About Double Dare...
Dear Reader,
Double Dare is out and while a lot of you are enjoying the book, a few of you just couldn't quite get the feel of it. What happened was that I tried something completely new. Instead of watching them fall in love, I threw you into a story about two people in love with obstacles and who are already in a relationship of sorts. I gave you no warning. None. For that I apologize, but like I said I was trying something completely new. I don't want to get tied into doing things by the book, sticking to any type of writing formula and I thought that this plot was be the ultimate writing challenge for myself.
Did I enjoy writing Double Dare?
Yes, I actually did. I would never publish a book that I didn't enjoy writing. Even knowing that it was difficult for some readers to get into, I have to say that I really do enjoy the book and I am very proud of it. I liked seeing Darrin and Marybeth finally push past their problems, accept their situation and move on to a promising future.
I tried to do this book from a completely different situation, two people who are already in a relationship of sorts. It was a challenge and ended up feeling more like a job to get the storyline to work. That being said, I did enjoy it, but I think that I overlooked a few things like the readers wanting to watch the characters fall in love, witness that first kiss, the moment they realize that they're in love, etc. I don't regret the book, because like I said I enjoyed the story, but I don't think that I will ever write a book again where it robs the reader of seeing those special moments if that makes any sense?
This will not be how the future Neighbor from Hell books or any of my books will ever be written again. I will never jump into a relationship and expect you to catch up and figure out what's going on again. I apologize to those of you who were unable to fully get into this book and a thank you to the readers that pushed past my crazy attempts to write a unique book and enjoyed Darrin and Marybeth's story.
Thank you for your support and understanding in my attempts to give you an original story :)
-R.L.
Double Dare is out and while a lot of you are enjoying the book, a few of you just couldn't quite get the feel of it. What happened was that I tried something completely new. Instead of watching them fall in love, I threw you into a story about two people in love with obstacles and who are already in a relationship of sorts. I gave you no warning. None. For that I apologize, but like I said I was trying something completely new. I don't want to get tied into doing things by the book, sticking to any type of writing formula and I thought that this plot was be the ultimate writing challenge for myself.
Did I enjoy writing Double Dare?
Yes, I actually did. I would never publish a book that I didn't enjoy writing. Even knowing that it was difficult for some readers to get into, I have to say that I really do enjoy the book and I am very proud of it. I liked seeing Darrin and Marybeth finally push past their problems, accept their situation and move on to a promising future.
I tried to do this book from a completely different situation, two people who are already in a relationship of sorts. It was a challenge and ended up feeling more like a job to get the storyline to work. That being said, I did enjoy it, but I think that I overlooked a few things like the readers wanting to watch the characters fall in love, witness that first kiss, the moment they realize that they're in love, etc. I don't regret the book, because like I said I enjoyed the story, but I don't think that I will ever write a book again where it robs the reader of seeing those special moments if that makes any sense?
This will not be how the future Neighbor from Hell books or any of my books will ever be written again. I will never jump into a relationship and expect you to catch up and figure out what's going on again. I apologize to those of you who were unable to fully get into this book and a thank you to the readers that pushed past my crazy attempts to write a unique book and enjoyed Darrin and Marybeth's story.
Thank you for your support and understanding in my attempts to give you an original story :)
-R.L.
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Mo
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May 01, 2015 01:37PM
I read and loved the first 4 books of the NFH series. I stared book 5 and gave up on it.... I DNF it. Honestly I cannot remember why now ... So, I don't think I will be reading this latest one ... I know this comment isn't much help with your latest book but I am just being honest. I see a lot of my friends gave Double Dare low ratings and I usually trust their reviews. Good luck with future endeavors.
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I really really really really enjoyed it myself. Just as I have every other book that I have read of yours. Keep up the good work.
Mo wrote: "I read and loved the first 4 books of the NFH series. I stared book 5 and gave up on it.... I DNF it. Honestly I cannot remember why now ... So, I don't think I will be reading this latest one ... ..."I'm really sorry to hear about that, Mo. What did you like about the first four books? I'm wondering where The Game Plan went wrong for you. Truce was extremely different from the rest so I'm just curious what worked in that book, but failed in TGP. I'm always trying to improve.
