll end up liking this book but I know I'm going to like having buddy read with the daredevil Kim Possible . Let's do this, girl!
April 20, 2018
~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~Well, color me impressed because this book turned out to be all kinds of awesome. It actually reminded me a little of Corrupt by Penelope Douglas. The writing was fantastic. The pace was very good considering that this was a LONG book. It took me near to six hours to finish it. It is told in a dual POV style (Cole & Austin). The plot was super engaging and had me skipping my lunch so I could see where this was heading. There were twists and turns. Secrets and lies. Blood and death, and revenge, lots of revenge. Last, it was all wrapped up in an OK ending <--- this is where it lost half a star for me. I thought the ending was a little abrupt, and it felt a little rushed. I felt like it needed a chapter or two more to wrap the story up.
~HERO~
COLE...Cole was a complete a$$hole through a lot of this book, but I couldn't help but love him. He was devious. He was dangerous. He was angry. Most of the time I didn't know if I wanted to smack the everloving sh!t out of him or give him a hug. He was a complex character for sure.
~HEROINE~
AUSTIN...I really liked Austin's character as well. Although there were many times I wanted to smack her upside the head and say; "WAKE THE F@CK UP!" That said, she was also strong. She was feisty. She held her own with the GWS (Great White Sharks). She was a very good heroine.
~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
There were some awesome secondary characters in this one. I LOVED Becky. I LOVED Deke <--- I really hope these two get a book of their own. I was also intrigued by Shane, Brennet, and Kellen, and Lilly was cute as well. A lot of them play quite large parts in this book that made it all the more excellent of a read.
~HEAT LEVEL~
Medium. For high school students, these peeps sure did get around (lol). The sex scenes were suitably spicy, and the frequency was fairly high. There is also some rough sex and choking.
~ANGST LEVEL - SEXUAL HISTORIES~
High. This was a pretty angsty read. All of it coming from secrets and lies. There are a lot of acrimonious scenes between the hero and heroine. A little bit of physical abuse. Blackmail. Stuff like that. Neither were virgins. The hero had been celibate for 9 months (although he was a manwhore prior to that). The heroine only had one previous lover (I think). There was really no OW or OM drama to speak of.
~IN THE END~
I enjoyed this one a whole hell of a lot. The writing was great. The plot was engaging. The main characters intriguing. The secondary characters were awesome. The sex hot. It had a good amount of angst that didn't come in the form of other people <--- my favorite type. If the ending had been just a teensy bit more fleshed out, I would have totally given this a 5-star rating. There is really not much left for me to say...just read it and enjoy it.
May 14, 2018
★ 4 “I dare you” stars!! ★
Tenho que dizer que esse livro me surpreendeu porque eu não achava que ia curtir tanto e ficar totalmente presa como fiquei.
Eu gostei da Austin, personagem de gênio forte e com atitude. Fiquei muito impressionada e de boca aberta, em uma cena em especial logo no início, pois jamais passou pela minha cabeça que ela teria a audácia e coragem de tal ato. No entanto, no desenrolar da trama achei que ela perdeu um pouco da sua força. Houve vezes que tive vontade de sacudi-la, pois queria ter visto ela se impor mais, desafiar mais, bater de frente mesmo. *Aliás, ainda espero por um livro nesse estilo onde a mocinha bata de frente durante toda a trama.* Mesmo assim, até agora, dentre as histórias que li nessa vibe, a Austin é a personagem que mais me agradou.
Já o Cole é aquele tipo de mocinho que você quer estrangular durante quase o livro todo. Entretanto, tenho que confessar que fiquei com um grande dilema, pois não sabia se batia ou se dava colo. Definitivamente um personagem complexo e ao mesmo tempo cativante, mesmo sendo um completo idiota...
Passei boa parte do livro com raiva dele e não concordando com suas atitudes, mas no final, acabei me rendendo, rs.
Eu gostei muito dos personagens secundários, acho que cada um teve seu destaque e um papel importante durante a trama. Adorei a interação quando todos se reuniam.
Apesar de ter gostado de quase tudo, ainda assim achei o final um pouco corrido em comparação ao ritmo que a história seguiu a partir do início.
E também não aprovei como algumas situações foram “resolvidas”.
Quero destacar o que eu realmente gostei nessa leitura. Sem sombra de dúvidas, foi a escrita e narrativa, completamente envolvente e viciante. Embora seja um livro longo, eu não vi a hora passar e em nenhum momento senti a leitura ficar entediante ou arrastada, o que geralmente acontece comigo. Pelo contrário, esse livro me consumiu e não consegui parar de ler, simplesmente devorei!
Uma ótima e surpreendente leitura e valeu a pena cada página!
Tenho que dizer que esse livro me surpreendeu porque eu não achava que ia curtir tanto e ficar totalmente presa como fiquei.
“I wanna watch tears roll down your beautiful face because I think you’re gorgeous when you cry. I wanna see blood on your flawless skin because you look like a priceless work of art.”
Eu gostei da Austin, personagem de gênio forte e com atitude. Fiquei muito impressionada e de boca aberta, em uma cena em especial logo no início, pois jamais passou pela minha cabeça que ela teria a audácia e coragem de tal ato. No entanto, no desenrolar da trama achei que ela perdeu um pouco da sua força. Houve vezes que tive vontade de sacudi-la, pois queria ter visto ela se impor mais, desafiar mais, bater de frente mesmo. *Aliás, ainda espero por um livro nesse estilo onde a mocinha bata de frente durante toda a trama.* Mesmo assim, até agora, dentre as histórias que li nessa vibe, a Austin é a personagem que mais me agradou.
“Even the devil catches feelings, or he wouldn’t go into rages. Even he knows how to love.”
Já o Cole é aquele tipo de mocinho que você quer estrangular durante quase o livro todo. Entretanto, tenho que confessar que fiquei com um grande dilema, pois não sabia se batia ou se dava colo. Definitivamente um personagem complexo e ao mesmo tempo cativante, mesmo sendo um completo idiota...
Passei boa parte do livro com raiva dele e não concordando com suas atitudes, mas no final, acabei me rendendo, rs.
