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If You Wrong Us
"An intricate psychological page-turner that explores the darker side of vengeance and reads like Gone Girl through a teen lens." - Kirkus Reviews
Becca and Johnny become entangled after a car crash steals the lives of two people they love. Officially, the crash is an accident. But Becca and Johnny are convinced: someone did this.
As they plot revenge against the person responsible, a bond—intense, unyielding, and manic—takes hold of them. And in an unexpected turn of events, they fall for each other.
Or so they think.
In an upside-down world where decay is beautiful and love and hate become one, Becca and Johnny find themselves grappling with reality. Nothing is exactly what it seems, including what they've come to believe about the crash. Question is: will they learn the truth before it's too late?
No. The question is: when they learn the truth, will they care?
Becca and Johnny become entangled after a car crash steals the lives of two people they love. Officially, the crash is an accident. But Becca and Johnny are convinced: someone did this.
As they plot revenge against the person responsible, a bond—intense, unyielding, and manic—takes hold of them. And in an unexpected turn of events, they fall for each other.
Or so they think.
In an upside-down world where decay is beautiful and love and hate become one, Becca and Johnny find themselves grappling with reality. Nothing is exactly what it seems, including what they've come to believe about the crash. Question is: will they learn the truth before it's too late?
No. The question is: when they learn the truth, will they care?
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2015
2 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Klehr
5 books232 followersDawn Klehr began her career in TV and though she’s been on both sides of the camera, she prefers to lurk behind the lens. Mostly, she loves to get lost in stories –in film, the theater, or on the page – and is a sucker for both the sinister and the sappy. She’s currently channeling her dark side as she works on her next book.
Dawn lives in the Twin Cities with her funny husband, adorable son, and naughty dog. The Cutting Room Floor is her debut YA novel.
Dawn lives in the Twin Cities with her funny husband, adorable son, and naughty dog. The Cutting Room Floor is her debut YA novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 29, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Flux and NetGalley.)
“Last year, Becca lost her twin sister Brit in a car accident.
It was the same accident that took my mom; the accident that bought Becca to me.”
This was a bit of an odd story about a girl whose twin sister was murdered, and she was determined to pay back the person she felt was responsible.
I felt quite sorry for Becca at first, but as the book went on I started to wonder if she was maybe a little deranged, as her plans seemed to be bordering on psychotic.
The storyline in this was a little hard to follow as we seemed to keep jumping back and forth in time, as well as changing perspectives, although the mystery aspect kept me reading. Who really killed Becca’s twin sister, and why? Not to mention, what the heck was Becca planning on doing about it?!
The ending to this was okay, but I didn’t really feel like everything was tied up.
6 out of 10
“Last year, Becca lost her twin sister Brit in a car accident.
It was the same accident that took my mom; the accident that bought Becca to me.”
This was a bit of an odd story about a girl whose twin sister was murdered, and she was determined to pay back the person she felt was responsible.
I felt quite sorry for Becca at first, but as the book went on I started to wonder if she was maybe a little deranged, as her plans seemed to be bordering on psychotic.
The storyline in this was a little hard to follow as we seemed to keep jumping back and forth in time, as well as changing perspectives, although the mystery aspect kept me reading. Who really killed Becca’s twin sister, and why? Not to mention, what the heck was Becca planning on doing about it?!
The ending to this was okay, but I didn’t really feel like everything was tied up.
6 out of 10
February 11, 2020
"Once I asked her how she would label herself. Broken Girl, she answered.”
― Dawn Klehr, If You Wrong Us
This looked really good. It's another revenge tale but the premise..two kids getting together to exact revenge after people they love are killed in a car accident..was different.
I will list what I liked first. The writer..well..she can write! There was a wildness about this book that kept me reading even though honestly I did not like it that much. But her style of writing hooks you in. This was not a DNF..I really wanted to know what would happen.
But I just could not feel a connection. I felt like I did not really know these two characters. And much of what happens in this book does not seem very realistic. So while I liked the premise I just did not love the story.
It was also a very short book. To short and I feel much more could have been captured and created had it been a bit longer..
Not very much character development and another book that I would describe as more of a "thriller/horror" then really being psychological although it did have its moments.
It was also a bit to twisted for me. Sometimes twisted can be fun but this story was pretty dreary and dark and was, for me, to short so that I never felt like I properly connected to the story.
Having said that..most people who dig horror or thrillers that are really on the dark and twisted side would most likely want to read this. The writing is stark and intense and puts you right there. I would read other works by this author. This was just not the right book for me personally. Love the title though!
― Dawn Klehr, If You Wrong Us
This looked really good. It's another revenge tale but the premise..two kids getting together to exact revenge after people they love are killed in a car accident..was different.
I will list what I liked first. The writer..well..she can write! There was a wildness about this book that kept me reading even though honestly I did not like it that much. But her style of writing hooks you in. This was not a DNF..I really wanted to know what would happen.
But I just could not feel a connection. I felt like I did not really know these two characters. And much of what happens in this book does not seem very realistic. So while I liked the premise I just did not love the story.
It was also a very short book. To short and I feel much more could have been captured and created had it been a bit longer..
Not very much character development and another book that I would describe as more of a "thriller/horror" then really being psychological although it did have its moments.
It was also a bit to twisted for me. Sometimes twisted can be fun but this story was pretty dreary and dark and was, for me, to short so that I never felt like I properly connected to the story.
Having said that..most people who dig horror or thrillers that are really on the dark and twisted side would most likely want to read this. The writing is stark and intense and puts you right there. I would read other works by this author. This was just not the right book for me personally. Love the title though!
October 7, 2015
If You Wrong Us was a surprisingly gripping, quick paced and entertaining novel that, while not entirely original and certainly not without flaws, had some unexpectedly decent writing, a remarkable understanding of criminal law (over which I was excited, that being my favorite class last semester and all the material still fresh in my mind) and a lot of potential for a great YA psychological thriller. Unfortunately, the novel quickly unraveled during the second half, ultimately delivering very messy and underwhelming climax.
