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Die for You

Amy Fellner Dominy (Goodreads Author)

3.70 · Rating details · 302 ratings · 72 reviews

Theirs was the perfect love story.

After Emma Lorde’s parents’ divorce forces her to move halfway across the state of Arizona to live with her father, Emma must face her senior year in a new school knowing absolutely no one.

Then she meets Dillon Hobbs, and something just clicks.

Dillon introduces Emma to friends she can call her own. He provides a refuge from the chaos of ...more

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Hardcover, 304 pages

Published November 8th 2016 by Delacorte

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· 302 ratings · 72 reviews

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Nov 05, 2016 Liza Wiemer rated it it was amazing

Shelves: post-about-the-book-on-my-blog, arc, author-interviewed-on-my-blog, received-from-the-publisher

Add this to your TBR list!
Profound, painful, powerful. DIE FOR YOU is hard to put down.

Readers will get sucked into the lives of Dylan and Emma and watch what appears to be a beautiful relationship spiral out of control. Amy Fellner Dominy creates a story that could be going on at any high school. Yes, with different circumstances, but we've seen the headlines—teens so wrapped up in each other that one or both would be willing to die to keep the other or to make sure they stay together. Foreve ...more

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Oct 07, 2016 Paige (Illegal in 3 Countries) rated it really liked it

Shelves: favorites, arc, ala-annual-2016

See more of my reviews on The YA Kitten! My copy was an ARC I picked up at ALA Annual 2016.

*Dillon has mental issues the author says are purposefully left unspecified

Though I can’t pinpoint exactly what made Die for You work for me where other dating abuse-focused YA novels like The Girl Who Fell and Bitter End failed, one detail makes it stick out: Emma and Dillon’s relationship is already established when the novel begins. Though this seems like a minor detail, it puts readers in Emma’s position as her seemingly solid relationship starts to fall apart and Dillon’s behavior progressively worsens. Her horror is the readers’ horror, her second guesses about his past behavior the readers’ as well.

Emma’s vibrant personality and deep love of archaeology lend her a kind of memorability that will stick around long after the book is over. She’s easy to bond with and almost every reader is bound to find something familiar in her, whether it’s her toxic relationship or her sudden discomfort with the college plans she’d had before her opportunity in Italy came along.

It’s tempting to classify the novel as suspense/horror because of Dillon. Though he starts out being merely a grumpy boyfriend at the prospect of Emma going to school in Italy for a major archaeological opportunity, it doesn’t take long for him to threaten to hurt himself and then go through with it via burning himself. Notable is the fact that he never lays a finger on Emma if I remember correctly. Not every abusive relationship involves one partner harming another; instead, the abusive partner will harm themselves or emotionally manipulate the other person.

It doesn’t hurt that I knew a real-life Dillon and much of my horror was practically a flashback to watching that relationship go down in flames. I was his seat partner in tenth grade and his girlfriend was one of my best friends in eleventh grade. When she broke up with him, I saw all his texts to her where he threatened to kill himself or tell her family some of the secrets she’d shared with him. They got back together for a bit, but she is free of him for good now. Thank God for that!

If you too were disappointed by other YA novels about dating abuse, Die for You might be the one that captures you and makes your organs rearrange themselves in fear. The novel’s climax certainly made my heart migrate to my throat! Hell, if I wanted to get put through the emotional wringer for fun, this is one of the first books I’d pick up for a reread.

Also, don’t listen to the jacket copy on this being a “dark romance.” NO. THIS IS NOT A ROMANCE IN ANY WAY. ...more

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Mar 11, 2017 Jessica rated it really liked it

I haven't been reading a lot of YA lately, but this one definitely caught my eye. The cover is so pretty and it sounded like an emotional read that I wouldn't forget.

When both of their lives were crashing down, Dillon and Emma found strength and comfort from each other. They fell in love deeply and quickly and have spent the past year falling even more in love. They know that once they graduate high school, they'll both go to ASU, live in the same dorms, and stay madly in love. But when Emma is I haven't been reading a lot of YA lately, but this one definitely caught my eye. The cover is so pretty and it sounded like an emotional read that I wouldn't forget.

When both of their lives were crashing down, Dillon and Emma found strength and comfort from each other. They fell in love deeply and quickly and have spent the past year falling even more in love. They know that once they graduate high school, they'll both go to ASU, live in the same dorms, and stay madly in love. But when Emma is offered an opportunity that could ruin all of those plans, Dillon shows a side of himself Emma has never seen and learns exactly how much she's willing to give of herself for their relationship.