R.L.
R.L. wrote: "Mo wrote: "I read and loved the first 4 books of the NFH series. I stared book 5 and gave up on it.... I DNF it. Honestly I cannot remember why now ... So, I don't think I will be reading this late..."I am going to have to skim through the book and get back to you. I hate giving low reviews or not finishing books and its great that you are invested enough in your readers to ask the above question... I just loved the banter, the humor of the first four books ... I absolutely adored the historical. I love historicals anyway and was a bit wary when I saw you were writing one. But it was perfect. Totally amazing. Maybe my expectations were too high then for the next one .... Sorry for being honest but I think that is what you want.
R.L. please write what you want to write - we readers are a fickle group, you write the same type of thing we complain, you change the formula we complain. Have faith in yourself and write what needs to be said. Some of us will love it, some of us will hate it, some of us will say 2it's ok but I preferred ..."
I totally understand the need for approval but I don't want you to write something you don't 'feel' just to gain the approval of us fickle readers. xxx
Mo wrote: "R.L. wrote: "Mo wrote: "I read and loved the first 4 books of the NFH series. I stared book 5 and gave up on it.... I DNF it. Honestly I cannot remember why now ... So, I don't think I will be read..."That's exactly what I want. I'd love to get back into the original Playing for Keeps and Perfection mode. That is the goal for the next NFH book :)
I read your FNH books for the humor, near complete narcissism, and emotional involvement of your male characters. Perfection, one of my all time favorite romances, is a perfect example of that. I love your writing style and the way you are able to switch POV. I always laugh.I didn't read the third book because I read reviews saying the pranks seemed mean. I don't enjoy historicals involving lords and ladies so the fourth wasn't really in my ballpark.
I liked The Game Plan. The transition between assholeness to devotion wasn't as subtle as when you realize Trevor is buying the groceries for Zoe without thinking about it in Perfection, but it's in the same family and I liked Danny's character. Along with so many others, I think you've created a great family mythos that I enjoy reading about. I was sorry to learn about Danny's father, but not all families are perfect. I look forward to reading more about the Bradfords and I think I read that you're working on a short story about uncle Jared.
I'm skipping Double Dare for the reasons that you listed above (plus I'm not a fan of practical jokes). I don't care if I have to wait for you to write another book that I'm more likely to enjoy because I know you will. I read the 2014 Chronicles and Sudden Response and loved them. I can't think of any author I love where I have loved every single book he/she published. I always figure we're not twinsies and that this storyline interested her and that I will check back to see if the next book sounds more like something I'd be interested in.
I'm going to the RT convention in two weeks and I'm so sorry you're not going to be there so I can say thank you for Perfection.
Everyone is entitled to their view, but I for one ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!
Abra wrote: "I read your FNH books for the humor, near complete narcissism, and emotional involvement of your male characters. Perfection, one of my all time favorite romances, is a perfect example of that. I l..."Thank you, Abra :) The pranks in Checkmate were mean? They weren't really pranks, but really messed up ways to get at each other. I can understand if that's not your thing and respect that, but I just wanted to say none of it was vicious or hurtful.
R.L.
Do you know what I love? The way people can have their own opinions and not be called on it by others. That is why we love reading. It takes you to unchartered waters and we all react differently.
I loved Double Dare, for the reason that the 2 main characters had known each other from when they were little. It was their friendship and the way they handled that friendship throughout their lives that you showed us. Obviously being a Bradford we saw what it was like growing up as one. We didn't see the fully grown "asshole to devoted" male, we saw him developing, in small excerpts.
Yes it was different to what you normally write, and I think you were being true to yourself in changing it up. It was the way your characters spoke to you. A truly gifted author listens to their characters.