This is a very short novel that flies by and makes it very hard to tear your eyes away. The subject, the careful delivery and the approaching trainwreck makes for a highly entertaining read, which I certainly never expected. The dual narrative worked pretty well with the thrilling atmosphere of the novel, though I did struggle with differentiating Johnny and Becca's voice from one another. Each voice was infused with a certain degree of personality, in one of the cases it was obvious one of the POVs was entirely unreliable, but it didn't made much of a difference in the tone of each of this character's, which made it hard to keep track of who was telling what part of the story sometimes. Another two nameless POVs were added in there, one concerning a website for confessions which was initially intriguing, but ultimately contributed nothing to the story and tended to drag on, disturbing the flow of the action. There is an crucial plot twist concerning those two perspectives, but it was still not important enough to disrupt the nice rhythm Johnny and Becca had going on with the narration.
I understand unreliability was key to one of the POVs, but even facts were hard to follow with the characters, particularly when trying to understand the timeline. I originally liked the jumpiness of both narratives, mostly because they started their stories at different times in the chain of events, but soon enough it became hard to place the actions and events, especially because they didn't keep a straight timeline in their narration.
The tension was well handled in the story and it was consistent throughout the entire novel. I liked the way the characters presented themselves, and though a bit generic sometimes and not entirely deep, they were successful in conveying the type of personalities that worked well with the story and the atmosphere. I did struggle with trying to connect the methodical nature of one of the characters and the constant talks about the effort they've placed into planning this situation with the overall half-assed plan they ended up trying to make work. Much of the novel hinges on the unpredictability of the character's motivations and actions, and I can't honestly say that worked often in favor of the book. They sometimes felt like they came out of nowhere, other times inconsistent, and others were just a tiny bit predictable.
The biggest flaw in the novel, however, is the rushed ending. There was barely any built up for it, and worst of all, for the sake of the pace and a supposedly unexpected twist, several sub-plots were forgotten. Several things the characters said ended up amounting into nothing, some of their actions made no waves in the plot whatsoever, and that ended up hurting the impact of the novel and its credibility as a tightly woven and tense thriller. The abrupt nature of the climax made it underwhelming and it almost felt like not much thought had gone into it. Though it represents a great leap in character development, it doesn't feel that way. For a story that felt so convoluted throughout most of the pages, the ending was too simplistic and it ended up reveling just how underdeveloped and underwritten the story, the characters and the plot were.
This is one of those novels that are mindlessly entertaining, their strength lying on how easy and quick it is to read them. There's nothing profound or complex, not much in the way of stellar storytelling. It's just morbid fun. In terms of quality, this novel is pretty much a 2.5, to be honest, but the fast pace and strangely compelling story made it a surprisingly enjoyable reading experience.
This is a very short novel that flies by and makes it very hard to tear your eyes away. The subject, the careful delivery and the approaching trainwreck makes for a highly entertaining read, which I certainly never expected. The dual narrative worked pretty well with the thrilling atmosphere of the novel, though I did struggle with differentiating Johnny and Becca's voice from one another. Each voice was infused with a certain degree of personality, in one of the cases it was obvious one of the POVs was entirely unreliable, but it didn't made much of a difference in the tone of each of this character's, which made it hard to keep track of who was telling what part of the story sometimes. Another two nameless POVs were added in there, one concerning a website for confessions which was initially intriguing, but ultimately contributed nothing to the story and tended to drag on, disturbing the flow of the action. There is an crucial plot twist concerning those two perspectives, but it was still not important enough to disrupt the nice rhythm Johnny and Becca had going on with the narration.
I understand unreliability was key to one of the POVs, but even facts were hard to follow with the characters, particularly when trying to understand the timeline. I originally liked the jumpiness of both narratives, mostly because they started their stories at different times in the chain of events, but soon enough it became hard to place the actions and events, especially because they didn't keep a straight timeline in their narration.
The tension was well handled in the story and it was consistent throughout the entire novel. I liked the way the characters presented themselves, and though a bit generic sometimes and not entirely deep, they were successful in conveying the type of personalities that worked well with the story and the atmosphere. I did struggle with trying to connect the methodical nature of one of the characters and the constant talks about the effort they've placed into planning this situation with the overall half-assed plan they ended up trying to make work. Much of the novel hinges on the unpredictability of the character's motivations and actions, and I can't honestly say that worked often in favor of the book. They sometimes felt like they came out of nowhere, other times inconsistent, and others were just a tiny bit predictable.
The biggest flaw in the novel, however, is the rushed ending. There was barely any built up for it, and worst of all, for the sake of the pace and a supposedly unexpected twist, several sub-plots were forgotten. Several things the characters said ended up amounting into nothing, some of their actions made no waves in the plot whatsoever, and that ended up hurting the impact of the novel and its credibility as a tightly woven and tense thriller. The abrupt nature of the climax made it underwhelming and it almost felt like not much thought had gone into it. Though it represents a great leap in character development, it doesn't feel that way. For a story that felt so convoluted throughout most of the pages, the ending was too simplistic and it ended up reveling just how underdeveloped and underwritten the story, the characters and the plot were.
This is one of those novels that are mindlessly entertaining, their strength lying on how easy and quick it is to read them. There's nothing profound or complex, not much in the way of stellar storytelling. It's just morbid fun. In terms of quality, this novel is pretty much a 2.5, to be honest, but the fast pace and strangely compelling story made it a surprisingly enjoyable reading experience.
January 25, 2016
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/reviews/...
The first half of this book had all the ingredients for being a fast-paced, chilling psychological thriller, but unfortunately this unraveled during the second half. The climax was underwhelming, and it didn’t tie up all loose ends. The dual narrative worked well, and the characters were intriguing though. Enjoyable, but did not fulfill the high hopes I had for it after reading the first half.
