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Judging by the Cover

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This is an alternate cover edition for B01BYQ6LK6

They say blood is thicker than water, and that family comes before anything.
But, I knew that wasn’t true.
Because, in a split second, I found out that blood isn’t thicker than money.

Everything I thought I knew had turned upside down in an instant. I had never suspected a thing. I knew they weren’t the nicest people, but they were mine and I loved them regardless. I would never forgive them for hiding things from me, but I understood why. They never wanted me to be mixed up in their world.
That had changed the moment I overheard the conversation. I found out more in those few minutes than I ever needed to know.

Demi has moved into yet another house with her guardians, and she’s happy that she’s finally safe from the people who want her dead… until she meets the neighbors and their son.

Jordan, still reeling from the loss of his best friend, is angered by the arrival of the new neighbors that move in next door…into his friend’s house of all places.

What starts out as a volatile relationship turns into something else. Something a little less...hostile.
But... Demi can't have friends. If she did it wouldn't be safe for her, or them.

Jordan knows his behavior is irrational, but all he can think about was the day everything changed; the day he lost somebody close to him.

Can Demi get involved without putting him in danger, or will she put him at the highest risk possible to become friends?
Can Jordan get past the memories of the house next door and see Demi for who she really is?
Or, could Demi's painful past come back to put an end to them before they've even begun?

Warning:
Contains strong language and scenes unsuitable for persons under 18 years of age.
This book contains subjects that some readers may find difficult/disturbing to read.

388 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2016

13 people are currently reading
64 people want to read

About the author

Dawn Doyle

14 books220 followers
Romance Author, but tends to write under many sub-genres such as Contemporary, Suspense, Paranormal, and even Fantasy.

Check out my Amazon Page!

Author.to/Mypage

Happy Reading!

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5 stars
57 (57%)
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35 (35%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for 2OCC Reviews.
3,487 reviews254 followers
June 19, 2017
Wow! The title of this book was perfect for the content inside! This was an intriguing tale of what's beneath the surface. I really enjoyed it!

I liked Demi. I love that even though she shouldn't, she let her self get close to someone, and it was one of the best things she's ever done. I love her heart! It was so big and her worry about others getting hurt because of her was beautiful.

Jordans intensity was amazing! He was angry and the way that he let it out, was very believable. I was a sucker for him from the start! Seeing him fall in love was fun and I was so happy that he was finally able to feel something for Demi then anger.

The plot was really interesting. The whole witness protection thing kept the story unique while the characters interaction kept me glued to my kindle the whole time I read it. There is a deeper story under all the words, and I loved it!

Overall, it was great! We get two awesome characters that are going through their own things, but they come together and help each other on the ways that they can! Being my first book by this author, I plan to read more. 4 stars #2OCCJD
Profile Image for Catlou.
1,407 reviews14 followers
December 8, 2019
This is a very good story. Demi and Jordan start out not liking each other, but their feelings change and grow over time, which is a nice touch you don’t find often in books these days. There’s plenty of drama and some heart-stopping action, which will have you on the edge of your seat. The interaction between Demi and Jordan and the twists and turns of the storyline will keep you turning pages, finding it hard to put down. I enjoyed the back and forth between the main characters and their slow build to passion and love. It’s an exciting romantic suspense that’s worth the read.

The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is it could have used a better editor. The flow between scenes is not very smooth. It is often quite abrupt without you realizing you’ve changed from one scene to the next until you’ve read a few lines in, which makes it confusing at times. Also, there are basic errors, such as wrong word tense, missing or extraneous words, but unfortunately, this seems to be the norm these days. Otherwise, this is a very engaging story and, despite what I just said, a very enjoyable one.
Profile Image for Lisa.
336 reviews3 followers
February 14, 2020
Suspenseful

Demi definitely goes through a ton in this book, but it will also have you laughing. The suspense is almost palpatating throughout this entire read. I absolutely loved it.
Profile Image for Kerry.
175 reviews
August 8, 2016
Judging By The Cover By Dawn Doyle
4 Stars