Wow, so I had no idea this book would be so…emotional? Heartbreaking? Frustrating? Realistic? So many different feelings while I was reading! Emma and Dillon are only 18 year olds in high school yet they are so consumed with their love for each other. What I loved about this book, which another review on Goodreads had pointed out, was that we get to meet these characters already madly in love. These two met when Emma was in a rough spot in her life and she felt an inexplicable draw to Dillon. She had spent a whole year falling for him and they really thought they were the real deal. Their relationship was realistic and I understood why Emma was in a tough spot. She loved Dillon but also wanted to go off and experience something else she loved after high school. While the answer may seem obvious to me as an outside to their relationship (put yourself first, girl!), I understood her love for Dillon and need to protect/save him.

On to the emotional side, this was a very interesting look at what happens when a relationship turns very dangerous very fast. These two loved each other, but they were so attached that they couldn't seem to function without one another. This really looked at what it's like for a relationship to change because of how people change over time and how a couple's priorities might not just match up. I really felt connected with Emma and how she really had no idea how to deal with the situation she found herself in. I am going to say, though, that I would recommend this for older YA readers because of the mature content.

Overall, Die For You was emotional and dug deep into the unhealthy, dark places teenage relationships can fall into. What looks like love isn't always real love and it's hard as a teenager to know what's right and what's wrong when it comes to that love. I am definitely glad I picked this book up! ...more

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Mar 13, 2016 Terry Johnson rated it it was amazing

Was lucky to read an early version of this book and I LOVED IT!
Writing clever banter is one of Amy Fellner Dominy's strengths, along with getting to the heart of relationships. But the best part of this story, is how Dominy shows the deceptively innocent way one can find themselves in a bad situation. Love the writing, love the message. I can't wait to read it again when it comes out, and have everyone else meet these characters!
...more

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Nov 09, 2016 Laura rated it it was amazing

What a powerfully realistic story about love, abuse, and mental illness. I was immediately hooked and could not put it down.

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Feb 11, 2017 Trisha rated it really liked it

"How can love be bad?"

This is a very tough but very good story. One that should be told, even if it's hard to look at. It's a great example of how love can turn and how what you thought was romantic can actually twist and turn and change on you.

In the blink of an eye.

The only thing I didn't like is the blame that was passed down at the end. But I loved the help information at the end. ...more

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Dec 09, 2016 Nicole M. Hewitt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fiction-addiction-read, won-it

This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction

Every teenage girl should read this book. Or maybe just every teenager. Sometimes love isn’t enough to overcome the negative aspects of a relationship. Sometimes you have to put yourself first, even when it’s hard, even when it’s painful, even when it hurts someone you love. Even when it hurts you. This is the story of a girl who slowly learns that she can’t sacrifice herself—her own identity—for the sake of someone el ...more

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Oct 17, 2016 Gae Polisner rated it it was amazing

I am a writer myself and a friend of Amy's -- which I became first and foremost because I am a fan of her writing and her books. I just finished DIE FOR YOU (the galley copy), out 11/8, and I'm really without words.

I think this book is an incredibly powerful, important, timely read for today's teens. Disturbing and page-turning, brutal and ultimately hopeful (with a few moments of wonderful, smart comic relief), it examines when love is no longer love but rather abuse, and how women and girls h ...more

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Jan 29, 2017 Melissa Wehunt rated it it was ok

Ummm, ok. Sadly, most of my fury is directed towards the many people who review this book. Did you just go by what it said in the description? "There's was an epic love..." (it doesn't actually say that..). But really, a perfect relationship that devolves into chaos? What are you talking about? The first chapter has the dude manipulating the girl. Its ridiculous! There was no character and relationship building. The author just dove right in with the effed up relationship. Ugh. I'm sorry. I coul ...more

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May 08, 2018 Maggie Carr rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2018

"We only see once it's too late. But I know now that he's wrong. We do see. We see every damn sign along the way. We chose not to pay attention."

"What do you want?"