The first half of this book had all the ingredients for being a fast-paced, chilling psychological thriller, but unfortunately this unraveled during the second half. The climax was underwhelming, and it didn’t tie up all loose ends. The dual narrative worked well, and the characters were intriguing though. Enjoyable, but did not fulfill the high hopes I had for it after reading the first half.
November 2, 2015
*I received a free ARC of If You Wrong Us from Flux via Netgalley in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
If You Wrong Us is a chilling psychological thriller, where the characters feel entitled to revenge, not thinking about how revenge could lead to much more hurt for everyone involved.
If You Wrong Us is a chilling psychological thriller, where the characters feel entitled to revenge, not thinking about how revenge could lead to much more hurt for everyone involved.
August 22, 2015
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
This was basically a YA version of Gone Girl, but not nearly as interesting. The book jumps between Johnny's POV in the present and Becca's POV in the past. Six months ago, there was a horrible car accident where Becca's twin sister and Johnny's mom dies. Before the accident, they had no interactions with each other. Then Becca becomes obsessed with getting revenge on the person who is responsible and she brings Johnny into her plan. There was no real distinction between the two voices. There were a few times where I actually had to look at the beginning of the chapter for the name of the person talking because I couldn't tell who was who. One of the two narrators was a bit disturbed and completely unreliable. That part was interesting. But I just couldn't get behind the plan they concocted. Once I figured out what they were doing, I was baffled about how they thought they would get away with it. I wasn't a fan of either character. One character was twisted and the other one was a total pushover. There was also this website where people anonymously confessed their sins. This website was a useless addition to the story that went absolutely nowhere. And towards the end of the book, there was also this random POV thrown into the mix that made no sense. The author didn't even label it, so it took a few minutes to realize who was talking. And the point of this random POV? A plot twist that once again went absolutely nowhere. The ending seemed as if it were hastily thrown together. I kept reading because I wanted to know how it would end, but it just left me a bit baffled and not in the good way.
This was basically a YA version of Gone Girl, but not nearly as interesting. The book jumps between Johnny's POV in the present and Becca's POV in the past. Six months ago, there was a horrible car accident where Becca's twin sister and Johnny's mom dies. Before the accident, they had no interactions with each other. Then Becca becomes obsessed with getting revenge on the person who is responsible and she brings Johnny into her plan. There was no real distinction between the two voices. There were a few times where I actually had to look at the beginning of the chapter for the name of the person talking because I couldn't tell who was who. One of the two narrators was a bit disturbed and completely unreliable. That part was interesting. But I just couldn't get behind the plan they concocted. Once I figured out what they were doing, I was baffled about how they thought they would get away with it. I wasn't a fan of either character. One character was twisted and the other one was a total pushover. There was also this website where people anonymously confessed their sins. This website was a useless addition to the story that went absolutely nowhere. And towards the end of the book, there was also this random POV thrown into the mix that made no sense. The author didn't even label it, so it took a few minutes to realize who was talking. And the point of this random POV? A plot twist that once again went absolutely nowhere. The ending seemed as if it were hastily thrown together. I kept reading because I wanted to know how it would end, but it just left me a bit baffled and not in the good way.
February 17, 2016
"We deserve justice. We all deserve it."
This was a twisted little story with a lot of players and puzzle pieces you didn't know. But I felt like the story was a little rocky and didn't fully connect. It its play to confuse you and keep you guessing, I think it muddied the waters enough that the ending felt a bit like a lie. And some of the ramblings didn't seem to make sense as things were revealed because the previous ramblings didn't match up anymore.
But it was an interesting read.
This was a twisted little story with a lot of players and puzzle pieces you didn't know. But I felt like the story was a little rocky and didn't fully connect. It its play to confuse you and keep you guessing, I think it muddied the waters enough that the ending felt a bit like a lie. And some of the ramblings didn't seem to make sense as things were revealed because the previous ramblings didn't match up anymore.
But it was an interesting read.
May 24, 2016
I was initially going to give this book 4 stars because I loved the story itself so much, but the grammatical errors abound in this short novel. There were so many errors that it took away from the story itself and from the flow of my reading it. The proof readers and or the editor of this novel definitely did not do their job.
October 11, 2021
If You Wrong Us by Dawn Klehr was a young adult suspense thriller of sorts. It is a story told from multiple POVs from Becca, the main character, and Johnny, her boyfriend. The timeline switches throughout the book, making the story a little hard to follow, especially at the beginning but it seemed to developed a flow as it went on. If I could, I would give this book 3.5 stars but that is only because of the excellent character development that is shown in Becca, I really love how much we can see about her character.
The book starts off in the present with Johnny introducing his and Becca's relationship. Becca tells us about her and her twin sister Brit, her tone seems regretful and sad. We soon learn that Brit is dead and so is Johnny's mother, they died in a car crash, the same car crash but somehow it's not either of their faults. Brit and Johnny are bonded for life over this tragedy, they begin to hang out at the crime scene and become closer over a few months. The two are now dating and we now know that Becca is the smart one. Becca played Johnny for a fool, just because she wanted revenge for her sister’s death. Becca and slowly becomes obsessed with the man that she thinks is responsible for the death of her twin. She becomes cold and almost psychopathic in a short amount of time. Johnny doesn't know what she is thinking or planning. Johnny is the muscle behind their plan and when things go off the rails does he know what to do? If things don't go perfectly they could get caught and sent away for a very very long time. Does he trusts his girlfriend enough to get them out of the situation it or will he crack under her pressure? He knows that he could go to jail for what they did.
The theme of the story is to make your choices wisely. Becca's sister Brit often made her decisions based on what others wanted, she did what she thought wh=ould make them like her more. On the other hand, Becca always did what she wanted, she was her top priority and it ended up that she was the twin that is still alive. Johnny chose to follow Becca and go through with her plan of revenge, it was this decision to please his girlfriend that made his story so interesting.
