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 … 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?
18+
Note From the Authors:
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.
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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**
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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??
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!
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?
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.
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.
Scandal’s story was wicked good. I couldn’t wait to find out if I was correct on who her father was. Then add Presley and Carter into the mix, and you have a full blown crazy relationship. Props to A.E. Murphy and Xela Knight.
And…..BOOM…..another 5 star read.
Every time I think it’s the best one yet out comes another to knock it right out the way!!
I absolutely loved dance or die scandle, Carter and Presley are hottttt together I mean wow they each bring something to the relationship making a perfect blend of brooding hotness that will have your pulse racing.
Scandle has a truly heartbreaking story to tell life has been far from easy,now life has turned a corner shes dancing with 2 amazing dancers and living her best life shes just waiting for it all to go wrong…..
And it does…
So many twists and turns and life changing revelations with a touch of MAGIC thrown in the mix, another one of my top 2019 reads and can I just say I flove Alice.
Cannot wait to see what is next from A E Murphy.
This book is a perfect blend of the Murphy, heartbreak, emotional writing her readers have come to know and love and the newer Knight PNR writing that has just a little something extra, as in that tantalizing kinda creepy moment that has you going Holy Sh-t what just happened
This book doesn’t hold back the punches. It will grab you by the throat and give no F’s about consequences.
The heroine is strong, like seriously one of the strongest, most admirable female characters I’ve ever read. Scandel’s journey is utterly tragic. The full circle that she has to travel will leave you wanting to do nothing more than hug her and love her.
The heros… OOOOO Doggie! Let’s talk about these men…. Carter is absolutely everything.. like breath of fresh air, breathe in his scent, make me lick …well crap this got awkward. I’ll just stop now.
Presley… He’s all bad boy (I love my bad boys). He’s rough, unapologetic, tense, sexy as all get out. You’ll want his approval even when you’re thinking of all the ways you could drive him nuts. He’s life hasn’t been all hearts and roses either.
Then let’s add in some spooky voodoo magic from New Orleans and holy smokes this book comes to life! It will haunt you, the characters will suck you in and take complete control of your emotions. Grab this amazing story but prepare to do absolutely nothing till you finish. It really is that breathtaking.