Judging By the Cover is a story about Demi who escapes from her town after witnessing several family members being killed. Due to being a witness she has to testify in court. To protect her, her ‘guardian’s ‘ Lorraine and Dennis move Demi across country with a new look and name as she is being hunted by the killer’s.
Demi has to keep herself hidden at all times so that she isn’t seen, even changing her appearance so that she is not recognisable when out and about.
Jordan, the boy next door is furious that someone has moved into his late best friend’s house. Jordan senses something different about the goth girl next door. As their friendship develops all sorts of secrets reveal themselves. Demi and Jordan must do everything they can to protect themselves and each other.
This is the first book of Dawn Doyle that I have ever read and she has become a writer that I will follow up on. The story is split into sections so you see things from Demi and then Jordan’s perspective.
A few raunchy scenes that may make your glasses steam up (if you wore any). Can be quite graphic at time’s and contains mild swearing.
Lots of action scene’s too, to keep you on the edge of your seat. Can see why The Sopranos were an inspiration in parts of the story.
The plot thickens throughout the story which kept me interested in finding out what happened in Demi’s past. A well written book and a nice easy read. A real page turner with plenty of twists to the story. Definitely an enjoyable read and one to keep you up all night. Buckle yourself in as your in for one hell of an emotional ride!
Profile Image for Pavan Kaur.
Author 15 books297 followers
March 20, 2016
I have read a all the books from the author, and have loved them all. This is different to her other books, but just as good. I had to turn the page over to see what was going to happen next.
It was a good read :)
Profile Image for Chantal Baxendale.
390 reviews4 followers
June 19, 2017
I must start off with the fact that I love this cover! It's the main reason for grabbing my attention. Luckily the story did not disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was filled with anticipation, action, suspense and a whole lot of sexy! Not everything was predictable which was nice. I would highly recommend this read to anybody.
Profile Image for Sleepless Beauty.
79 reviews3 followers
June 21, 2017
This book was an emotional rollercoaster. It was action packed with drama and crime drama.
Jord and Demi clashed at first. Both hating what life had thrown at them. Each wallowing in their misery. Who knew Demi's secret could make Jord's seem insignificant but maybe that is what they needed.
I started reading and could not put it down. Excellent!
Profile Image for Katy Birch.
471 reviews4 followers
June 18, 2017
Wow. I loved this book!!

It had me gripped from the beginning. All the twists and turns left me on the edge on my seat. Two broken souls that make each other hole. It was sweet but my god it was steamy. I love books that constantly leave you guessing and this one really did.

Who also doesnt love a female character that can kick ass?!?