“And you’ve always been the kind of guy who would burn this town down if given a reason.”
Eu gostei muito dos personagens secundários, acho que cada um teve seu destaque e um papel importante durante a trama. Adorei a interação quando todos se reuniam.
Apesar de ter gostado de quase tudo, ainda assim achei o final um pouco corrido em comparação ao ritmo que a história seguiu a partir do início.
E também não aprovei como algumas situações foram “resolvidas”.
“She’s sick.
She’s twisted.
She’s fucking perfect.”
Quero destacar o que eu realmente gostei nessa leitura. Sem sombra de dúvidas, foi a escrita e narrativa, completamente envolvente e viciante. Embora seja um livro longo, eu não vi a hora passar e em nenhum momento senti a leitura ficar entediante ou arrastada, o que geralmente acontece comigo. Pelo contrário, esse livro me consumiu e não consegui parar de ler, simplesmente devorei!
Uma ótima e surpreendente leitura e valeu a pena cada página!
May 21, 2018
4.25 Twisted Stars
I randomly picked up this book. I was looking for a dark read and I got it. If you are a fan of L.J. Shen’s books, then you will LOVE I Dare You. It reminds me a lot of Vicious and that series.
The book isn’t angsty but oh boy there is some major sexual tension between Cole and Austin (she’s a girl) no MM read. Well, it’s a little angsty.
If you like a book where the guy is a complete asshole and majority of the book he is an asshole then this book is for you.
Cole is damaged. His three best friends died in a car accident and he’s trying to atone for his sins. By getting revenge and doing what ever he wants. Him and his buds like to do Dares, but it’s not the typical dares you do. Sometimes it involves killing.
I am surprised to say I liked Cole. I usually don’t go for asshole guys, okay I do, but there has to be a right balance. I will say, he’s not sweet, but there’s something about the writing where you still like him, even though you just want him to be nice to Austin. As much as Cole is an asshole to Austin, he wants her and makes it very clear he does. Maybe that is why I liked it so much.
Austin is thrown into a situation where she’s dealing with an asshole and his guy friends. I like how the book is mysterious and you never know what the guys are up to, but you go for it.
The book is LONG and it took me a good three days to finish, that’s long for me, but I read every word and I was glued to the pages.
The book also has great steam and I really enjoyed that (although I would have like it to not tapper off towards the end, but I get it).
Overall, I was surprised on how much I liked this book and I look forward to reading other books by this author.
I randomly picked up this book. I was looking for a dark read and I got it. If you are a fan of L.J. Shen’s books, then you will LOVE I Dare You. It reminds me a lot of Vicious and that series.
The book isn’t angsty but oh boy there is some major sexual tension between Cole and Austin (she’s a girl) no MM read. Well, it’s a little angsty.
If you like a book where the guy is a complete asshole and majority of the book he is an asshole then this book is for you.
Cole is damaged. His three best friends died in a car accident and he’s trying to atone for his sins. By getting revenge and doing what ever he wants. Him and his buds like to do Dares, but it’s not the typical dares you do. Sometimes it involves killing.
I am surprised to say I liked Cole. I usually don’t go for asshole guys, okay I do, but there has to be a right balance. I will say, he’s not sweet, but there’s something about the writing where you still like him, even though you just want him to be nice to Austin. As much as Cole is an asshole to Austin, he wants her and makes it very clear he does. Maybe that is why I liked it so much.
Austin is thrown into a situation where she’s dealing with an asshole and his guy friends. I like how the book is mysterious and you never know what the guys are up to, but you go for it.
The book is LONG and it took me a good three days to finish, that’s long for me, but I read every word and I was glued to the pages.
The book also has great steam and I really enjoyed that (although I would have like it to not tapper off towards the end, but I get it).
Overall, I was surprised on how much I liked this book and I look forward to reading other books by this author.
April 13, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️STARS
ARC BOOK REVIEW
Release Date-27/4/18
I really enjoyed "I Dare You" By Shantel Tessier a lot more than I was initially expecting.
And although this was a very long read it still managed to engage my attention throughout.
I was actually rather sad to finish this and leave such a vibrant cast behind.
So this was my first experience with this author but I can honestly assure you it definitely won't be my last.
From the very moment I started reading this, I was absolutely transfixed and invested in this addictive storyline.
The characters portrayed here were vividly brought to life against it's colourful backdrop.
And as well as an extremely interesting and ultimately flawed H & h there was also a fantastic supporting cast running alongside them.
This was told in dual POV which is my all-time favourite.
"I Dare You" also had for me, just the right amount of angst and drama to strike a balance of interest without totally alienating the reader.
And although Cole is a complete and utter dick to Austin throughout this, I still couldn't help rooting like a one-woman cheer squad for the pair of them.
So this is really not kittens and rainbows, just saying.
Please go into this with your eyes wide open as this story ultimately centres on an extremely toxic YA relationship.
The kind that really isn't healthy and you definitely wouldn't want your daughter in.
But that is actually half the draw here, watching these two damaged individuals play a silent game of chess with each other, where the rules are so obscure they actually seem to be made up as they go along.
This is also plenty kind of hot.
Where were these young sex gods when I was a nipper myself.
Totally unrealistic if I'm being real but do I care? not really I enjoyed all the steammy shenanigans like sooo much.
I also adored the cover image here.
I felt it represented the story fabulously and was super eye-catching.
I Cant recommend "I Dare You" enough it was a super read that was full of twists and turns throughout.
Give this fast-paced read a go I guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Thank You to the Author for providing me with an ARC of "I Dare You" of which I have reviewed voluntary.
All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
May 29, 2018
I really can't think of anything I liked about this book. I didn't like either of the MC's. Cole is a disgusting bastard who got turned on by blood (ew, just ew) and his gang got away with just about anything, I'm all fot the hot asshole guy who is secretly in love with the girl but he was just pathetic. I'm surprised he didn't pee on Austin while other guys were watching to mark his territory. I'm sure the thought crossed his mind though.
