Dare You to Lie is a fast-paced story about a young woman on a crusade for justice not just for her wrongly imprisoned father, but for herself and those around her at her high school. With a plot so heavily centered around one teenage girl, a lot had to rely on Ky shouldering so much weight. And while I assume the author meant for her to be this whip-smart and sassy character that had no issue saying what needed to be said, it didn't often come across as true to character. She was an abrasive character that often felt as if she were over-acting and playing a part rather than just simply being a person out to right wrongs. Her maturity, or lack thereof, at times pulled me from the story, making it very obvious she was trying too hard and as if the author was forcing her to be something she wasn't (or simply couldn't be). While I understand she probably was playing a role of someone more resilient than she was as most teenagers do, I didn't ever sense that---she came off as fake and mouthy, rather than strong and gutsy. Some books have really great stories and hard-to-like characters, but you can't but find your way to liking them, so my hope was that as I continued reading I'd feel a better understanding of her and grow to like her, but sadly that wasn't the case.

The blurb fascinated me when I first read it because of the exciting possibilities that could come from a young woman fighting the system to prove her dad's innocence, and had the story been simply about that, it might've pulled that off. Instead there were too many side plots that thinned the story and made it confusing to understand what the real plot of the story was. The blurb would have me believing it was her father's justice, but Ky had so many other crusades---finding who leaked her photos, the team of jocks, abusive athletes and drugs---that it was impossible to find focus. There were so many 'things' in this story that detracted from the true heart of the story---a girl out to save her dad---that I began to lose sight of enjoying it at all. I had hoped for the supporting characters and the love interest to redeem the story and its main character, but sadly they felt just as shallow as the plot, and with little to no chemistry, too.

I had really hoped to love this story, and while I gave it my best shot, it just didn't work for me. I hope that it's different for you if you give it a try.

Mystery books are not my typical genre so I was initially worried I wasn't going to enjoy this story, but I'm so glad I gave it a chance because I absolutely love it.

Kylene is such a badass character! I'm obsessed with her and her wit and sarcasm. The characters in Dare You to Lie felt so real and it made me never want to stop reading even though I forced myself to go through it slowly since it's not a genre I typically read.

I'm really excited that this is the start of a series because there is so much going on in this book and I need more!

Lawyer isn't Ky's career goal, but she's prepared to be a teen version of when in order to track down the truth behind her father's imprisonment. She just has to deal with the bullies and the bad memories following her around upon her return to her old high school. They all know about her dad, but they all also know about that night that produced the photos that chased her out of town. It doesn't help that her dad's old partner as put a babysitter on her, a handsome FBI agent with zero trust in her last name. What starts as investigating what happened with her dad turns into investigating the past, knowing she must uncover what happened to her first before she can focus on the next, if she can make it out alive.

I know I'm not the first to say it, but this was just like watching Veronica Mars. Ky is a tough girl with a sassy attitude and the ability to throw a mean punch if she has to. What starts as a single investigation turns into a multi-faceted story about a small town with dark secrets kept quiet by deep pockets. Of course, she's still only in high school, but somehow she knows the ropes. She's got contacts in the FBI, a father that's passed his determination onto her, and two of the best friends around. What happened to her during her freshman year is a story we've all heard, the kind we'd never wish on anyone, and her outcome is just as dire as those we hear on the news. Rich, popular jocks getting away with assault, a girl left embarrassed and with a tarnished reputation, but Ky just uses that as fuel. She fights the system, manages to do her homework, and despite the danger at every turn continues to face fear head on to uncover the truth and protect it from happening to others.

While Dare You to Lie is definitely a young adult story, the story is one that is relatable and interesting to read for readers of all ages. If you like suspense, characters with tenacity, and mysteries you can't predict, this one's for you. I didn't know it was a series when I started it, but I'm here for it now and definitely eagerly awaiting the next. While one crime is solved in Dare You to Lie, there's certainly more to be revealed. Plus, I really like Detective Dawson and want to see his character in a positive light, please give me that Amber Lynn Natusch! Full of moving parts, a fast-paced storyline, and gripping prose, Dare You to Lie is a fantastic new release in the YA-Suspense genre.

Recently I’ve been wanting to add more mystery/suspense to my reading repertoire, so when I heard one of my favorite authors had one coming out, I was quick to sign up and read it. And I was not disappointed one bit! YA can be tough to read, but the past few that I’ve read have been written flawlessly with not much of that typical teenage angst. Plus, I can’t say that I’ve read a YA suspense/mystery before, but this one, I highly recommend because of the bada**, zero s**t-taking heroine that is Kylene Danners.