Get reading this! Its amazing
523 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2020
This is a brilliant story. I didn’t know how it was going to play out at all. Poor Demi in disguise and in hiding and poor Jordan still in mourning. I knew they would hit it off eventually but it took some doing. I had a sneaky feeling about Jordan's dad but the suspense was great and I really hoped they could heal each other. I really enjoyed reading this.
Profile Image for Krista.
1,242 reviews7 followers
June 18, 2017
This was a good book. Interesting story line. The only complaint I had is that would have liked more time spent in her back story. But even with out more time on that it all flowed and wrapped up very nicely. I will definitely bee reading more of her books.
Profile Image for Kristin Young.
20 reviews1 follower
Read
August 12, 2016
Judging by the Cover is one of those feel good stories that leaves you with a smile. This story is inspirational in the sense that both main characters suffer a tragic loss, however they manage to find peace and heal their souls. Love has the power to heal, but is it enough? This story is told from the perspective of Demi and Jordan.
Demi, the new girl in town, has a secret and needs to keep a low profile. As the only eye witness to a heinous murder, Demi has gone into hiding with her guardians.
“They say blood is thicker than water, and that family comes before anything. But, I knew that wasn’t true. Because, in a split second, I found out that blood isn’t thicker than money”. She couldn’t believe her family was capable of such a horrific act, however here she was clear across the country in order to stay safe.
Jordan still disturbed by the loss of his best friend 6 months ago. He refuses to talk about his feelings of guilt with anyone. His resentment over losing his best friend only grows when a family with a daughter moves into the house that should still belong to Gord. Jordan isn’t very welcoming to the new family and quickly develops a tumultuous relationship with their daughter.
Demi can’t understand why Jordan is being so rude, but thinks it is for the best. She can’t exactly let someone into her world for fear of their safety. However, there is something that draws her to Jordan. Jordan feels the pull too. As time goes on, Jordan learns the truth about Demi’s past and vows to protect her. Demi tries to keep Jordan at arm’s length to protect him. She can’t let him get hurt like the others were. Jordan lets his guard down when he is with Demi and begins to tell her things he has never talked about with anyone. When the walls come down, love sweeps in. Jordan and Demi begin to need each other as much as they need to breath. Can Demi’s love keep Jordan out of harm’s way? Can Jordan protect Demi if her past shows up on the doorstep? Will their love conquer all?
This story is wonderfully heartfelt and I enjoyed reading it. I was very happy with the epilogue that gave the story an ending. This story was not overly predictable and had a few surprises that kept me turning pages into the wee hours of the night. Overall, a fantastic read and very well written.
178 reviews1 follower
June 25, 2017
Great Reading!

This was a great book to read. It caught my interest right away and wouldn't let go. I could not put it down. It revolves around two young adults who both have suffered a great tragedy in their short lives. Demi found out that family is not always what they seem to be. She now is deep in hiding so the remaining family members can't find her. Jordon's best friend Gord had lived in the house next door until his untimely passing. Demi move in to Gord's old house. Jordon hates that someone else is living there. He is so angry. They are rude and obnoxious to each other from their pain which eventually brings them together. I can't believe how this book makes you feel. I recommending this book to all my friends!
Profile Image for Jazmine Cabrera.
123 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2016
5 stars

Judging by the Cover is one of those stories that leaves you feeling good. This story has an “inspirational” feeling, both of the main characters suffer tragic loss, but yet manage to find peace. Love conquers all or at least that’s what they say, but is it enough? We get both Jordan and Demi’s points of views during this story. We get to read and feel what they feel.

Demi, is the new girl in town. She has a secret and needs to keep it on the down low. As the only eye witness to an insane murder, Demi has to go into hiding with her guardians.

“They say blood is thicker than water, and that family comes before anything. But, I knew that wasn’t true. Because, in a split second, I found out that blood isn’t thicker than money”.
I could relate to her right then at that quote. Family is supposed to be everything, but many times money is more. She couldn’t believe what her family had done, something so horrendous. And now she had to move across the country in order to be safe.

6 months ago Jordan lost his best friend, and to the day he was still disturbed by the idea of it. He refused to talk to anyone about his feelings. He hates having lost his friend and that hate grows as a new family moves into his deceased friend’s house. What hurts the most is that there is a young girl moving in too. It should be Gord there, not that new girl. Jordan isn’t very open to welcoming the new family and quickly develops a not so nice relationship with the new girl.