Raw with mental illness, this book hits close to home. Someone close to me is in this relationship, each decision weighed and measured against tipping the scale too far. It's not romantic. It's debilitating. It's exhausting. It's infuriating looking from the outside in. ...more

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Mar 13, 2015 Jillian Heise rated it really liked it

Shelves: yr-2016-reads

I really like Amy's easy to read writing style. As much as I wanted to shake the main character in this book, I can also see how teens I know would make the same choices she did. I could see my students who like relationship drama books wanting to read this, and liking it. ...more

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Feb 27, 2019 Kadeisha Brooks rated it really liked it

I gave this book a 4/5 because the message of how you should choose yourself over someone else every once in a while is important to younger readers. I remember going through the same situation of almost having to sacrifice my future for a boy and I wish I would've chose myself from the beginning. This book would've gotten a 5/5, but the beginning was a little bit slower than the rest of the book. ...more

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Mar 20, 2017 M. Reads Often rated it really liked it

This book is scary. Because it's real. It starts out as a love story. Like it's going to be a happily ever after maybe. I didn't know what the story would tell me. But the story of Emma and Dillon is so important. It's raw, painful, and not romantic... it's just reality. It's a reality more people need to face so they can be aware sometimes love can be toxic. This book scared me because of how dark it becomes. But it's the best kind of love story... loving yourself. I would definitely read more ...more

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Jan 06, 2018 Ari rated it really liked it · review of another edition

whoo, a truck full of crazy!

I liked this novel. it hit me like a ton of bricks. it made me think about relationships and love and sacrifice and how sometimes they go hand in hand.
Emma is having a hard time. Her parents are splitting up and so is their family. shes had to move away from home to take care of her father who isnt coping well.
she meets dillion who is perfect. they are perfect. they fit together like a puzzle until one day they arent so perfect. this story follows along a path of ...more

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Dec 27, 2016 Stacy Books rated it really liked it

This book was read and reviewed by my co-worker, Emily

High school senior Emma is offered a chance at an internship for studying archaeology in Rome. The only problem is convincing her boyfriend, Dillon, to let her go. What follows is a series of his attempts to manipulate her into giving it up so she can stay with him; eventually he kidnaps her on prom night intending to marry her in Las Vegas. Though she manages to outsmart him, call the cops, and get him into therapy, she misses her deadline t This book was read and reviewed by my co-worker, Emily

High school senior Emma is offered a chance at an internship for studying archaeology in Rome. The only problem is convincing her boyfriend, Dillon, to let her go. What follows is a series of his attempts to manipulate her into giving it up so she can stay with him; eventually he kidnaps her on prom night intending to marry her in Las Vegas. Though she manages to outsmart him, call the cops, and get him into therapy, she misses her deadline to accept the internship. The book ends with her entering a study abroad program in Rome instead.

This was an uncomfortable but very readable story. Though the quality of the writing isn’t on the same level, it reminded me a little of Speak for bringing up disturbing but real situations some teens can find themselves in. While I spotted the red flags in Dillon’s manipulative behavior right away, it took Emma a bit longer to realize something was wrong, and even longer to ask the right person for help. As an adult it was hard not to yell at her through the book to come to her senses, but still, she prevails eventually, and the story ends on a plausibly hopeful note.

Problematic content:
Infrequent swearing, including two non-sexual uses of the f-word. Emma’s dad is an alcoholic and she often finds him drunk and has to take care of him. There are a few references to underage drinking, and a brief fistfight.

Sex scenes, or scenes leading up to sex. Emma describes clothes being removed, areas of the body being touched or kissed, including her breasts. She mentions having waited almost a year before deciding to have her first time with Dillon, wanting it to be a good memory, and also wanting to see a doctor and be on birth control first. At least in the beginning these encounters are consensual.

However, there is also a rape scene and other scenes that could be triggering for some readers. Dillon burns himself with hot wax and cuts himself with a knife in front of Emma to try to force her to promise she’ll stay with him. He sneaks into her room at night, cuts a lock of her hair while she’s asleep and leaves it with a lock of his and a note on her desk saying he would die for her. The rape scene describes him pinning her down and taking her clothes off before she decides to give up and let him do whatever he wants to her, thinking it will “save” him. Then it cuts to directly afterward; he’s horrified and apologetic about what he’s done, but it doesn’t help him realize he has to get help. Emma tries to tell his mom about it, but she encourages Emma to stay and try to fix him with her love instead of therapy. The kidnapping attempt follows shortly after, before Emma can think of anyone else she can trust to ask for help. None of this was pleasant to read, but it was relatively non-explicit and described behaviors some people might experience in an abusive relationship.