I’ve been a fan of Natusch’s work since her Caged series, so it was definitely a no-brainer for me to get my hands on this one. Dare You to Lie is one of those books that is nearly impossible to put down. You must devour it in one sitting and Amber made it so easy to do so. The plot was such an epic one that kept me completely hooked the whole time. Kylene was one of those heroines that started off as this good girl and then one drunken night ended up completely altering her life. So much, that her and her dad left town for a couple years hoping to put that night behind her, but soon returns to Jasperville when her father is framed for murder.

Now that she’s back to the place she never wanted to see again, her mom essentially leaving her, so she’s back to living with her grandpa. She has some scores to settle in the town where her presence isn’t exactly wanted. But Ky is determined to find out the truth of not only that night but also the framing of her father. But the deeper Ky starts to dig, there’s constant danger lurking around every corner. How far is she willing to go to find out the truth especially with the constant warnings and endless threats?

I loved Kylene so much, fear wasn’t something that consumed her. She was determined to find out the truth in any way possible, but I will say her spitfire tongue and actions would put her in some unlikely situations. Kylene was very much an act first, think later type of girl and it actually made me admire her even more. I was in awe of her investigative skills and it just made her that much more appealing. And we can’t forget her only two supportive friends throughout this book that essentially became her sidekicks in this whirlwind mystery towards justice.

Dare You to Lie was one of those reads where your heart just beats so quickly the entire time you’re reading. As more truths she uncovers, it just brought up more questions. But the main question that I had during the entire book was why her? Why have her be scandalized, only to cover the truth and none involved be tried. All evidence, swept under the rug, simply hidden away in hopes to never be seen again. There’s so much more to this than just her scandal, but what is it or rather, who is it? Ah, the questions I have are endless and I just want to know why they use Kylene as the forefront of it all. Even though some truths were revealed there are still so many that Kylene will need to uncover.

Many have said that this was akin to Veronica Mars, but I’ve actually never seen the show before. So if you were a fan, this book is definitely up your alley. Ahhh, this book had everything even the romance lover in me was yearning for it, but this just wasn’t that kind of book. I’m having a little bit of a love/hate that this will be a series because I don’t want to wait long for the next book. With the way this ended, it sets up the next book quite nicely and I absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on it.

The scandal, lies, betrayal, blackmail and the top-notch detective skills of Kylene and her friends make for an absolutely riveting story. Highly recommend for all you suspense/mystery and a bit of thriller fans out there!

This was an interesting, fast paced story full of twists, with a fierce heroine. It has a great pace keeping your interest and the plot was very engaging.

After a photo scandal forced her to leave town Kylene is back with vengeance and determined to find out what really happened that evening two years ago. I absolutely loved how real Kylene's character was.I could easily understand her and feel her behavior.

Dare You to Lie is definitely a promising start to a series I'm going to continue reading!If you like Veronica Mars then this is definitely a book you should read!

Dare You to Lie by Amber Lynn Natusch is an intense thriller in which multiple cases are being investigated at once. I enjoyed the concept and the main character, but I had some issues with the pacing. Overall, I still had an enjoyable experience with the book, and it is perfect to curl up with this fall.

This book tells the story of a girl who is determined to clear her father’s name after he is framed for murder. At the same time, she is dealing with her own scandal. I enjoyed the suspense as the case becomes bigger, and the FBI agent aspects intrigued me. This is a wild ride of a thriller that will keep you guessing.

I really enjoyed Kylene’s character throughout the book. Being the daughter of an FBI agent, she isn’t afraid to stand up for herself, and she knows how to fight. Ky has some pretty snappy dialogue, which I appreciated, although certain lines didn’t seem like something a teenager would say. However, I was still rooting for her the entire time, and I admired her determination to get justice for her father.

While I did enjoy the book, I had a couple of issues with the pacing. I personally found it a little slow, and I was expecting something a little more action-packed from a thriller. As well, multiple cases are being investigated at once, which I found to be confusing. Of course, things make sense in the end, but I ended up lost in certain parts. I would still recommend this one though, since it is an interesting story.

Dare You to Lie is a suspenseful thriller featuring two cases at once. I loved the main character and her fierce personality. The pacing is a little off in my opinion, but I would still recommend the book to fans of the thriller genre.