In the whole book, my favorite quote is "Once I asked her how she would label herself. Broken Girl, she answered.” Before we really get to know Becca we can kind of see how she thinks of her self, it also foreshadows her drastic actions farther along in the book. Becca is not mentally stable, it is part of her character, her personality, her reasoning for the wrong things that she does.
The book starts off in the present with Johnny introducing his and Becca's relationship. Becca tells us about her and her twin sister Brit, her tone seems regretful and sad. We soon learn that Brit is dead and so is Johnny's mother, they died in a car crash, the same car crash but somehow it's not either of their faults. Brit and Johnny are bonded for life over this tragedy, they begin to hang out at the crime scene and become closer over a few months. The two are now dating and we now know that Becca is the smart one. Becca played Johnny for a fool, just because she wanted revenge for her sister’s death. Becca and slowly becomes obsessed with the man that she thinks is responsible for the death of her twin. She becomes cold and almost psychopathic in a short amount of time. Johnny doesn't know what she is thinking or planning. Johnny is the muscle behind their plan and when things go off the rails does he know what to do? If things don't go perfectly they could get caught and sent away for a very very long time. Does he trusts his girlfriend enough to get them out of the situation it or will he crack under her pressure? He knows that he could go to jail for what they did.
The theme of the story is to make your choices wisely. Becca's sister Brit often made her decisions based on what others wanted, she did what she thought wh=ould make them like her more. On the other hand, Becca always did what she wanted, she was her top priority and it ended up that she was the twin that is still alive. Johnny chose to follow Becca and go through with her plan of revenge, it was this decision to please his girlfriend that made his story so interesting.
In the whole book, my favorite quote is "Once I asked her how she would label herself. Broken Girl, she answered.” Before we really get to know Becca we can kind of see how she thinks of her self, it also foreshadows her drastic actions farther along in the book. Becca is not mentally stable, it is part of her character, her personality, her reasoning for the wrong things that she does.
March 26, 2017
Okay, so when I first read the synopsis on the back of the book, I put this as most anticipated. I believed that this book was going to be amazing. First off it's about teens who go through a loss when a purposeful car crash kills two people they love. The story basically goes back in forth between three people and also includes flashbacks. Two being the ones out for revenge, Becca and Johnny. And the one being someone who knows what exactly happened but isn't named until later in the book. Becca is the mastermind behind everything and dedicates all of her time to make the plans and carry them out. And throughout the book it becomes clear that Becca is a psychopath and of course Johnny falls in love with her. And I thought the plot was great I mean look at what I just wrote, death, revenge, mastermind, psychopath, love, three point of views, flashbacks. I mean it sounds like a great book, but in reality, the story was really slow. I didn't start getting even a little sucked in until maybe 70% into the book. The only character development we really saw was Becca, no other character made me feel anything. And the book ended quite abruptly, a lot of things were not touched on in the end and I was disappointed. I rate this maybe 2.4 stars. Maybe it was the genre I disliked so much. I usually have very good feelings about a book. For those who loved this book, don't take this review to harshly. It's just my opinion, so read it if it sounds interesting. You might like it when I didn't
September 20, 2025
Muti-POV story where I absolutely loved one character and hated the other. It's interesting the way it plays out, there are two other 'sections' I'm going to call them that add a bit to the sotry and jumps between perspectives (with an added 3rd character). There were lots of time skips between the past and present but it was surprisingly easy to follow still. There were some parts where the wording just was weird, it didn't confuse me story wise at all it just seemed weird in a writing/speaking way and easy to just ignore. Its was a bit hard to understand in some places but by taking a moment to think and continue to read it makes ssence. The ending was a bit underwhelming but I think I perfer it and it leves you on a bit of a cliff hanger (idk if it's a series, I don't think so?? but don't quote me on that) but never the less it was such a good book I really just couldn't put it down. With the short chapters as well it really makes you think "I have time for one more chapter, the next one isn't that long" when you said the same thing five chapters ago! It really is a recomened!
May 30, 2017
This is a teen suspense novel, so it's thriller factor is on the lower end. I enjoyed the concept of the story. It's a short novel with an unexpected ending. There were some grammatical errors, but it didn't distract me from the story.
November 21, 2018
Holy crap this book was dark. I wish Becca's character had been better paced, probably because I loved Johnny so much. Becca was a bit difficult to follow, and I suppose that makes some sense, but wasnt a super enjoyable experience in that sense.
June 5, 2017
Quick read but engrossing and it kept me going with twists and turns.
April 10, 2022
Completely unmemorable.
October 9, 2015
IF YOU WRONG US is a darkly appealing and incredibly chilling read. It’s a story that lulls the reader into a false sense of security as at first glance everything appears to be normal. It is only as the story progresses that the author introduces elements that hint that not all is as it seems, giving the reader a nagging sense of wrongness that will continue to grow as things become darker and more disturbing. And with alternating points of view that allow for a glimpse into the minds of characters who are frightening, devious, calculating, cunning, slightly unbalanced, vindictive, this twisty-turny tale will be positively riveting.
Johnny Vega’s world came undone when he lost his mother in a fatal car crash that was ruled an accident. He came undone. And he didn’t know how to put the pieces of his shattered existence back together. At least not until he met Becca Waters who gave him a reason to pick himself back up, who gave him something to focus on other than his loss, who gave him an outlet for his anger.
Losing her identical twin sister in the crash that killed Johnny’s mom was like losing a piece of herself. As much as her sister’s controlling ways always bothered Becca, Brit’s absence was infinitely worse. Especially because she felt partly responsible for the crash that she was certain was no accident.
And the only way she could think of to ease her guilt would to be ensure that justice was served and that the person responsible for Brit’s death would not go unpunished.