And Austin... Oh boy. She must have forgotten her backbone back home because really, this was the cliché horny chick who is dumber than the next best rock you'll come across. Cole just kept on pushing his boner in her general direction and already her knees were buckling like a newborn foal trying to keep itself up. Grow up, not even the sex was hot and after a while I was glad the author just switched to fade to blacks because I couldn't bear to read another line of unsexy sex.
Cole and his gang of idiots is called GWS, and in the beginning I was thinking that stands for Guys Without Shirts (since al of them are douche bags), and I was a bit dissappointed to find out it wasn't that. I didn't see the point of the dares they did and I didn't care about any of them, their struggles, their problems, none of it.
For me this book was a waste of time. Too bad.
------
A new buddy read with this Cup of Hot Chocolate. Let's hope it's a good one!
And Austin... Oh boy. She must have forgotten her backbone back home because really, this was the cliché horny chick who is dumber than the next best rock you'll come across. Cole just kept on pushing his boner in her general direction and already her knees were buckling like a newborn foal trying to keep itself up. Grow up, not even the sex was hot and after a while I was glad the author just switched to fade to blacks because I couldn't bear to read another line of unsexy sex.
Cole and his gang of idiots is called GWS, and in the beginning I was thinking that stands for Guys Without Shirts (since al of them are douche bags), and I was a bit dissappointed to find out it wasn't that. I didn't see the point of the dares they did and I didn't care about any of them, their struggles, their problems, none of it.
For me this book was a waste of time. Too bad.
------
A new buddy read with this Cup of Hot Chocolate. Let's hope it's a good one!
April 6, 2019
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Full disclosure, I've read only two books from this author before starting I Dare You and they weren't the best for me. But I did find her story telling to be very intriguing and I've heard so many good things about this book that I just had to try it. And I am so glad that I did because I loved it.
I'm not going to lie, Cole and Austin were the epitome of an unhealthy relationship. But man, did it captivate me. They were just so unpredictable and I enjoyed that so much. I never knew if they would be fighting or ripping each other's clothes off, and the craziness didn't just stop there. Burning bodies, high speed chases, secrets that have secrets. It was all just so much, yet never too much. I really enjoyed that it could leave me on the edge of my seat and with every sentence I read it pulled me in deeper to the web of mystery.
Cole and Austin were a little unhinged. They weren't your typical high school couple, but I'm not going to lie and act like I didn't adore them. Cole, especially, was just this underhanded and depraved asshole. Yet he had his reasons and he still somehow had his own moral code. Almost like a good serial killer, if that was a thing. And Austin, she had this quiet powerfulness about her. She didn't come off as a very strong heroine at first but the more we got to delve into her character it became noticeable that she wasn't some weak willed girl being dragged around by Cole. And together they were unstoppable.
Bottom line, I definitely recommend reading this book if you're a fan of the crazy intriguing stories. Shantel Tessier definitely knows how to leave you wanting more with each turn of the page. So go on, read it...I dare you.
Copy kindly provided via Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Full disclosure, I've read only two books from this author before starting I Dare You and they weren't the best for me. But I did find her story telling to be very intriguing and I've heard so many good things about this book that I just had to try it. And I am so glad that I did because I loved it.
I'm not going to lie, Cole and Austin were the epitome of an unhealthy relationship. But man, did it captivate me. They were just so unpredictable and I enjoyed that so much. I never knew if they would be fighting or ripping each other's clothes off, and the craziness didn't just stop there. Burning bodies, high speed chases, secrets that have secrets. It was all just so much, yet never too much. I really enjoyed that it could leave me on the edge of my seat and with every sentence I read it pulled me in deeper to the web of mystery.
Cole and Austin were a little unhinged. They weren't your typical high school couple, but I'm not going to lie and act like I didn't adore them. Cole, especially, was just this underhanded and depraved asshole. Yet he had his reasons and he still somehow had his own moral code. Almost like a good serial killer, if that was a thing. And Austin, she had this quiet powerfulness about her. She didn't come off as a very strong heroine at first but the more we got to delve into her character it became noticeable that she wasn't some weak willed girl being dragged around by Cole. And together they were unstoppable.
Bottom line, I definitely recommend reading this book if you're a fan of the crazy intriguing stories. Shantel Tessier definitely knows how to leave you wanting more with each turn of the page. So go on, read it...I dare you.
Copy kindly provided via Give Me Books in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2018
For those of you who loved Corrupt by Penelope Douglas, Silver Swan by Amo Jones, The Paper Princess by Erin Watt and Fallen Crest High by Tijan will most definitely like this book.
It's such an angsty, passionate, gritty and suspenseful blend of everything essential in the contemporary romance genre and I won't get into much details cause I don't wanna give away anything major to the plot...
cause well, the storyline is grippingly tight in those deeds of intertwined action and all you need to know that it's a "one-breath" take in kinda book...
I, however, had slightly disagreements with the way certain things got handled in the book and I guess it made it all less credible for me, but it doesn't have to be the case in your line of vision...
And yeah, I still think that if the characters were just a lil bit older, all this drama would have a complete different impact and effect on me as a final result.
It's such an angsty, passionate, gritty and suspenseful blend of everything essential in the contemporary romance genre and I won't get into much details cause I don't wanna give away anything major to the plot...
cause well, the storyline is grippingly tight in those deeds of intertwined action and all you need to know that it's a "one-breath" take in kinda book...
I, however, had slightly disagreements with the way certain things got handled in the book and I guess it made it all less credible for me, but it doesn't have to be the case in your line of vision...
And yeah, I still think that if the characters were just a lil bit older, all this drama would have a complete different impact and effect on me as a final result.
June 28, 2018
I dare you to show me something that nobody else sees.
All I’m going to say is that if anyone offers you a free ride at this high school, or you win an HGTV dream house in this town... then turn it down. This town and school are BAD NEWS, and full of crime/murder/lies/secrets. Then again, maybe that your thing.
Austin and Cole. Good grief. These two are gasoline and lava. Does gasoline make lava more intense? I’m not sure, but just pretend that they intensify each other, because that’s what Austin and Cole are to each other. Cole is AWFUL. He is the devil, but Austin is his match. And I feel that’s what sets this aside from most of the other “oh the hero is awful” reads. The heroine wants to fight back from the beginning. Obviously it takes her time to be effective, but she TRIES. She’s more than just a wilting flower (it’s ok to wilt) but she is MORE and I LOVED it! Just the right amount of give when she’s with the hero...