This is the first book I read by Amber Lynn Natusch and I totally loved it. This one had me hooked from the beginning. Ky is a very likable character. Ky is a high schooler. Her life has just been turner upside down. Her dad is in jail and her mom left so she back in the town she left two years ago to live with her grandfather. There's a lot going on in her life. There were pictures of her that got taken and posted before she left two years ago. She still doesn't know who did it but there are six boys that she think know what happened. She also believes her dad was wrongfully convicted. Ky is a go getter, she's not going to sit back and let things lie. She wants answers and she goes after them. There's mystery and suspense and I was hooked as I was trying to find the answers Ky was looking for too while reading. I'm still questioning some of the locality of the characters. There one character that's her friend but I'm a little lerry of him. I can't wait to read the next one.

You can also read this review on my blog: https://amagicalworldofwords.blogspot.com/2018/09/2-mini-book-reviews-dare-you-to-lie-and.html


I was hooked by that premise and the fantastic cover. I had high expectations for the story inside.


The dialogue is good, but unfortunately the rest of the writing isn't. There's too much telling and heroine's point of view is distant. I also found the so-called humour extremely cringy and cheesy.

The characters do their job, I guess, but they aren't great. Everyone is vivid (yay!) but they're really annoying people ;) Kylene, especially. I hate how everyone loves her and thinks she's so hilarious and witty and smart and tough - even one of the bad guys admits she's smart, tough, and pretty. It grinds on my nerves. It's like the author's trying to make us love her character by having every character in her book like her. Ugh.

Kylene is also a real brat. She's so disrespectful to her peers, and she's a bully. She's also flipping arrogant ("Come on! You wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for me and my genius!")

The story is very cheesy. But I must admit it's entertaining. It might not be well written and the characters may not be good, but the story is fast, fun, and easy to read. The ending is also exciting and the action's frequent. I enjoyed it - when I could look past its issues (one of those being the gratuitous violence that's often just there for thrills, not plot necessity).

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

3.5 stars

I will admit, I almost did not finish this book. The writing style doesn't mesh with me. It feels too fast and the dialogue is always full of sarcasm and Ky talking big.

It isn't until I made the connection to Veronica Mars that I started getting into it more. I loved that show and since these main characters are so similar, why couldn't I just like Ky more? I still might not be Ky's biggest fan, but I see how she might grow in the series and I realized suddenly that I really did want to know how the mystery would work out -- and I wanted to make sure it didn't involve a character I did like.

Ky has a temper and a love for justice. She doesn't follow the rules and can't help but step in when someone needs assistance. She might not be my favorite character, but I do respect her. I'm glad some of the other characters were redeemed as well. Not the football players, because ugh, but I do like Dawson.

This is fast-paced and sometimes feels it. I wasn't always sure on timeline at times and I wouldn't have mind things slowing down, but there isn't ever a dull moment in this book.

Slowly I began to realize that this mystery was going to be bigger than just one book and my attention was grabbed even more. Now, I want to read the sequel! I had problems with this book, I almost didn't finish it, but I did eventually get into the groove of it and now wish I had more because I just need to know what is going on in this small town.
I'm also curious about the relationship building between Ky and Dawson -- She's a minor and he isn't, which is made obvious at multiple times in the book, but... I really like them together??? If she turns 18 soon then I won't mind if that is where the series is going, but if not then I might have issues-- but the author is so cognizant of this considering the subject matter of the next book! So, yes, I have feelings and a desire to know what happens next.

If you like Veronica Mars, girls out for justice, and/or fast-paced thrillers, you should check this book out!

Dare You to Lie, by author Amber Lynn Natusch, is the first installment in the authors Hometown Antihero series. Kylene Danner's is your protagonist for this series. Ky didn’t return to her former hometown of Jasperville, Ohio searching for her happily ever after. She came back so that she could right a few wrongs that have been done to herself and to her father FBI Detective Bruce Danners. The second part won't be so easy as she believes. Especially in a town filled with secrets.

Ky's family left Jasperville behind a few years earlier after naked pictures of her were taken at a party and leaked online. The suspects were all football players. Football players who were protected by some powerful people instead of her. One was her ex boyfriend who claims that he had nothing to do with what happened to her. But, if she can get back at the Six who basically destroyed her reputation, it would go a long way towards proving that all of her training was worth something.

One of the best things about this story is Ky's friendship with several key characters. Ky friendship with Garrett has always been on solid ground, and Garrett is happy that she's back to where she belongs. The second character is Tabby, a girl who moved her from Canada, and whose first impression is one of a girl who needs a little push in order to protect her own reputation and image. The friendship between these three really made the story for me. They were all so sarcastic and funny, but the love was obvious. Tabby fit right in with them.