Love and loss, vengeance, hate and heartbreak become inextricably interwoven in this fascinating and disquieting story of gamesmanship, manipulation, retaliation, revenge. Author Dawn Klehr has penned an absolutely thrilling story that will keep readers engaged and will leave them feeling uneasy and unsettled. She created characters who are sure to surprise, irk, repulse, horrify. She gradually peeled away their facades, revealing their true natures, uncovered their secrets, plots and schemes, and gave them a chance at redemption.
IF YOU WRONG US is shocking, suspenseful, and masterfully written. Each detail is inserted at just the right moment for maximum effect. Each twist is unexpected. Each turn of events takes the story to an even darker place.
This is not a story for the faint-of-heart. It is designed to make readers feel ill at ease, to give them goosebumps, to make their blood run cold. The romance is not of the feel-good variety. It is obsessive, unhealthy, codependent. The author does not promise an ending anywhere in the vicinity of happy.
What she does guarantee is a deliciously disconcerting and simply amazing read.
Original GR comments:
Oh now that was awesome. So creepy. And disturbing. And I love the twist. Love the way the story just keeps getting darker and darker. Super fast read. And the ending with those possibilities... Totally rocks. Will not reveal who I loved or hated or why. But the author definitely made me feel things about her characters.
Review TK
Johnny Vega’s world came undone when he lost his mother in a fatal car crash that was ruled an accident. He came undone. And he didn’t know how to put the pieces of his shattered existence back together. At least not until he met Becca Waters who gave him a reason to pick himself back up, who gave him something to focus on other than his loss, who gave him an outlet for his anger.
Losing her identical twin sister in the crash that killed Johnny’s mom was like losing a piece of herself. As much as her sister’s controlling ways always bothered Becca, Brit’s absence was infinitely worse. Especially because she felt partly responsible for the crash that she was certain was no accident.
And the only way she could think of to ease her guilt would to be ensure that justice was served and that the person responsible for Brit’s death would not go unpunished.
Love and loss, vengeance, hate and heartbreak become inextricably interwoven in this fascinating and disquieting story of gamesmanship, manipulation, retaliation, revenge. Author Dawn Klehr has penned an absolutely thrilling story that will keep readers engaged and will leave them feeling uneasy and unsettled. She created characters who are sure to surprise, irk, repulse, horrify. She gradually peeled away their facades, revealing their true natures, uncovered their secrets, plots and schemes, and gave them a chance at redemption.
IF YOU WRONG US is shocking, suspenseful, and masterfully written. Each detail is inserted at just the right moment for maximum effect. Each twist is unexpected. Each turn of events takes the story to an even darker place.
This is not a story for the faint-of-heart. It is designed to make readers feel ill at ease, to give them goosebumps, to make their blood run cold. The romance is not of the feel-good variety. It is obsessive, unhealthy, codependent. The author does not promise an ending anywhere in the vicinity of happy.
What she does guarantee is a deliciously disconcerting and simply amazing read.
Original GR comments:
Oh now that was awesome. So creepy. And disturbing. And I love the twist. Love the way the story just keeps getting darker and darker. Super fast read. And the ending with those possibilities... Totally rocks. Will not reveal who I loved or hated or why. But the author definitely made me feel things about her characters.
Review TK
September 27, 2015
What the hell did I just read? More 2.5-ish than 3 * review to come*
*update* 2.5 STARS Originally posted HERE
A quick read that wasn’t as thrilling as I thought it’d be. For the life of me, I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes at the ridiculousness of the situation. The characters all seemed to just float through the story. Their plan seemed so superficial to me. Like, it was all based on a lie. A lie that was just downright phony. You can’t trust one of the narrators. I found that out about half way through. I found this to be a tad bit disturbing for a YA audience. I’ll make this short and sweet.
Becca lost her twin sister. Johnny lost his mother. They were both killed in the same accident. Becca and Johnny are lovers. Coincidence? No. Becca played Johnny for a sucker. Why? Because she wanted revenge for her sister’s death, and she knew that Johnny would feel the same because he lost his mom too. The unsuspecting person who supposedly caused the accident is plotted against and he will not see it coming. However, Johnny boy begins to doubt all of their plans. Becca goes all psycho. There’s a twist at the end that I saw coming. Becca was just too erratic in her need for revenge, that you actually see that something is wrong from the very start.
This story could have been amazing, if it were written differently. It felt rushed and some of the scenes didn’t make a lick of sense to me. I have a sweet spot for mentally ill characters. I just don’t think that Becca fits that mold. The girl is just too manipulative. She’s like Amy Dunne from Gone Girl. Kirkus Reviews wasn’t telling a lie about that. Yeah, totally certifiable. There seems to be details that are missing to make this truly thrilling. I didn’t really care for the characters or their motives. I’m not sure on the recommendation front. If you want to read something to pass the time, go for it. You’ll be rolling your eyes, but at least it’s a quick read.
*update* 2.5 STARS Originally posted HERE
A quick read that wasn’t as thrilling as I thought it’d be. For the life of me, I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes at the ridiculousness of the situation. The characters all seemed to just float through the story. Their plan seemed so superficial to me. Like, it was all based on a lie. A lie that was just downright phony. You can’t trust one of the narrators. I found that out about half way through. I found this to be a tad bit disturbing for a YA audience. I’ll make this short and sweet.
Becca lost her twin sister. Johnny lost his mother. They were both killed in the same accident. Becca and Johnny are lovers. Coincidence? No. Becca played Johnny for a sucker. Why? Because she wanted revenge for her sister’s death, and she knew that Johnny would feel the same because he lost his mom too. The unsuspecting person who supposedly caused the accident is plotted against and he will not see it coming. However, Johnny boy begins to doubt all of their plans. Becca goes all psycho. There’s a twist at the end that I saw coming. Becca was just too erratic in her need for revenge, that you actually see that something is wrong from the very start.