I stayed up ALL NIGHT reading this LONG book. Did it feel long, sort of, but not in the bad way you’re thinking. It’s just a story that has more and more layers that come with every few chapters. It is angsty high school romance wrapped up with lives run by corrupt adults. So good. So so good.
All I’m going to say is that if anyone offers you a free ride at this high school, or you win an HGTV dream house in this town... then turn it down. This town and school are BAD NEWS, and full of crime/murder/lies/secrets. Then again, maybe that your thing.
Austin and Cole. Good grief. These two are gasoline and lava. Does gasoline make lava more intense? I’m not sure, but just pretend that they intensify each other, because that’s what Austin and Cole are to each other. Cole is AWFUL. He is the devil, but Austin is his match. And I feel that’s what sets this aside from most of the other “oh the hero is awful” reads. The heroine wants to fight back from the beginning. Obviously it takes her time to be effective, but she TRIES. She’s more than just a wilting flower (it’s ok to wilt) but she is MORE and I LOVED it! Just the right amount of give when she’s with the hero...
I stayed up ALL NIGHT reading this LONG book. Did it feel long, sort of, but not in the bad way you’re thinking. It’s just a story that has more and more layers that come with every few chapters. It is angsty high school romance wrapped up with lives run by corrupt adults. So good. So so good.
September 6, 2019
3 stars
mehh this was ok. the story was good and it kept me hooked sometimes but it wasn’t as angsty or dark and twisty as i thought. it was kinda repetitive sometimes especially at the end.
i didn’t really feel the connection between the MCs in the beginning or their “hate” for one another. their chemistry/hate/sexual tension felt kinda forced to me but that’s just me.
the heroine did fight back tho and she was strong but she gave in too easily but its the first time im not annoyed about it cuz the hero wasn’t that much of an asshole compared to other asshole heroes in the bully genre. well... except for that whole murdering thing. yeah, i don’t really condone that.
mehh this was ok. the story was good and it kept me hooked sometimes but it wasn’t as angsty or dark and twisty as i thought. it was kinda repetitive sometimes especially at the end.
i didn’t really feel the connection between the MCs in the beginning or their “hate” for one another. their chemistry/hate/sexual tension felt kinda forced to me but that’s just me.
the heroine did fight back tho and she was strong but she gave in too easily but its the first time im not annoyed about it cuz the hero wasn’t that much of an asshole compared to other asshole heroes in the bully genre. well... except for that whole murdering thing. yeah, i don’t really condone that.
February 26, 2019
★5 AMAZING Stars★
OMG, what did I just read????
I'm so happy that I gave up to temptation and finally give in and devoured this amazing book. This is my second book of Shantel Tessier, and it most certainly didn't disappoint me. I Dare You had everything that I search and love in a book. The new trend has started. It's out there. A book about high school teenagers and I love it.
I Dare You is a stand-alone novel, told in dual POV. A dark erotic suspense novel, with twists and turns, sinister dares and games, with mystery, secrets, revenge, and seduction all centered around high school seniors.
Austin is the new girl in town, the new girl in school. She came to live with her dad, running from a good for nothing mother and her abusive boyfriend. Her dad isn't better, but at least he stays away on business trips. She wants to keep a low profile until she finishes her senior year and goes for college. But all her plans are destroyed on the first night. She sees something that wasn't supposed to see, she tries to run, but she is caught and now she has to pay.
Cole is the anti-hero...You want to hate him from the start. But trust me, you can try all you want but you can't hate him. His the devil disguised as a man. He wants her fear, her blood, and he wants her soul. He wants to break her because she is perfect. He is a real piece of @@...But he is hot, strong and he is the leader. He is the GWS (Great White Shark) and he wants to eat her alive. But first, he wants to play a little with her...Let the games begin. Let's see who will win and who will lose.
The book is very well written. When I started the book I couldn't put it down. It consumed me and I devoured it in one breath...The chemistry between the main characters was off the charts. Austin and Cole were Mind-blowing...
The book is also centered on the secondary characters, and very well written and complex about them. I really hope to see more about the rest of the guys, because every one of them is unique in his own way and I think every one of them has his own story and his own agenda, especially Deke...I really hope Lilly gets a story too...
So if you are looking for something dark, with high school teenagers, hot and amazing, this book is the right for you.I highly recommend this book! ❤️
My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession
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October 22, 2018
Well, that ending was just lazy.
April 18, 2018
The minute I read this blurb I knew I needed this book. It sounded sexy, intense, erotic and suspenseful - all things I love in my books. I thought Cole and Austin were PERFECT. I loved their chemistry, their tension-filled banter and all of the extended characters in this book. It was absolutely amazing!!
When new girl in town Austin Lowes finds herself the lone girl in a crew of dangerous men where secrets and lies are like currency and danger and murder are everyday occurrences, it's a battle of wits and daring to beat Cole Reynolds and his friends in their dangerous and daring games. But when lines get crossed between her and Cole, will his need for Austin's blood and fear get in the way of final justice and vengeance.
I absolutely FLOVED this book. I though Austin and Cole had CRAZY SEXY chemistry, intense push and pull and their banter was sexy af. I FLOVED the whole GWS crew and Austin's take no prisoners attitude. She was pure badass and I could not get enough! She was one of them and proved it everyday. In addition, she gave as good as she got and never hesitated to put anyone in their place. I loved her so much!!
While I was seriously addicted to this book and read it in almost one sitting, I did find the ending to be heavily rushed and choppy. Overall though, this was fantastic and I hope this becomes a series as I am not ready to let the GWS crew go. Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
When new girl in town Austin Lowes finds herself the lone girl in a crew of dangerous men where secrets and lies are like currency and danger and murder are everyday occurrences, it's a battle of wits and daring to beat Cole Reynolds and his friends in their dangerous and daring games. But when lines get crossed between her and Cole, will his need for Austin's blood and fear get in the way of final justice and vengeance.
