I am left stunned and speechless and without the ability to write a proper review. As I write this, I am still at a loss on what to say. In sharing with you what ‘If You Dare’ is about, and what makes me love it so much, I need to be careful as it would be easy to spoil this book. I have to say I was a bit skeptical to read this, because I felt like ‘Do Not Disturb (Deanna Madden, #2)‘ ended perfectly and didn’t need a follow-up book. It’s a damn good thing Torre is the author and not me, because we would have missed out! A. R. Torre’s writing is captivating, engaging, and packs an emotional punch.

I can always count on Torre to push my boundaries, to make me uneasy, to mess with my mind and to make me question what the hell is wrong with me that I feel empathy for her characters. ‘If You Dare’ was no exception. Told in multiple POV’s as well the past and present, and in two parts, I admit I was confused for easily the first half of the book. But it isn’t because the writing was confusing, it was because the story is structured in such a way that you don’t get all of the information at one time. I had so many questions and theories swirling in my head. I was held in suspense for a great deal of the book as we bounce between past and present, eating up the pieces of breadcrumbs Torre would leave.

Deanna Madden is still in a relationship with Jeremy, still living in her apartment and still dealing with the demons that haunt her nights, when one morning she awakens on the floor without memory of the events that occurred the night before.

Jeremy Pacer knows he loves Deanna, knows she has issues but craves for the normalcy of a relationship. Deanna craves that, too, to be normal, to be able to be the kind of girlfriend Jeremy deserves. But they both know that can’t happen. There isn’t anything normal about her.

❝There was a strong possibility he was in love with a psychopath.❞

Deanna doesn’t have anyone other than Jeremy. He is the only other person she has ever loved in her life besides her family. Their relationship may not be normal, but it is real and it is something that Deanna cherishes and is fiercely protective over. Jeremy doesn’t treat her or look at her like the psychopath she is, he sees more. Or is blinded to that fact, either way it doesn’t matter. Because she needs him.

❝I am the madness, the demon, the insanity.❞

In ‘If You Dare’, both characters experience personal growth. As Deanna struggles to reign in her thoughts and desires, she gains tremendous insight. Jeremy takes on more of a dominant role than the passive role we had seen from him in the previous books. He begins to seek out what he wants from Deanna, as well, he holds her accountable.

Until he can’t.

I have one warning for you *DO NOT READ SPOILER REVIEWS* in fact, stay away from reviews. Spoilers happen, sometimes purposefully and sometimes accidentally, and this is a book that demands you go in blind. Which is why I am not saying much about the plot.

Another winner for A.R. Torre! 5 Blazing Stars!