This story could have been amazing, if it were written differently. It felt rushed and some of the scenes didn’t make a lick of sense to me. I have a sweet spot for mentally ill characters. I just don’t think that Becca fits that mold. The girl is just too manipulative. She’s like Amy Dunne from Gone Girl. Kirkus Reviews wasn’t telling a lie about that. Yeah, totally certifiable. There seems to be details that are missing to make this truly thrilling. I didn’t really care for the characters or their motives. I’m not sure on the recommendation front. If you want to read something to pass the time, go for it. You’ll be rolling your eyes, but at least it’s a quick read.
August 30, 2015
The tale of two lovers broken and twisted by the car accident that killed the one each had loved most, If You Wrong Us features Becca - the twisted, mentally ill, left behind twin - and Johnny - the wishy washy, manipulated, oldest son of his deceased mother. The two teens connect after a head-on collision leaves Becca twin-less and Johnny mother-less. In the aftermath, Becca becomes consumed with taking revenge on the one responsible for the accident: her previous secret boyfriend Travis. Using Becca's near genius level intelligence and Johnny's sheer rage, the two enact their plans to make Travis pay. When the plan differs from what Johnny thought he was getting into, Becca begins to weigh her options. How many will die?
I enjoyed the dual perspectives used in this writing. However, it seems as though the two characters are almost the same person. There wasn't much distinction in the voice. Becca basically just used bigger words and Johnny basically was just the idiot who was being manipulated by love. I did enjoy the character development as the story progressed. Watching Becca's mental state deteriorate and become more and more psychotic was actually pure joy for me. She made it interesting! I love a good unreliable narrator.
What I also enjoyed was the idea behind the story. It kept me turning the pages. I did want to see what would happen next through Johnny and the backstory through Becca. The ending was fantastic! I wish there had been more between Johnny's last chapter and Becca's though. I wanted to know how it turned out. The final lines though are wonderful and will satisfy most readers.
I would recommend this book to readers of RL Stine's Fear Street or readers who are interested in but not quite ready for Gone Girl. The violence and kidnapping may be a trigger point for some students as well as the brief descriptions of the deaths.
I enjoyed the dual perspectives used in this writing. However, it seems as though the two characters are almost the same person. There wasn't much distinction in the voice. Becca basically just used bigger words and Johnny basically was just the idiot who was being manipulated by love. I did enjoy the character development as the story progressed. Watching Becca's mental state deteriorate and become more and more psychotic was actually pure joy for me. She made it interesting! I love a good unreliable narrator.
What I also enjoyed was the idea behind the story. It kept me turning the pages. I did want to see what would happen next through Johnny and the backstory through Becca. The ending was fantastic! I wish there had been more between Johnny's last chapter and Becca's though. I wanted to know how it turned out. The final lines though are wonderful and will satisfy most readers.
I would recommend this book to readers of RL Stine's Fear Street or readers who are interested in but not quite ready for Gone Girl. The violence and kidnapping may be a trigger point for some students as well as the brief descriptions of the deaths.
February 18, 2020
OK that was...... "different".
I am a bit lost for words because this book was strange, but good in a weird way. I thought all the characters were dysfunctional and crazy in their own way. I liked Johnny (he was the only one I liked), but even he was a bit off. I went into this book not really knowing what to expect except a few reviews calling this book "twisted" and yes it is. Strangely, I thought it was going to be a bit gory and bloody, but it wasn't. However, it was a messed up psychological thriller for sure. I honestly hate to admit it, but I ended up "enjoying" this book much more than I thought I would. It really did have me on the edge of my seat toward the end and the ending did not disappoint me at all.
I only had 3 issues with this book. I thought the flow of the story at times was off. One minute Johnny was alright with Becca and the next he had all these concerns. It just seemed to come out of nowhere. Also, I couldn't understand why Becca was so obsessed with revenge for her sister when she pretty much hated her sister to begin with. I understand that Brit was her sister and all, but all she ever did was complain and complain about Brit and how controlling she was. Then again, Becca wasn't so right in the head either---so maybe that answers that. The last thing is the sexual content. I understand why some would be there, but I found some of it could have been edited a bit. Sometimes it felt like some of it was just there to add nothing more than words.
Anyway 4 star...
Content: Sex throughout, no drugs, no drinking
Language: Moderate +
For older more mature readers.
I am a bit lost for words because this book was strange, but good in a weird way. I thought all the characters were dysfunctional and crazy in their own way. I liked Johnny (he was the only one I liked), but even he was a bit off. I went into this book not really knowing what to expect except a few reviews calling this book "twisted" and yes it is. Strangely, I thought it was going to be a bit gory and bloody, but it wasn't. However, it was a messed up psychological thriller for sure. I honestly hate to admit it, but I ended up "enjoying" this book much more than I thought I would. It really did have me on the edge of my seat toward the end and the ending did not disappoint me at all.
I only had 3 issues with this book. I thought the flow of the story at times was off. One minute Johnny was alright with Becca and the next he had all these concerns. It just seemed to come out of nowhere. Also, I couldn't understand why Becca was so obsessed with revenge for her sister when she pretty much hated her sister to begin with. I understand that Brit was her sister and all, but all she ever did was complain and complain about Brit and how controlling she was. Then again, Becca wasn't so right in the head either---so maybe that answers that. The last thing is the sexual content. I understand why some would be there, but I found some of it could have been edited a bit. Sometimes it felt like some of it was just there to add nothing more than words.
Anyway 4 star...
Content: Sex throughout, no drugs, no drinking
Language: Moderate +
For older more mature readers.
October 6, 2015
This book is the ultimate revenge story. Centering on two teens who have lost a loved one in a terrible car accident, this book is dark and twisty and oh so unsettling. In the book we meet Becca, the deeply maniacal and mentally unstable twin left behind after the accident, and Johnny, the pushover boy who falls for Becca's plan to exact revenge on the boy she thinks is responsible for the death of her sister and Johnny's mother.