I absolutely FLOVED this book. I though Austin and Cole had CRAZY SEXY chemistry, intense push and pull and their banter was sexy af. I FLOVED the whole GWS crew and Austin's take no prisoners attitude. She was pure badass and I could not get enough! She was one of them and proved it everyday. In addition, she gave as good as she got and never hesitated to put anyone in their place. I loved her so much!!
While I was seriously addicted to this book and read it in almost one sitting, I did find the ending to be heavily rushed and choppy. Overall though, this was fantastic and I hope this becomes a series as I am not ready to let the GWS crew go. Bravo! 4.5 stars! ~Ratula
June 8, 2018
Oh my!!! I loved this book! Definitely the best book i have read in 2018 so far! This was my first time reading a book by this author and now i am looking forward to reading even more of them! The suspense was the best part! This book wasn't your typical love story. It had a few grammar errors, but for the most part it was beautifully written! If you haven't read this book, i highly stress that you do so!!
May 12, 2023
I haven't cried reading a book in months 😭
April 27, 2019
Re-read in April 2019 - I DARE YOU will always be one of my favourite bully romances.
“ I wanna watch tears roll down your beautiful face because I think you’re gorgeous when you cry. I wanna see blood on your flawless skin because you look like a priceless piece of work. And I wanna look down at you while you’re on your knees because you want to please me. I wanna make you a beautiful, broken doll, Austin. All mine to play with. All mine to fuck. All mine to destroy.”
I loved this book SOOOOOOOO much!
At the moment, I’m all about those stories. You know...the one where girl meets rich boy. Boy hates girl and sets out to make her life a misery. But underneath all that assholery, boy actually discovers he loves girl. Yeah. Those kinds of books.
So I was searching for something to read, and came across one of those “if you like this...then you will LOVE this”kinda things..and up popped I DARE YOU. After reading the blurb, I jumped straight in. Both feet. And that sucker dragged me under and consumed me.
Let me talk about Austin first. That girl has massive balls, and I totally have a girl crush on her. She was feisty, smart and I loved how she played those Sharks at their own game. I really found it easy to connect with her on some level. I mean, I’ve never set fire to a dead body....but yeah, she was relatable.
Okaaaaaaay....now for Cole. I wanted to hate him. So badly. He was cold, cruel and just a massive dickbag, but deep down, VERY deep down, he had a heart, and you could see the potential there, especially when he was with Lilly. Once he began to realise his feelings for Austin, I loved how protective he was of her.
I know when a story has really grabbed me, because I don’t just fall in love with the main characters, but I go all fangirl over the supporting ones too. Lilly was such a cutie, and definitely brought out Coles good side. I loved Beckys friendship with Austin, and Deke!!! Oh Deke. That boy needs his own book.
I’m not really giving much of the storyline away, but the blurb speaks for itself, and I don’t want to spoil any of it for you. So if, like me, you are new to Shantel Tessier, then this is a great place to start.
“ I wanna watch tears roll down your beautiful face because I think you’re gorgeous when you cry. I wanna see blood on your flawless skin because you look like a priceless piece of work. And I wanna look down at you while you’re on your knees because you want to please me. I wanna make you a beautiful, broken doll, Austin. All mine to play with. All mine to fuck. All mine to destroy.”
I loved this book SOOOOOOOO much!
At the moment, I’m all about those stories. You know...the one where girl meets rich boy. Boy hates girl and sets out to make her life a misery. But underneath all that assholery, boy actually discovers he loves girl. Yeah. Those kinds of books.
So I was searching for something to read, and came across one of those “if you like this...then you will LOVE this”kinda things..and up popped I DARE YOU. After reading the blurb, I jumped straight in. Both feet. And that sucker dragged me under and consumed me.
Let me talk about Austin first. That girl has massive balls, and I totally have a girl crush on her. She was feisty, smart and I loved how she played those Sharks at their own game. I really found it easy to connect with her on some level. I mean, I’ve never set fire to a dead body....but yeah, she was relatable.
Okaaaaaaay....now for Cole. I wanted to hate him. So badly. He was cold, cruel and just a massive dickbag, but deep down, VERY deep down, he had a heart, and you could see the potential there, especially when he was with Lilly. Once he began to realise his feelings for Austin, I loved how protective he was of her.
I know when a story has really grabbed me, because I don’t just fall in love with the main characters, but I go all fangirl over the supporting ones too. Lilly was such a cutie, and definitely brought out Coles good side. I loved Beckys friendship with Austin, and Deke!!! Oh Deke. That boy needs his own book.
I’m not really giving much of the storyline away, but the blurb speaks for itself, and I don’t want to spoil any of it for you. So if, like me, you are new to Shantel Tessier, then this is a great place to start.
July 19, 2019
This was the first time I read any thing by this author and it won't be the last.
I freaking loved this book! There is so much mystery and so much treachery! It a freaking roller coaster ride! And I loved every minute of this hot little dirty ride
I freaking loved this book! There is so much mystery and so much treachery! It a freaking roller coaster ride! And I loved every minute of this hot little dirty ride
April 28, 2018
Well facccckkk me I Dare You is sinfully and devilishly good. Now I will tell you when I found out that Shantel was writing this book I thought to myself OHHHHHHHHHHHHH SHIT !!! I am such a huge huge fan of books with deplorable behaviour. Give me characters that I want to maim and yell and scream at and I'm in book heaven.
Cole Reynolds was just that character for me. He gave no fucks, NOT ONE. He and the GWS or Great White Sharks (his band of brothers who also happen to be on the swim team together) seem to rule the school but through fear. This book pretty much dives right into what these guys do when no one is looking and let me tell you it's suspenseful, intriguing and intense.
Cole is a shark all right, he smells blood and he pounces. And woah the way he does it. You want to kill him and love him all at the same time.
The amount of highlighting I did in this book was unreal. Cole just drips hate and the things he says will make you shiver, but not only in fear but in lust. Well for me he did and maybe I'm twisted but I loved every second of it.
But here's what I also love about this book and that's Austin can hold her own. In fact there's a bit of twisted debauchery in her as well and Cole is the match that seems to light her fire and its hot as fuck.