I enjoyed reading the banter between darrin and marybeth but it was like watching a movie after intermission. Was a bit disappointed but now i understand why you did it. So that makes it a little better. And I am really looking forward to reece's story. Loved the sneak peek at the end of DD
Thank you R L for understanding the readers who had some issues with double dare (including me). I just wanted to say that I appreciate your effort to write something new and I did not mean to be rude or anything in my comment for that book. Double Dare is good but not great compared to your other NFH novels. As I mentioned before, I love your books because there is something about the way you write and how you pull off those pranks! You are an evil genious when it comes to writing those pranks and your Bradford clan are a family that I am sure everyone wish they could be part of! Keep up the good work and can't wait to read more about more Bradford men facing their great great great grandfathers curse :)
Anjali wrote: "I enjoyed reading the banter between darrin and marybeth but it was like watching a movie after intermission. Was a bit disappointed but now i understand why you did it. So that makes it a little b..."That's exactly what it was like. Felt like I'd missed the first half of the book.
Rather than this one, I feel like it was book 5 that was just terrible..... it was just bad, imo. However, R L you are still one of my favorite authors, and look forward to reading Double Dare! Hopefully I'll be different from the other readers.
I love this book.when I am reading a series of books I tend to get bored and stop reading the series this has never happened with your books. I love the fact that you change it up a little bit.I am so grateful for your writing it has save me from a lot of long book droughts.i hope you know for every person that didn't like your book there are a lot more that did. Thank you for all your wonderful work R.L x
I loved the first four books,liked the game plan and was really disappointed with double dare.I really wanted to love it.hell,I'd set a reminder on my phone the minute RL announced the release date.
But after reading it...I dont know,just didnt like it
Yes, so glad an adult discussion can be held here without folks being called out on it or any bitchy comments. We all have a different take on books. That's what makes Goodreads so interesting.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and I didn't really have any big issues with it. The only thing I would've liked to see was how their "friends with benefits" began. I was a bit disappointed that we missed out on how they got together, I even reread the first 2 chapters to make sure I didn't miss it. Besides that, I thought the book was great. You took a different route this time around, but you know what, if you hadn't people might have complained that it was repetitive to the previous books. You can't please everyone. :)
I really like you and your work RL. Especially now, you reaching and considered the opinion of your reader in nice way.i love you more for that.About the Double Dare, well that didn't work for me, as the TGP, i'm not sure anymore why in TGP, honestly i forgot about it. It's the instant fuck-buddy that get me confused. We knew how the Bradford work, but this one seems to me i miss something. We knew the hard work you put in this book, appreciated that, please don't take this as rant or something, just expressing my view. Though i still looking forward to your next book.
I actually enjoyed Double Dare and followed along pretty well. I kind of liked that it wasn't in your typical fashion is setting up the characters but letting us into where they were now. You can't possibly write a book that everyone who reads it will fall in love with it. I enjoyed it and hope that you continue to write what's in your heart.
I really enjoyed Double Dare and I didn't feel like I missed anything at all. You could see there was something going on with Darrin and Marybeth in The Game Plan. Double Dare allowed readers to say, "Ah, so that's what that was all about!" Personally, although I still really enjoyed The Game Plan, it has been my least favourite. I felt the Bradfords were a little too over the top in that one. I have to confess I haven't been able to make myself read Truce yet though. The historic thing just doesn't appeal to me, but I really shouldn't judge without trying it.
I agree with Nicole,the Bradfords were actually over the top and though Jodi's scenes where she was drugged were funny,but they kept coming in so much frequency,that it got boring
Mo wrote: "I read and loved the first 4 books of the NFH series. I stared book 5 and gave up on it.... I DNF it. Honestly I cannot remember why now ... So, I don't think I will be reading this latest one ... ..."Mo, I completely get where you are coming from, but I would give this one a try. The story might be more enjoyable if you have read The Game Plan first as you get glimpses of Darrin and Marybeth in that book. I don't know if I would say it's a necessity though.
For me, when I was going in to Double Dare, I found myself hoping and crossing my fingers that it would be better than TGP. I was somewhat disappointed in TGP. I felt the Bradfords and the medicine scenes were just too over the top for me. I'm not sure I would be waiting for the next one if Double Dare had followed in the footsteps of TGP, but I am looking forward to Reese's story.
I just bought Truce and downloaded it to my Kindle App. I think it's time for me to give it a chance.