If that all seems a bit convoluted, it's because it kind of is. I definitely was on board with Becca's involvement in the plan for revenge, but I had a difficult time with Johnny's. The fact that his mother was also involved in the accident felt forced to me. But- my minor qualms about plot aside, this book is definitely a page turner. It is fast paced, alternating between Johnny's present time narration and Becca's past narration, setting up the backstory. It is a creative way to unfold the events leading up to the climax. There is a sort of twist in the book too, that will likely thrill readers.
If you're into dark stories and unreliable narrators, you'll likely enjoy this short and easy to read novel. It definitely leaves you leaving unsettled at the end. Overall, it wasn't so much my cup of tea, but it might really appeal to fans of thrillers.
If that all seems a bit convoluted, it's because it kind of is. I definitely was on board with Becca's involvement in the plan for revenge, but I had a difficult time with Johnny's. The fact that his mother was also involved in the accident felt forced to me. But- my minor qualms about plot aside, this book is definitely a page turner. It is fast paced, alternating between Johnny's present time narration and Becca's past narration, setting up the backstory. It is a creative way to unfold the events leading up to the climax. There is a sort of twist in the book too, that will likely thrill readers.
If you're into dark stories and unreliable narrators, you'll likely enjoy this short and easy to read novel. It definitely leaves you leaving unsettled at the end. Overall, it wasn't so much my cup of tea, but it might really appeal to fans of thrillers.
June 25, 2015
If You Wrong Us is a dark young adult novel about two teens that are brought together after Johnny loses his mother and Becca loses her twin sister in the same car crash. They plot revenge once they discover that the crash was no accident.
This novel reminded me of Gone Girl combined with Life By Committee. It has a manipulative female lead that will do anything to get what she wants. It has a very dark and twisted story line, just like Gone Girl, but I think it failed in comparison. It also has the online community element as in Life By Committee, where people are willing to confess their deepest secrets to their internet peers.
This book had a very interesting concept, and I understand that it was supposed to be mysterious and shocking, but I ended up feeling confused by the book. The voices of the main characters sounded so similar that I had to keep going back to see which perspective I was reading—which is pretty unusual when it is male and female perspectives.
Read the rest of my review here: http://judgingmorethanjustthecover.bl...
This novel reminded me of Gone Girl combined with Life By Committee. It has a manipulative female lead that will do anything to get what she wants. It has a very dark and twisted story line, just like Gone Girl, but I think it failed in comparison. It also has the online community element as in Life By Committee, where people are willing to confess their deepest secrets to their internet peers.
This book had a very interesting concept, and I understand that it was supposed to be mysterious and shocking, but I ended up feeling confused by the book. The voices of the main characters sounded so similar that I had to keep going back to see which perspective I was reading—which is pretty unusual when it is male and female perspectives.
Read the rest of my review here: http://judgingmorethanjustthecover.bl...
November 7, 2015
I was so very excited for If You Wrong Us but, unfortunately, it failed all my expectations. It is advertised as Gone Girl for teens but as for me, it didn't even get close to the masterpiece Gone Girl is.
To give credit to the author, the novel started off pretty awesomely, and I was sucked into Becca and Johnny's want for revenge. However, around halfway I felt like everything went up in flames. I lost the connection I had with the characters before, thus wasn't that into the story... scratch that, I wasn't into the story AT ALL.
I tried to keep reading the novel, but the lost potential broke my heart, so I ended up skimming through the rest. Maybe that's the only reason I found the ending rushed, so I'm not going to say anything about that.
Overall, If You Wrong Us is one of those novels that had a lot of potential, but never quite lived up to it. On the contrary, the story pretty much went downhill in the second half of the book. Despite this, I think I'll check out the author's future works because her writing style was gripping and made the story bearable - that's the only reason I didn't DNF it.
To give credit to the author, the novel started off pretty awesomely, and I was sucked into Becca and Johnny's want for revenge. However, around halfway I felt like everything went up in flames. I lost the connection I had with the characters before, thus wasn't that into the story... scratch that, I wasn't into the story AT ALL.
I tried to keep reading the novel, but the lost potential broke my heart, so I ended up skimming through the rest. Maybe that's the only reason I found the ending rushed, so I'm not going to say anything about that.
Overall, If You Wrong Us is one of those novels that had a lot of potential, but never quite lived up to it. On the contrary, the story pretty much went downhill in the second half of the book. Despite this, I think I'll check out the author's future works because her writing style was gripping and made the story bearable - that's the only reason I didn't DNF it.
January 15, 2016
(From www.pingwings.ca)
I have mixed feelings about this book. I read it fairly quickly and was really curious about how it would end, and I liked the structure, with chapters alternating between Becca and Johnny in the past, and occasionally chapters from an unknown narrator in the present. I liked getting to see both Becca’s and Johnny’s perspectives because they weren’t always being honest with each other, and so I got to read about thoughts and feelings that they didn’t necessarily share with each other.
I also like stories that feature characters who aren’t necessarily likeable.
However, there was nothing to pull me in and make me care about the characters or the outcome. It was more curiosity that kept me reading than any sort of emotional investment or connection in the story and Becca and Johnny.
So I didn’t dislike it but I didn’t love it. Not one that will stay with me, but while I was reading, it was tough to put down.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I read it fairly quickly and was really curious about how it would end, and I liked the structure, with chapters alternating between Becca and Johnny in the past, and occasionally chapters from an unknown narrator in the present. I liked getting to see both Becca’s and Johnny’s perspectives because they weren’t always being honest with each other, and so I got to read about thoughts and feelings that they didn’t necessarily share with each other.
I also like stories that feature characters who aren’t necessarily likeable.
However, there was nothing to pull me in and make me care about the characters or the outcome. It was more curiosity that kept me reading than any sort of emotional investment or connection in the story and Becca and Johnny.