This book also has its fair share of other villains in it. Ones that seem to come out of the woodwork. Shantel really sets out to destroy and does she do a good job of it. Cruel Intentions meets The Purge. It almost seems like every man for himself.
Cole Reynolds was just that character for me. He gave no fucks, NOT ONE. He and the GWS or Great White Sharks (his band of brothers who also happen to be on the swim team together) seem to rule the school but through fear. This book pretty much dives right into what these guys do when no one is looking and let me tell you it's suspenseful, intriguing and intense.
Cole is a shark all right, he smells blood and he pounces. And woah the way he does it. You want to kill him and love him all at the same time.
"I like to take pretty, innocent things and destroy them."
The amount of highlighting I did in this book was unreal. Cole just drips hate and the things he says will make you shiver, but not only in fear but in lust. Well for me he did and maybe I'm twisted but I loved every second of it.
"I wanna make you a beautiful, broken doll"
"All mine to play with."
"All mine to fuck"
"All mine to destroy"
But here's what I also love about this book and that's Austin can hold her own. In fact there's a bit of twisted debauchery in her as well and Cole is the match that seems to light her fire and its hot as fuck.
This book also has its fair share of other villains in it. Ones that seem to come out of the woodwork. Shantel really sets out to destroy and does she do a good job of it. Cruel Intentions meets The Purge. It almost seems like every man for himself.
May 12, 2018
Eh.
Hero was a manwhore psychopath while still being a high schooler.
Heroine had betraying body in the second chapter even though hero physically harms her and threatens her life.
Not for me. No thanks.
Hero was a manwhore psychopath while still being a high schooler.
Heroine had betraying body in the second chapter even though hero physically harms her and threatens her life.
Not for me. No thanks.
August 31, 2021
4.5 Shark Stars
I read Make You Beg a while back and at some point Cole and Deke made an appearance. I was intrigued and a little bit curious about their story, so I decided to read this book. It was a little bit darker but not as kinky as "Make You Beg". I liked Cole and Austin as a couple and their chemistry. There were twist and turns, some very predictable, some not so much, still enjoyable. Add my favorites: blood, death and steam, and it was a nice pass-time.
I read Make You Beg a while back and at some point Cole and Deke made an appearance. I was intrigued and a little bit curious about their story, so I decided to read this book. It was a little bit darker but not as kinky as "Make You Beg". I liked Cole and Austin as a couple and their chemistry. There were twist and turns, some very predictable, some not so much, still enjoyable. Add my favorites: blood, death and steam, and it was a nice pass-time.
September 9, 2019
“I wanna watch tears roll down your beautiful face because I think you’re gorgeous when you cry. I wanna see blood on your flawless skin because you look like a priceless work of art.”
I loved it!! I didn't want to put is down. All of the twists and turns. It reminded me of the Devil's Night Series by Penelope Douglas
“Even the devil catches feelings, or he wouldn’t go into rages. Even he knows how to love.”
I loved it!! I didn't want to put is down. All of the twists and turns. It reminded me of the Devil's Night Series by Penelope Douglas
“Even the devil catches feelings, or he wouldn’t go into rages. Even he knows how to love.”
May 2, 2018
Totally enjoyed this intense novel!
So dark and gripping...
And, HOT!!!! Even though these are high school seniors!
So much drama and secrets with their parents also...
Extremely hooked from page one!!!
Will not hesitate to read more from this author...
So dark and gripping...
And, HOT!!!! Even though these are high school seniors!
So much drama and secrets with their parents also...
Extremely hooked from page one!!!
Will not hesitate to read more from this author...
February 7, 2021
✨ Jahreshighlight ✨
Manchmal lese ich ein Buch und frage mich: Wie kann es nur so gut sein?
Und „I Dare You“ gehört zu 100% zu diesen Büchern!
Die Geschichte war der Wahnsinn!!!
Shantel Tessier hat alles so gut durchdacht und umgesetzt, dass ich nur meinen Hut vor ihr ziehen kann. So düster, unvorhersehbar und voller Wendungen.
Es wurde einfach NIE langweilig. Es ist Schlag auf Schlag immer etwas passiert, wodurch ich die ganze Zeit so gefesselt und auch fasziniert von dieser Story war.
Ein Buch ganz nach meinem Geschmack! ❤️
Alle Fans der „Elite King‘s Club“ Reihe müssen sich dieses Buch unbedingt anschauen!!!
Ich will alles lesen, was diese Autorin noch rausbringt. Sie ist einfach ein Genie!!!!!!!
Manchmal lese ich ein Buch und frage mich: Wie kann es nur so gut sein?
Und „I Dare You“ gehört zu 100% zu diesen Büchern!
Die Geschichte war der Wahnsinn!!!
Shantel Tessier hat alles so gut durchdacht und umgesetzt, dass ich nur meinen Hut vor ihr ziehen kann. So düster, unvorhersehbar und voller Wendungen.
Es wurde einfach NIE langweilig. Es ist Schlag auf Schlag immer etwas passiert, wodurch ich die ganze Zeit so gefesselt und auch fasziniert von dieser Story war.
Ein Buch ganz nach meinem Geschmack! ❤️
Alle Fans der „Elite King‘s Club“ Reihe müssen sich dieses Buch unbedingt anschauen!!!
Ich will alles lesen, was diese Autorin noch rausbringt. Sie ist einfach ein Genie!!!!!!!
Read
April 6, 2023rtc
May 14, 2018
A solid 3.75 Shark stars.
You kind of have to suspend disbelief for this book because it's high school teenagers who seem to run the entire school, town and even the adults. And there's no less than 5 murders in total by the end and ... yeah, no ramifications whatsoever.
Having said that tiny disclaimer, it was enjoyable! I couldn't help but like the asshole lead character Cole. He truly was an asshole, in both actions and his thoughts, but he had redeemable reasons for how he was the way he was.
Man-boy slut.
Cocky.
Mafia-qualities.
Arrogant.
Sexy.
The list could go on about Cole. The chemsitry between him and Austin was palpable. She crossed the great white sharks ( the gang name the boys had ) and she survived, so props to her.