The second part is even more puzzling for Ky, especially with those like FBI Agent Dawson believing that her father is guilty and she is wasting her time trying to free him. But, the reality is that Dawson isn't going away. In fact, he was sent to make sure she didn't get into too much trouble which is laudable since he really didn't know who Ky was. Ky refuses to abandon her father to a prison where anyone with a grudge can get to him. Ky is smart, but stubborn. She digs too deep, and finds trouble quickly. She's threatened, and her house is broken into, but she doesn't back down. She can't. Two lives are at stake.

I have read where reviewers have compared Ky to Veronica Mars and that's fair. Veronica was always getting into trouble and sometimes she made some really stupid mistakes. I won't go near comparing this story to Pretty Little Liars since the two are not compatible at all. Alas, I haven't watched Riverdale, so someone who actually has can read this book and see if there is any comparison. I liked the ending well enough but we all know that the first book in a series is the one where secrets are revealed, and the protagonist has to make choices that are often scorned and looked down at. Ky is a fierce character who doesn't take crap from anyone. There is an old saying about walking softly and carrying a large stick or bat or golf club. This is a story that proves the old adage that you really can't trust anyone until you go to war with them.

Dare You To Lie by Amber Lynn Natusch
Oh my go oh my god omg!!! This book was so captivating and such a great read! I was instantly pulled in and wasn't let go! I wasn't left wanting more, needing to know what happens next and if she frees her dad or if she goes down! I can't wait to see her fall for snarky FBI agent or her old love!! I can't wait for more!!! Love it!!!
5 stars!!

Note: I received a copy of Dare You to Lie by Amber Lynn Natusch via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Meet Kylene. Kylene is the spit-fire daughter of an FBI agent who’s been framed for murder. She knows he didn’t do it, and now she’s determined to clear his name. Unfortunately, that means returning to the town that she escaped two years prior; after a photo scandal that drove her away and made her lose trust in the person she once loved.

Something corrupt is happening in that small town; the photo scandal, her father being framed, and a football team who seems to get away with everything. Is it all connected? Did Ky thrust herself into a much bigger problem?

Fans of Veronica Mars and Riverdale, rejoice! As mentioned on the cover of Dare You to Lie, this book is perfect for you!

I’m newish to thrillers, and have been on a YA Thriller kick after reading One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus, so when I seen this e-ARC ready to be requested, that’s exactly what I did. I’m a big fan of films, novels, television shows, and video games that center around a woman who can truly kick ass. Listen, Sweet/Vicious, Veronica Mars, Tomb Raider? They’re all on my list of absolute favorites. And, Kylene is definitely a great addition to that list. Her attitude and sassy tone had me cheering her on throughout Dare You to Lie.

In terms of the plot, Dare You to Lie had me on the edge of my seat. There are so many questions that arise throughout the novel, that it has you wanting to read chapter after chapter. Amber Lynn Natusch had me rooting for the good guys, which surprisingly, doesn’t happen too often for me. So, kudos to her on that.

I truly adored the relationship that Kylene has with her old best friend, Garrett, and her new best friend, Tabby. It was clear that the trio would do anything to protect each other. And, let’s not me getting started on a certain ship that I didn’t expect would have me cheesing like an idiot. Honestly, all of the character and relationships were written so well.

The only thing to turn me off was some of the cringe-worthy dialogue. There were some lines that I just couldn’t imagine a teenager saying, but alas, everyone’s different and has their own tone, so that’s probably more of a me problem than a book problem.

Dare You to Lie is definitely a promising start to a series that I plan on continuing. In the ending chapter, it’s clear that Amber Lynn Natusch plans on diving deeper into the town’s mysteries & causing more questions to arise. I look forward to seeing Kylene’s development throughout the series, and I’m really excited to see how her relationships with others will progress. Dare You to Lie is definitely a book to add to your TBR, especially if you enjoy Veronica Mars, or just thrillers in general.

Love Veronica Mars? Then you're going to love Kylene Danners!

This was one of those books that I wasn't sure if I'd like. Dirty cops and small town skeletons? I figured it'd be kind of boring and wouldn't hold my interest.

Boy was I wrong! Kylene is a force to be reckoned with and she can't seem to  keep her mouth shut. She's fiercely protective of those she loves and if you get in her way you better watch out!

This book did a great job as a YA novel without dumbing anything down. There were a couple of snippets of dialogue that didn't do it for me but otherwise this twisty whodunit have me guessing until the very end. And of course there's a cliffhanger and I just need to know how it ends!

Move over Veronica, Kylene is in town.