So I didn’t dislike it but I didn’t love it. Not one that will stay with me, but while I was reading, it was tough to put down.
October 7, 2015
If You Wrong Us is a thriller of huge proportions. We have always heard revenge is a two edge sword – but this revenge just keeps sliding you to a conclusion that you can only fear. It is listed as a young adult book, as the characters are young adults, but wow – did it hold my attention!
Becca lost her twin sister, while he twin was helping her break up with a boy (supposedly). Johnny’s mom was driving home with pizza to celebrate. They smashed into each other and died. Becca with her brilliance in math and physics is able to convince Johnny that it was not a simple accident. With each step they take you are more and more convinced on how horrid this is!
This book is like a roller coaster. I felt it build and build and then suddenly everything began whipping by and sending me whipping around corners where more facts were uncovered and then more and then more. This is the novel that caused you to talk to the book, trying to help. If You Wrong Us is captivating!
Becca lost her twin sister, while he twin was helping her break up with a boy (supposedly). Johnny’s mom was driving home with pizza to celebrate. They smashed into each other and died. Becca with her brilliance in math and physics is able to convince Johnny that it was not a simple accident. With each step they take you are more and more convinced on how horrid this is!
This book is like a roller coaster. I felt it build and build and then suddenly everything began whipping by and sending me whipping around corners where more facts were uncovered and then more and then more. This is the novel that caused you to talk to the book, trying to help. If You Wrong Us is captivating!
September 8, 2016
Full Review may be found over on my blog:
Kai Attempts Book Blogging - If You Wrong Us Review
I'm giving this a 2.75 out of 5. I felt that it was better than a 2.5 but not quite a 3.
Overall I liked it, & it definitely got me in the mood for more spooky, thrilling reads. It's dark & quick, but it's also riddled with typos/grammatical errors & I felt that the story fell flat in the end.
It's also set in Detroit and, since that's the area I grew up in, I was probably a little more critical about a few things (details & words used by the characters) than someone who wasn't from the area probably would be. Though the Dearborn & Ann Arbor name drops left me feeling homesick. So props for that, Klehr!!!
If you're looking for a darker, quick read to get you in the Halloween mood, this isn't a bad way to go.
Kai Attempts Book Blogging - If You Wrong Us Review
I'm giving this a 2.75 out of 5. I felt that it was better than a 2.5 but not quite a 3.
Overall I liked it, & it definitely got me in the mood for more spooky, thrilling reads. It's dark & quick, but it's also riddled with typos/grammatical errors & I felt that the story fell flat in the end.
It's also set in Detroit and, since that's the area I grew up in, I was probably a little more critical about a few things (details & words used by the characters) than someone who wasn't from the area probably would be. Though the Dearborn & Ann Arbor name drops left me feeling homesick. So props for that, Klehr!!!
If you're looking for a darker, quick read to get you in the Halloween mood, this isn't a bad way to go.
September 24, 2015
This book is compulsively readable—I could NOT put it down and read it in one sitting. From the start, you’re just dropped into these character’s heads as they race towards a finish line and the whole time I was gripping my Kindle going, oh my gosh, no, what are you doing? I loved the unreliable narrator stuff going on and the way the author played with that, twisting our perceptions so that we’re forced to question what we thought we knew. I just wanted to hug Johnny—he was the most sympathetic character that kept me reading and on the edge of my seat because I just wanted him to be okay. The whole second half of the book I felt like I was holding my breath, needing to keep reading so I could find out what was going to happen. Excellent five star read.
Advanced review copy received via Netgalley.
Advanced review copy received via Netgalley.
October 14, 2015
You Won't Be Able to Put This Book Down!
This is my first time reading this author, and certainly will not be the last, but as soon as I read the the title and saw the cover, which screams READ ME! Then the synopsis clinched it. I knew I had to read the book! From the start I was sucked right into the book. This is a dark, intense, gripping, breath stealing, edge of your seat, and full body shudder read. I loved the fact that we get both characters POV's and the way that the author lead us along dropping bits and pieces to keep us guessing, knowing obviously that there is a definite wrongness, going on. Add in the twists and turns that only have your head reeling even more, and you have an amazing read! I absolutely loved it! I was generously given a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
This is my first time reading this author, and certainly will not be the last, but as soon as I read the the title and saw the cover, which screams READ ME! Then the synopsis clinched it. I knew I had to read the book! From the start I was sucked right into the book. This is a dark, intense, gripping, breath stealing, edge of your seat, and full body shudder read. I loved the fact that we get both characters POV's and the way that the author lead us along dropping bits and pieces to keep us guessing, knowing obviously that there is a definite wrongness, going on. Add in the twists and turns that only have your head reeling even more, and you have an amazing read! I absolutely loved it! I was generously given a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
October 13, 2015
Four mysterious stars! Becca loses her twin sister in a suspicious car accident. Johnny loses his mother in the same car accident. The two form an unlikely bond that leads to revenge on the killer of their loved ones. Will there be more deaths? What will their plan be? The story is told from both points of view. This is a mysterious, twisty, rollercoaster ride of a story. The author writes a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and you are wanting more. Dawn Klehr knows how to write a great book. This is a standalone novel. It is fast paced and I read it in one sitting. I highly recommend it!
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
September 10, 2016
Twisted but it held my interest.
February 12, 2016
A car crash causes Becca and Johnny's lives to intersect, and their lives quickly become entangled. Becca seeks revenge on Travis, the ex-boyfriend who supposedly caused the crash; Johnny is quick to agree, although his motives differ from Becca. Their plan for revenge slowly takes over their lives, while they hatch a plan to help Travis find justice -- or so Becca claims. However, she has a hidden agenda as she begins to manipulate everyone around her, including Johnny. He remains in denial as long as he can, but eventually everything leads to a startling climax -- one in which each character must decide just how far they are willing to go for revenge.
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