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 … 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.
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Fans of The Elite Kings Club by Amo Jones and The Royals by Erin Watt will love this book!! I know I did.
Wow. It just pulls you right in from the first line and refuses to let you go. I went through so many feelings while reading, with fear being at the forefront for most of it. Some happiness in there, more fear, sadness and then ending happy.
Austin is literally unwanted by her mother, harassed by her mother’s boyfriend, ignored by the father she is sent to, and tolerated, at first bordering on liked, by her stepmother. So she’s sent to her father only to stumble into a group of boys, with one taking the lead on her demise.
Cole sets out to destroy Austin emotionally. After an accident that he took blame for, he decides how else live life but to make other people suffer, so that’s what he does with Austin. She stumbles into a dark secret, so he has fun with her to ensure that she won’t rat him out.
For the first chunk of the book that is how it goes. The hate between these two are so strong and so hot, my Kobo almost melted. And then we see the big bag Cole melt more and more for her. What I loved most about these two was the slow burn romance. The physical happened much sooner, but it took a long time for either of them to realize their true feelings. Austin knew it sooner I believe, but ignored it, knowing he didn’t want her in return, while Cole fought it every step of the way. Until a certain point. Then they melted my ereader for just being so cute together. I loved their bantering, their romantic moments, and his protective moments. All the moments just fit these two so well.
So on top of this dark YA romance, there is a game of dares, a boy’s club, a twisty plot filled with horrible fathers, jealous stepmothers, bad people, and a jerk of a friend. Let’s not forget to add a nice friendship, a wonderful male secondary character, a cute secondary character romance…oh, and violence, murder, and hot sex. Curious how these all fit together? I hope so, because then it’ll make you read it.
It’s the first (I think) that I have read by this author, but I will be checking out more for sure. It was such an insanely good story and great writing. There was a time or two where the writing didn’t feel as tight/strong, like it could have used a small rewording or tone change, but since it happened so infrequently and they was so many more strong parts of the writing than weak ones, this book easily won me over.
5 stars all the way!
A book I will not soon forget…not even in my dreams. The relationship between Austin and Cole is like none I’ve read about. Cole is the perfect bully…at times I wasn’t sure if it was all a game or something more. Shantel keeps you guessing about who are the villains and who you can trust. I read this book in one setting…I just couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait to read Deke’s story!!!
Wow-what a story! Talking about twists and turns, Well this story had them all. I didn’t know how this was going to end. I just follow one more author I must follow. Awesome job. The only thing I would have changed is to the time period from High School to College. Very adult material.
I need to be honest – I tried about 3 times to get into this book. The beginning was kinda dark and ruff and not my normal territory.
I don’t know why but one time I just read this book and I got hooked. Yes it is a really dark book, but it has also been amazingly written by Shantel Tessier!
I just love Austin! She is so strong and had to go through so much already.
Instead of burdening each other (as I originally thought) Austin and Cole empower one another and just fit perfectly! I really love how protective he is of Austin and his little sister
This dark high school romance book is not for everyone – but give it a chance and you might love it just as much as me!
I wanna watch tears roll down your beautiful face because I think youre gorgeous when you cry. I wanna see blood on your flawless skin because you look like a priceless work of art.
I randomly picked up this book, and it was deliciously twisted and dark, absolutely perfect!
Austin (a girl) moves in with her wealthy father in a new town. After witnessing a crime, she becomes the target of pursuit by a high school senior and swimmer Cole.
At first Cole just wants to toy with Austin, but his plan is quickly derailed by his need to be controling and by hurting her. He wants to own her, but she’s a tough cracker. She refuses to back away and gives herself all in. And that’s a side to her that Cole respects and is falling in love with.
Picture that, plus the whole Shark gang (Cole and his buddies), and twisted and manipulating parents, and here you have a book that’ll keep you consumed and in awe after you’ll be finished with it.
If you love high school bullying, this book is for you.
Cole Reynolds is a force to be reckoned with. In this book you will learn as to how and why the Sharks do what they do. This is a dark twisted book that is so satisfying. I’m off to one click the next book in the series.
P.s it contains Blood, love, revenge and did I say blood?
I have been into this genre for a little bit now, it’s so thrilling. I read this book, not knowing what I could get into but I loved the darkness between Austin and Cole. Cole is by far my favorite character, Austin is so strong. I love little Lily, I’m so happy for the three. It’s crazy with the betrayals, affairs and many more.
5 HOLY MOLY STARS!! I was on the edge of my seat with this phenomenal book. Austin and Cole has one heck of a story to tell you….with all the feels you could ever want. This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites ever. You definitely need to read this book.
Brilliant in every way!!!
A highly addictive book that keeps you engrossed from the first word.
I adore Austin shes a strong fiesty character that never takes crap from anyone I love how anything cole throws at her she gives back twice as hard.
Cole is a complete arse but ohhh what a hot one he is ,you cant help but fall for the bully !!
I really enjoyed this book it’s full of twists and turns,brilliantly written and unpredictable with a fantastic set of secondary characters cannot wait for more!!!!!
LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS BOOK!!!! I honestly couldn’t put it down. The characters and the angst within the story tore at my heart and almost ripped my soul apart. So worth the read!!! The cover drew me in the situations and dialogue with the characters kept me engrossed. I loved it all. I love Cole and Austin and their ups and downs. Austin reminds me of myself with how strong she is and how she stands up to cole and the guys.