I love my mysteries as much as I love my romances and this one drew me in as the author K.A Tucker had mentioned on the cover two of my favorite series - Riverdale and Veronica Mars. I also have an infinity for Teen girl detective like characters. I have to admit though that the main character reminded me more of Veronica Mars and a bit like Jughead rather than the female characters of Riverdale as she had more bite and guts and didn't come off as hiding even when things got tough. Kylene aka Ky's father has been framed for a murder of a fellow FBI agent, and now she has to move back to her childhood hometown and live with her grandfather who is the prison warden of the prison her dad is in. Before this happened, Ky was part of a sex tape fiasco and photos of her were distributed, and no-one charged, and she was made out to be the one who cried wolf. Now she's back at the high school and facing all her old enemies and the few friends she has left. Ky is adamant her dad was set up and is determined to find proof of his innocence but as she delves deeper into the case, her friends and herself will start to uncover a town widespread conspiracy and soon will prove that you can't trust anyone as they are all connected even her best friend Garrett's dad - the sheriff of their town. Can Ky and her friends unravel the conspiracy before more people are hurt, and innocents are framed? Find out in Book #1 of the Hometown Anti-Heroes Series "Dare You To Lie" as it's move over Veronica Mars and make way for Kylene Danner's with Amber Lynn Natusch's new series.

I devoured this book today because it had everything I love. An innocent man in jail, a strong-willed teenager dead set on figuring out what's going on in the shadows of her hometown and some good old-fashioned love. Ky is a narrator that I can fully get behind and want to read about for multiple books. Please write the sequel faster!

I loved this. It was not at all what I was expecting but in the best way possible. I didn't realize that I needed a new mystery series in my life, but guess what? I did.

The plot in this book is so heavy and dense but it somehow never feels at all overwhelming. I've seen other reviewers compare it to Veronica Mars, but I've never read anything in that series or even watched the tv show so I have absolutely no idea if this is anything like it, but if it is, then maybe I need to check out Veronica Mars.

There are so many different mysteries going on in this that it all kind of turns into one big conspiracy and I love that. I mean, how many times do I have to say 'love' in italics or bold print to really get my point across? The characters all feel a little shady (besides our main character, Kylene), so you're always guessing who's guilty of what and wondering who is worthy of trusting. Personally, I can't wait to find out who else is hiding secrets in future books in the series. I have lots of theories.

It took me a little while to warm up to Kylene because she has one of those really thick heroine personalities that is trying to not come off as heroic and this usually ends up with the character saying things that kind of make me cringe (which definitely happens here). But even though I didn't really care so much for her personality, I was all in for the cause. There is so much going on in this book that not liking how some of the characters are written won't distract you for long.

Overall, I'm so excited for the next installment. Natusch has got a winner on her hands.

I really enjoyed this book about Kylene and her friends who try to solve a crime against her several years ago. Ky is also trying to get the evidence to prove her FBI agent father is innocent of committing a murder. There was a great deal of action in the last quarter of the book, and it truly held my interest. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to be an early reader in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Dare You to Lie

by Amber Lynn Natusch

Macmillan-Tor/Forge

Tor Teen

Teens & YA

Pub Date 04 Sep 2018

I am reviewing a copy of Dare You Lie through Macmillan-Tor/Forge and Netgalley:

Kylene is forced to move in with her Grandfather back to the small town and the boy that betrayed her when her FBI father is framed for murder.

Ky just wants to clear her Fathers name and get him out of prison! But someone is determined to make her remember the photo scandal of two years prior one she has been trying to forget. As the threats get stronger Ky finds an ally she doesn’t expect in the rookie FBI agent sent to keep her safe.

Ky is determine to expose the towns dark secrets. And in doing so she unwittingly thrusts herself into a much bigger plot. They thought she would forgive and forget. They are about to discover they messed with the wrong girl!

I give Dare You Lie five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Dare You To Lie certainly had me hooked from the first page. But I didn't love it as much as I had hoped. Sure, it is a smart, intense, and even witty, but I had a bit of a hard time connecting with the characters. This may be because I am older than the heroine and I cannot always connect with the younger generation through novels, but it may also be because I wasn't in the mood for this type of book while reading.

In any event, I know for a fact this will be a hit among many when it releases, and I truly feel that a lot of people are going to love it much more than me. Perhaps I will revisit it in the future.

Are you a huge fan of Veronica Mars like I am? Then this book's for you. Scrappy blonde underdog with a heart of gold who can't seem to keep her mouth shut against injustice? Check. Friends who are fiercely loyal to her when everyone else has turned their back? Check. Old boyfriend who swears he's changed and wants a second chance? Check. Law enforcement father who got screwed over in the midst of scandal? Check.

It got off to a bit of a messy start with so much going on that I didn't know where to look. But then this book hit its stride and totally won me over. I loved Kylene's ferocity in the face of adversity and I especially loved her friendship with Garrett and Tabby. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.