While parents might be concerned about the sexual encounters in the book, I think it covers an important topic for teens while still being entertaining. Recommended for mature readers 15 and up. Four stars on Goodreads. ...more

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Nov 13, 2016 PinkAmy loves books, cats and naps rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Grade: B+

What is love? How much must we give? How do we know when to stop? What do we do when the little voice inside our heads warns of danger? Do we listen, or heed the pressures of others?

Emma life turned upside down after her parents divorced and she moved across town to live with her alcoholic father. But Dillon makes everything better. Until he doesn't.

Amy Dominy did a great job creating a main character with sense and inner strength, who still falls prey to a troubled boyfriend. For all ...more

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Dec 18, 2017 Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* rated it liked it

Shelves: high-school, optional

Dominy, Amy Fellner Die for You, 283 pgs. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2016. Language – PG13 (44 swears, 2 “f”), Mature Content – PG13; Violence – PG;

Emma and Dillon are eighteen and in love. Life would have been very different if Emma hadn’t moved across town and changed schools, but now Emma can’t imagine life without Dillon. As graduation approaches, new opportunities arise and have to be weighed against each other. The most daunting question is, how much does one sacrifice—or can one’s pa ...more

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Jul 12, 2015 Kelly Hager rated it it was amazing

I am a huge fan of Amy Dominy's and I have been since I read OyMG. This is her fourth novel (and second for young adults) and I cannot even tell you how big of a departure this is for her novels. She's always had an incredible amount of talent, but this is a whole other level.

I mean, think about it: odds are a book like this would be incredibly fun but campy. Right? Kind of ridiculous? Like, say, Swimfan?

Nope.

I immediately loved Emma, and I could see that Dillon showed creeper potential, but it ...more

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Nov 10, 2016 Nathalie rated it it was amazing

I read this book in five hours. I just could not put it down! I needed to watch Emma and Dillon's relationship unfold, and I needed to find out what choice she made. The topic, dysfunctional love, is incredibly relevant...especially to the teenagers I teach on a daily basis. ...more

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Dec 14, 2016 Debbie rated it it was amazing

I truly enjoyed reading Die for You! I thought it was well written and easy to follow. The writer did and excellent job of developing the characters into people I felt I got to know! I found the book entertaining, suspenseful and thought provoking.

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Jan 09, 2017 Ren rated it did not like it

it was horrible, a complete waste of time

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Sep 06, 2017 Jeanne rated it did not like it

DNF--Absolutely could not get into this one. Something about the dialogue in the first couple of chapters did not ring true for me.

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Oct 19, 2016 Laura rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ya

Fabulous book! My review to follow soon!

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Jun 26, 2021 Gothikarose rated it did not like it

Man have I been striking out with these books lately. From the moment I started reading this one, I just didn't care. I didn't care about the characters, their problems or the plot, which by the way kinda felt like nothing.

Dillion felt like a psycho from the very start. There was no build up to any of his weirdo behavior, he just became nuts super quick. Emma was annoying and I was rolling my eyes at everything she did and said.

Her friend group were barely defined. Hannah and Jace were the onl Man have I been striking out with these books lately. From the moment I started reading this one, I just didn't care. I didn't care about the characters, their problems or the plot, which by the way kinda felt like nothing.

Dillion felt like a psycho from the very start. There was no build up to any of his weirdo behavior, he just became nuts super quick. Emma was annoying and I was rolling my eyes at everything she did and said.

Her friend group were barely defined. Hannah and Jace were the only ones that were given some sort of personality, but even they were one dimensional. Jace was caring and, surprise surprise, revealed he had a crush on Emma at the end. And Hannah was just a fucking weirdo, she was way too invested in Dillion and Emma's relationship. It seemed like she was in love with him, and then when Emma outright asks her that, she reveals that she once was but she's over it. And then that was that, I thought there would be more drama there but nope.

There was a little side plot with Emma's old friend Marissa and this other weird ass friend Sarah. Emma was neglecting Marissa for Dillion and their friendship was drifting apart, Emma had also moved towns. So Marissa started to get closer to Sarah, and Sarah was just weirdly over protective of Marissa. She picked up her phone at one point and scolded Emma for not calling Marissa and then hung up without giving Marissa the phone. The hell kinda creepy shit is that, are you in love with her Sarah? It was just bizarre.