This book has the WOW factor. It is dark, gritty, twisted, intense, and suspenseful with a lot of hotness. It is a fast-paced read. Shantel Tessier had me from the start. She gripped me tight and didn’t let go, not even in the end. She takes us on quite a roller coaster ride of emotions, intense action and jaw-dropping twists and turns. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough! I was so anxious to see what would happen next.
The characters were unique, interesting, intriguing, and a little twisted. The chemistry between Cole and Austin sizzled! It didn’t start off typical nor easy, but they were perfect together. The secondary characters were such a compliment to the story.
I Dare You is so well written. The plot is unique and held my interest from page 1. There were so many Oh my God! Holy cow! moments! I loved every minute of it. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I highly recommend reading it!
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
This story definitely keeps you at the edge of your seat. Once I started reading it I couldn’t stop. I loved Cole and Austin and all the twist and turns of this book. The things Cole does to Austin are so twisted but she stands tall and don’t take his crap lightly or any of the characters in the story for that matter. You also can’t help loving Cole in all his messed up ways. Shantel doesn’t disappoint with keeping you on the edge of your seat with this book. I can’t wait until I read the next one in the series
This was a great book! From the beginning I was pulled into the world of GWS. Austin is sent to live with her dad. On her first night she is a witness to murder. Cole then tries to blackmail Austin. I initially thought he was a one sick puppy but I ended up falling in love with him. He has been through so much and I felt so bad for him. Austin’s life wasn’t a cakewalk either and you can’t help but root for them. I was glued to my kindle wanting to know what would happen. I was on the edge of my seat. You definitely have to read this book, I dare you.
Omg! I wish I could give this book way more than 5 stars. It grabbed me by the throat from the very beginning and still hasn’t let go. It was a pulse-pounding, thrill ride from the first page to the very last. The characters have stolen my heart. The plot was so twisted and full of secrets I couldn’t keep up. I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone!
I Dare You is so unlike anything I’ve read, but also fits right in seamlessly within its dark and bully romance counterparts.
Cole is dark, dangerous, and a complete alpha. He’s possessive, a bit unhinged, and full of emotion—whether he wants to be or not. Austin is his definitive equal, much to his chagrin for a bit. She’s strong, unafraid, but also vulnerable. They are the a great yin and yang for one another.
This book has lots of twists and turns, steam, darkness, and drama. I was immediately drawn in to the world of The GWS and am totally fine drowning in it.
A solid 4.5. If you like your books dark and your hero’s and heroines twisted this is definitely a must read. Cole and Austin are so far from the “norm” it’s another stratosphere. Shantel manages to weave the story in such a way you get completely sucked in. Fab!!
Will not disappoint!
Wow this is definitely a highlight of the year for me when it comes to bully romances. I couldn’t put this down. The characters are addictive and the emotions I felt reading this, made me feel everything! Definitely will not disappoint. Austin and Cole are the dream team!
Ok so my book bff has been egging me to read this book for awhile along with some other book buddies who’s been suggesting to read this.
Well shit what have I been missing out on.
This book starts out early with a bang and your sucked into this dark, dangerous void filling with suspense, drama, mystery and sinfully delightful scenes.
This pushes the envelope into the dark, twisted, angsty and uncomfortable.
Austin isn’t your average gal and certainly doesn’t need a Knight and shining armour to save her. This gal’s got some hefty balls and won’t back down easily.
Cole, dear goodness, he is wrapped in dark, twisted edges and sexy exterior to go with it. He thrives on pain and Austin brings out the best and worst in him.
These two are the perfect fit for each other and it’s electrifying and thrilling.
Let’s just say I need to dive into I Promise You and continue this wild crazy journey.
4.5 hot & daring
“He smells blood and he’s coming for you…“
I Dare You is the first in a new Series by Shantel Tessier. This author is completely new to me and this is the first book I’ve read of hers but it won’t be the last!!!
This book is a dark and twisted romance but if you like alpha assholes, strong heroines and angst then you need to check out this book!
The storyline was intricately weaved and kept me engaged from start to finish. The characters were fully realized, each had fully developed backgrounds and personality traits. The writing was superb.
These characters are in high school but this isn’t your typical high school romance. Austin and Cole had a very unhealthy relationship which both disturbed me but intrigued me at the same time. Their chemistry was off the charts!
** Brief Summary of Storyline**
Austin Lowes moves in with her wealthy father and stepmother. One night she witnesses a murder in the cemetery behind her house and finds herself at the hands of Cole Reynolds and his friends. Cold and calculated, his interest in Austin is merely to toy with her viciously and scare her into compliance but soon finds himself possessive and intoxicated with her.
Favorite quotes:
“We’re like the devil is to send. Without one, we wouldn’t have the other.” -Austin Lowes
“I wanna bring this bastard to his knees even if it means I have to stay on mine.” -Austin Lowes
“I’ll fight you Cole. I’ll play this game though I don’t know what the hell I’m doing. But I Dare You to smile for me. I dare you to show me something that nobody else sees.” -Austin Lowes
“I wanna make you a beautiful broken doll, Austin… all mine to play with… all mine to F***… all mine to destroy.” -Coke Reynolds
Five star read for me. The story was just that good. I’m so ready for Book 2!!!!
This is the first book in a series where we are introduced to the GWS and their alpha, Cole, who enjoys pain and punishing himself. Then we get to meet Austin who is almost as sick and twisted as Cole, in the best possible way. These two are fire whenever they are around each other and they are so undeniable good together. I was hooked from the very first page and couldn’t set this book down. If you enjoy enemies to lovers and DARK bully romances, then dive right in. You won’t be disappointed. Oh, and that ending? Absolutely mind blowing, just when you think you have it all figured out, I assure you that you don’t.