An unbelievable story set with engaging characters and ones you will love to hate!
You kind of have to suspend disbelief for this book because it's high school teenagers who seem to run the entire school, town and even the adults. And there's no less than 5 murders in total by the end and ... yeah, no ramifications whatsoever.
Having said that tiny disclaimer, it was enjoyable! I couldn't help but like the asshole lead character Cole. He truly was an asshole, in both actions and his thoughts, but he had redeemable reasons for how he was the way he was.
Man-boy slut.
Cocky.
Mafia-qualities.
Arrogant.
Sexy.
The list could go on about Cole. The chemsitry between him and Austin was palpable. She crossed the great white sharks ( the gang name the boys had ) and she survived, so props to her.
An unbelievable story set with engaging characters and ones you will love to hate!
June 4, 2023
I've said it before, I'll say it again :
Shantel Tessier's dark books are always unique because here you won't find the usual "she is the light to his dark" couples. Here, it's always "one is dark, the other is darker". And they are both dark together.
➺ I've read, liked and DNFed a lot of highschool dark bully romances. None managed to stand out among the rest. Even the popular ones presented the same tired plot with slight variations, causing me to abandon them midway. The heroines, in one way or another, were all cut from the same cloth across these books. Their so-called "strength and fierceness" relied solely on delivering sassy comebacks and engaging in immature acts to one-up the "dark" hero, who would then remind her of his dominance as the only big bad wolf she should be afraid of, surrounded by his minions. And of course, the cycle would repeat with some kinky sex thrown in.
➺ But then, in the midst of this sea of predictability, I unexpectedly stumbled upon this true gem—Shantel Tessier's dark high school bully romance, which is sadly underrated but pleasantly surprising. At first glance, it seemed to fit the mold of those other books, but there was a twist: Austin, the heroine, the true queen. I fell head over heels for her when she served up an even spicier dish to Cole, the hero, and did so within the first 15% of the story. She is the definition of "bite me, and I'll not only bite you back but devour you whole."
➺ I can confidently say that nobody despises high school/college "dark" romances more than I do (a realization that dawned on me after reading them). One of the reasons for my disdain is the fact that the fmc remains perpetually immature, gullible, and easily manipulated compared to the morally ambiguous characters of her age. I never find the desired balance of dominance and belongingness in the couples of these dark romances whenever I read them. So, you can imagine my shock when the Queen here not only refused to bow to Cole but beat him at his own game, leaving him and his teammates stunned enough to invite her into their circle. She saw the opportunity, took it, and even when she was afraid of them, she knew it was better to play with them than against them. And thus began the mindfuck.
➺ And what thrilled me even more was her unwavering determination. Cole underestimated her once, but he quickly learned his lesson—she was not someone to be messed with. If he was twisted, she was more twisted. They were meant for each other, fitting together perfectly. Those scenes where she called their plans stupid and amateur, only to craft her own intricate schemes for disposing of bodies and seeking revenge, made me feel like I was on a thrilling adventure—like a YA tale minus the "Y", replaced with murder, retribution, dares, and sex.
Every single time she showcased her capabilities, it left me as astonished and speechless as Cole and his sharks.
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My Shantel Tessier dark works' reviews so far :
The Ritual review
Sabotage review
The Sinner review
The Sacrifice review
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Shantel Tessier's dark books are always unique because here you won't find the usual "she is the light to his dark" couples. Here, it's always "one is dark, the other is darker". And they are both dark together.
"This woman is as twisted as I am. She is as broken as me. Together, we are two fucked-up people living in a world where you’re supposed to be perfect.”
➺ I've read, liked and DNFed a lot of highschool dark bully romances. None managed to stand out among the rest. Even the popular ones presented the same tired plot with slight variations, causing me to abandon them midway. The heroines, in one way or another, were all cut from the same cloth across these books. Their so-called "strength and fierceness" relied solely on delivering sassy comebacks and engaging in immature acts to one-up the "dark" hero, who would then remind her of his dominance as the only big bad wolf she should be afraid of, surrounded by his minions. And of course, the cycle would repeat with some kinky sex thrown in.
➺ But then, in the midst of this sea of predictability, I unexpectedly stumbled upon this true gem—Shantel Tessier's dark high school bully romance, which is sadly underrated but pleasantly surprising. At first glance, it seemed to fit the mold of those other books, but there was a twist: Austin, the heroine, the true queen. I fell head over heels for her when she served up an even spicier dish to Cole, the hero, and did so within the first 15% of the story. She is the definition of "bite me, and I'll not only bite you back but devour you whole."
"We’re like the devil is to sin. Without one, we wouldn’t have the other."
"But I dare you to smile for me. I dare you to show me something that nobody else sees.”
➺ I can confidently say that nobody despises high school/college "dark" romances more than I do (a realization that dawned on me after reading them). One of the reasons for my disdain is the fact that the fmc remains perpetually immature, gullible, and easily manipulated compared to the morally ambiguous characters of her age. I never find the desired balance of dominance and belongingness in the couples of these dark romances whenever I read them. So, you can imagine my shock when the Queen here not only refused to bow to Cole but beat him at his own game, leaving him and his teammates stunned enough to invite her into their circle. She saw the opportunity, took it, and even when she was afraid of them, she knew it was better to play with them than against them. And thus began the mindfuck.
“I see the way she looks at you.”
“Oh, yeah? How’s that?”
“Like she wants to rip your heart out.” “I wouldn’t be surprised if your dare is that she wants you to jump off a cliff.” Deke chuckles to himself. “Or stab yourself in the eyes.”
➺ And what thrilled me even more was her unwavering determination. Cole underestimated her once, but he quickly learned his lesson—she was not someone to be messed with. If he was twisted, she was more twisted. They were meant for each other, fitting together perfectly. Those scenes where she called their plans stupid and amateur, only to craft her own intricate schemes for disposing of bodies and seeking revenge, made me feel like I was on a thrilling adventure—like a YA tale minus the "Y", replaced with murder, retribution, dares, and sex.
Every single time she showcased her capabilities, it left me as astonished and speechless as Cole and his sharks.