The buildup to dilions breakdown was lame. His erratic behavior just popped up and I wondered if he's always been like this because the writing kept saying he wasn't but from the beginning, he was possessive and odd. It's implied by Emma's sister that he had some sort of mental illness but the book doesn't even name anything. So we don't get a concrete explanation for why he acted the way he did.

Another thing that annoyed me was the way these two would talk to each other in the beginning before shit hit the fan. "I love you so much Emma, ooh I love you too, I'll always save you, we'll be together forever, I'll never stop holding you." Shut the fuck up already you stupid teenagers. The lovey dovey shit grated my last nerve, I'm like do people really talk like this? My Lord.

Aside from all these problems, the book was also just boring. It dragged, the pacing was terrible, but at the same time it was over very quickly which I guess is a good thing. I don't recommend this, it's not even thrilling.

0/5 stars. ...more

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Sep 22, 2017 Tiffany Giovino rated it it was amazing

This book did some damage to my heart. I didn't realize how depressing this book was going to be. I honestly didn't really read the synopsis before I picked up this book. I bought it sometime last year because I really liked the cover. I added it to my TBR list for September and I'm so glad I did.

Die For You follows Emma, a very intelligent senior who just moved with her dad to a new town. New town means new school and new friends. Lucky for Emma, before the move she runs into Dillon and Jace. T ...more

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Jan 09, 2017 Elaine Margarette rated it really liked it

Shelves: amazingly-relevant-plot, young-adult-romance

That was . . . quite an intense and chilling account of an unhealthy relationship — how to deal with it or, how to get out of it.

The book started with the storytelling of how perfect Emma and Dillon's relationship was. I have to admit, I actually thought they were cute and, well, perfect for each other. But when a big opportunity arrived for Emma, things about their relationship started to change. And not in the usual way. I loved the bits and pieces of those "changes" on Dillon's part, so much ...more

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Nov 23, 2017 Carro Herdegen rated it liked it

Shelves: kiss-the-book

Language – PG13 (44 swears, 2 “f”), Mature Content – PG13; Violence – PG; Emma and Dillon are eighteen and in love. Life would have been very different if Emma hadn’t moved across town and changed schools, but now Emma can’t imagine life without Dillon. As graduation approaches, new opportunities arise and have to be weighed against each other. The most daunting question is, how much does one sacrifice—or can one’s partner ask to be sacrificed—for love?
Emma’s story and her situations are so real ...more

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May 15, 2020 Rachel Elisse rated it liked it

Shelves: ya-chick-lit

This book is hard to rate. It was done well, it was emotional, and frightened me a little—a good thing. I didn’t get the intended theme the author set out to give the reader. See more on that in the spoilers below.

(Note: language and sex situations without too much detail.)

Spoilers: I didn’t recognize author’s intended message until I read the author note. That the ultimate love Emma needed to find, was for herself. So when things didn’t work out—I know, shocking in romance—I was disappointed an ...more

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Oct 19, 2019 Megan Houde rated it really liked it

This book could be a Lifetime movie! It touches on mental health issues and semi abusive relationships. I picked it up thinking it was a psychological thriller and it definitely wasn’t, or what I was expecting. What you’ll you do for someone you love but also isn’t right in their mind? That’s one of the subjects it touches. You think you love someone even though you mentally tell yourself this isn’t right. What do you do? How can you leave someone who needs the help or that you love? There’s jus ...more

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May 26, 2017 Kelly Sierra rated it liked it

Shelves: arc, 2016

I liked this story because when you are in the eye of the storm you can't see what's really going on around you. This perfectly describes Emma. Dillion is not okay not once did I think that his behavior abruptly changed, especially when Emma's old friends accuse her of cutting them out of her life. I didn't like many things that played out, but how are you supposed to like dating violence? Also, wtf was up with that guys mom. "My son is different; Other boys would be happy to let you follow your ...more

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About Amy Fellner Dominy

Amy Fellner Dominy

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Hi! I'm the author of novels for teens and tweens as well as picture books for toddlers. I love writing stories that will make you laugh, sigh, swoon...and if I break your heart I promise to patch it up by the end. :) New in YA Romance, the follow-up to Announcing Trouble: HOW TO QUIT YOUR CRUSH. May the worst date win!

I live and sweat in Phoenix, Arizona with my hubby and a puppy who is trainin ...more