Yes, I agree with Tania and Nicole! It was just wayyy to over the top and what was supposed to be funny just wasn't anymore. But I did read Double Dare yesterday, and I actually liked it, at least much better than the Game Plan! I definitely liked that it was something different. And Nicole, you should definitely read Truce!! That's actually my favorite of the series, and if it's the Bradford hijinks you're worried about it basically has none of those. I know some people are sort of iffy to read historicals, but it's a good one to start off with for people who don't really read historicals. I was the same way with Truce, but I really think that one was the best overall! :)
Nicole wrote: "Mo wrote: "I read and loved the first 4 books of the NFH series. I stared book 5 and gave up on it.... I DNF it. Honestly I cannot remember why now ... So, I don't think I will be reading this late..."Will give it a shot maybe, thanks Nicole.
Alexandria wrote: "yay! :)"I believe it may have been my favourite too. Glad I finally read it!!,
Nicole wrote: "Alexandria wrote: "yay! :)"I believe it may have been my favourite too. Glad I finally read it!!,"
Good to know!! Historical lately have been somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me haha and I think Truce started it all!
R.L.- I would like to commend you for trying something new and putting yourself out there! That is not always a very easy thing to do. I encourage you to write a story the way in come to you, no matter what that way is! Forcing something to be the way it's not meant to be will never be as good as letting the story come as it will. Bottom line I think DD was still a great story and if you learned something from your experience publishing it then all the better! My NFH journey started when up to Truce had been released and no joke I don't think I got more then two hours of sleep, over 48 hours because I fell into all of them. Perfection will always be my favorite of the series because I, too am a curvy girl and life experience taught me some men can see past that and some never will. There are days where for some reason of another I need some Zoe in my life and will pick of Perfection, have some ugly cries, laugh my ass off and I have you to thank for give me that outlet, so THANK YOU!
After reading Playing for Keeps, I instantly called all my sisters, mom and best friend and said get this shit now!!! We all read them together and love them so keep up the hard work! You're awesome, sister!!
I did like Double Dare! I thought it was interesting and different from a lot of your other books. NFH series and the Pyte series both hold some similarities but I think that is just your distinct writing style and I personally, love it. I love the characters and how they make me laugh out loud. Double Dare wasn't my favorite NFH novel, but I still enjoyed it! Don't let others get you down! I love your books!
Alison wrote: "R.L. please write what you want to write - we readers are a fickle group, you write the same type of thing we complain, you change the formula we complain. Have faith in yourself and write what n..."
Alison, I could not have put it better. I was searching for a way to say, well, exactly that. These books are a part of the author. A part of R.L.'s story. We can give reviews and recommendations all we like, but a good book is one the author loves. One they enjoyed writting, and sharing. So thanks for saying it better than me!;)
And R.L. please keep writting. The NFH series is by far my fave. I have already voiced to you my adoration of all things Bradford.... and sigh.... if I dont get my fix, well who is going to make me combust with laughter? I mean really, do it for me. If not for yourself and children.;) Haha
Always
manda
I am in love with your books and Double Dare has only made me laugh more and love the series even more. I feel that the 'different' aspect of the book only made it more interesting to read. You have nothing to apologize for. The book was perfectly written. Keep writing with love! Your loyal fan.
I love love love all the NFH books.. I love the comedy and romance of it all. The next book just doesn't come out fast enough lol I hate the waiting especially after reading the 1st chaper of reese book.
It makes me almost want to cry for you to say that your books won't be like this anymore. I thought that Double Dare was astounding, that it showed you weren't settling for the same plot line as in the first couple of books. Yes, the first couple of books were more comedic, but this book and Checkmate owned my heart. It was never about how attracted they were to each other's bodies, it was about their long long long connection to each other and how they knew each other inside and out. There's so many words I want to say to defend this book, and I can't because I'll word vomit all over this post. Please please be proud of this book.
Well I can honestly say that I absolutely loved Double Dare....I for one DO NOT want to read a series of books by the same author that are repetitive in basic storyline....I loved the fact that these two already knew each other and knew that they loved the other one, they just had to work out how to get where they were going...I think I am nearly due for a reread while I wait ( ever so impatiently) for Reeses book....
Well, to be honest, I find the exaggerations really amusing and funny but sometimes it goes way too many that it becomes "unrealistic". I love the humor of the book but I guess there's a limit to that to avoid dragging the story and of course, to keep it realistic.