All I can think about is what she said to me in the car. How she would kill someone. How she would cover her tracks. And how she saved our asses by burning that body. Had we been that sloppy? Had we not covered our tracks well enough?
***********************
“Where did you move here from?” I ask.
She reaches up and quickly wipes away a tear from her cheek. “What does it matter?”
“It doesn’t. Just making small talk.”
“I prefer when I thought you were trying to kill me over small talk,” she snaps.
I smile. Yeah, there’s something about Austin Lowes that I like. A lot.
..
"You’ve always been the kind of guy who would burn this town down if given a reason.” She sits back in her seat, crossing her arms over her chest. She smiles at me. “And Austin is your reason.”
..
"I’ve been so dead set on making everyone see you as mine, but I didn’t realize until tonight that all along I’ve been yours.”
____________________________
My Shantel Tessier dark works' reviews so far :
The Ritual review
Sabotage review
The Sinner review
The Sacrifice review
***********************
July 6, 2018
Okay where do I start? It gave me the dark vibes from B.B.Reid but it was so different. It didn't always make sense I didn't understand it all. It got me confused a lot of the time.
I liked it but not all of it because I couldn't follow it all. But I liked the closure we got!
I don't know what more I can say. It's hard to explain.
I liked it but not all of it because I couldn't follow it all. But I liked the closure we got!
I don't know what more I can say. It's hard to explain.
April 28, 2019
Release Date: April 27, 2018
Genre: Dark YA/NA Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
I Dare You is the first standalone in the Dare series. While the characters are still in high school, I consider this is a new adult romance with dark elements. They are after all, 18 or close to it. Additionally, it reads like a more mature novel so I can't really describe it as YA. As far as the plot, there are dark themes woven throughout this unconventional love story. Cole is a dark soul. He doesn't mind killing people who have caused injustice to those who didn't deserve it. In the beginning of the book we actually witness him and his friends murder someone because of something that happened to one of their friends sisters. This truly sets up the rest of the book and we see his darkness in the way he treats others, especially Austin when they first meet.
This book also has some suspenseful elements. There is a dark secret lingering within the group that isn't revealed until the climax of the story and it's a doozy! I never would have guessed what has happened and why it all occurred. Readers are going to be left SHOCKED when it's revealed.
As for the love story between Cole and Austin, it's one FILLED with angst. The two start off hating each other and this hate doesn't really let off until about 55-60 percent of the way in. Cole is pretty much an obsessive bully with Austin but she can't seem to shake her feelings from him no matter HOW he treats her. But when Cole lets his guard down and starts to realize that he is indeed falling for his little vixen we notice a big change in his character. I personally LOVED the darker side of Cole and I think dark romance fans are going to love this too.
I won't get into the ending as it's twisted and unexpected but I loved it! I wish the author added a little bit more information about what went down before the epilogue (hence the 4.5 star rating) but I was happy with how everything wrapped up. Readers, expect to be shocked at the end and don't skip around- you need to read it to feel it!
With that being said, this is a fantastic novel and I can't wait for the next book which has finally released! If you like bully romances, dark romances, and new adult books with darker elements this is the book for you.
You may also Enjoy THESE books
• Boys of Brayshaw High (https://amzn.to/2GON6BI)
• The Elite Seven series (https://amzn.to/2GQKHGF)
• The Silver Swan by Amo Jones (https://amzn.to/2DE2puX
• Corrupt by Penelope Douglas (https://amzn.to/2GHdegA)
• Fear Me by B.B. Reid (https://amzn.to/2DAXpXU)
• Cruel by CoraLee June (https://amzn.to/2GOjILI)
• Filthy Rich Boys by C.M. Stunich (https://amzn.to/2IY0vsq)
• The Dark Knight by L. F. Piper (https://amzn.to/2VpuhNF)
Genre: Dark YA/NA Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
I Dare You is the first standalone in the Dare series. While the characters are still in high school, I consider this is a new adult romance with dark elements. They are after all, 18 or close to it. Additionally, it reads like a more mature novel so I can't really describe it as YA. As far as the plot, there are dark themes woven throughout this unconventional love story. Cole is a dark soul. He doesn't mind killing people who have caused injustice to those who didn't deserve it. In the beginning of the book we actually witness him and his friends murder someone because of something that happened to one of their friends sisters. This truly sets up the rest of the book and we see his darkness in the way he treats others, especially Austin when they first meet.
This book also has some suspenseful elements. There is a dark secret lingering within the group that isn't revealed until the climax of the story and it's a doozy! I never would have guessed what has happened and why it all occurred. Readers are going to be left SHOCKED when it's revealed.
As for the love story between Cole and Austin, it's one FILLED with angst. The two start off hating each other and this hate doesn't really let off until about 55-60 percent of the way in. Cole is pretty much an obsessive bully with Austin but she can't seem to shake her feelings from him no matter HOW he treats her. But when Cole lets his guard down and starts to realize that he is indeed falling for his little vixen we notice a big change in his character. I personally LOVED the darker side of Cole and I think dark romance fans are going to love this too.
I won't get into the ending as it's twisted and unexpected but I loved it! I wish the author added a little bit more information about what went down before the epilogue (hence the 4.5 star rating) but I was happy with how everything wrapped up. Readers, expect to be shocked at the end and don't skip around- you need to read it to feel it!
With that being said, this is a fantastic novel and I can't wait for the next book which has finally released! If you like bully romances, dark romances, and new adult books with darker elements this is the book for you.
You may also Enjoy THESE books
• Boys of Brayshaw High (https://amzn.to/2GON6BI)
• The Elite Seven series (https://amzn.to/2GQKHGF)
• The Silver Swan by Amo Jones (https://amzn.to/2DE2puX
• Corrupt by Penelope Douglas (https://amzn.to/2GHdegA)
• Fear Me by B.B. Reid (https://amzn.to/2DAXpXU)
• Cruel by CoraLee June (https://amzn.to/2GOjILI)
• Filthy Rich Boys by C.M. Stunich (https://amzn.to/2IY0vsq)
• The Dark Knight by L. F. Piper (https://amzn.to/2VpuhNF)
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