Demi can’t see why Jordan is being so rude, but is ok with it since she thinks it is for the best. Letting people in is a big no, no. Fearing for their safety she would rather keep her distance. That’s the plan, however, there is something that draws her to Jordan. Jordan feels that attraction too. As time goes on, Jordan learns the truth about Demi’s past and promises to protect her. Demi tries to keep Jordan at a distance, but it just won’t happen. She can’t let him get hurt like everyone. Can Demi’s love keep Jordan safe? Can Jordan protect Demi of her past? Will their love conquer all?
I enjoyed reading this story and the epilogue hooked me! It grabs your attention and doesn’t let go.
Profile Image for Lyndsey.
1,081 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2016
Dawn Doyle's book Judging By the Cover, was such a great read. It wasn't the normal everyday romance book. Yes it was kind of predictable in some places but I really fell in love with these characters and I wanted to see how it played out. Demi is moving with her parents to a new house away from the trouble that's following her. She has an act to uphold and must never stray from character unless she is alone. She can't risk getting to know anyone for fear of them being hurt in the process of trying to find her. But when her plans go astray from day 1, how will she and her guardians take the neighbor and his instant hate of them? Will Demi be able to live a normal, fear free life or will her family find her and keep her from ever bringing justice to those that were lost?
Demi witnessed a horrific incident involving her immediate and extended family. When she is the only witness able to testify, she gets guardians to protect her until trial. When they make a move across state lines into a newly renovated house, Demi must make the best of it as its nothing new for her. But she she sets eyes on Jordan, the son next door, she must remember to stay in character as a disgruntled and anti social "teen". When her plans go astray and Jordan gets pulled into the mess anyways while at the store all bets are off with their feelings for each other.
Jordan is still upset over the loss of his best friend. When Demi and her guardians move in next door he takes his anger and hurt out on Demi, even though its not her fault. When he can't explain his pull towards Demi, and he gets approached at the store with questions, he gets thrown into a mess of secrets. As he appoints himself as another bodyguard for Demi he also begins to fall harder for her. With a meddling sister and parents who seem to want to match make, its enough to go crazy!
I really enjoyed this book! I have now added a new author to my tbr list.
141 reviews2 followers
August 12, 2016
Jordan Coulson has been closed off and lonely for months since the tragic death of his best friend, Gord. He feels responsible for his friend’s death and can’t move on with his life. Still living in his parents’ house, next door to Gord’s old house, Jordan blindly hates the new neighbors that moved in. He knows he has no good reason to, but he can’t help but be hostile to Lorraine, Dennis and their daughter Demi. Demi isn’t your average young woman. She has seen too much and been on the run for a long time. Her family was taken from her and she saw it all happen. Now, the men who killed them, her horrible uncle and cousins, are after her before she can testify against them. Demi has to dress differently, keep her distance from strangers and even keep one colored contact lens in so no one can see her different colored eyes. Demi and Jordan’s first meeting does not go well. He acts like a jerk since he’s still hurting from Gord’s death and Demi acts out accordingly. Time passes and the two still can’t get along, even with the parental units pushing them together. It isn’t until their secrets start to be revealed that the two start to see each other in a new light. Can these two find love before the bad guys find Demi? I absolutely love a good thriller/romance and “Judging by the Cover” really delivers that! Developments in the case against Demi’s family keep you on the edge of your seat while the romance that develops between Demi and Jordan is palpable. The two fight one another and their feelings for so long I was starting to wonder if they would actually get together! However, they do say there is a fine line between love and hate and Demi and Jordan really prove that the line just blurs away sometimes. I really enjoyed this book and loved how Dawn Doyle brought them together! This was one of those books I just couldn’t put down. I read it all in one day! I give “Judging by the Cover” five stars!
Profile Image for Marcella.
358 reviews16 followers
August 12, 2016
Demi is a young woman whose life is turned upside down when she witnesses a tragedy...the murder of her entire family. Since she is the lone witness to this horrific crime, she is placed in witness protection and moved cross country in hopes of eluding those after her.

From the moment the new neighbors moved into his dead best friend's house, Jordan made it obvious he was not happy about it. He takes out his pain on Demi. When Jordan and Demi meet they immediately clash and the hate for each other begins. However, underneath the hate, the two are no doubt attracted to one another.

Demi must remain as inconspicuous as possible and in order to do that, she changes her look. One night when his family is invited over to her and her guardian's house for dinner, he is able to see Demi out of her "disguise" and can't help but be captivated by her beauty. He wonders why she hides underneath all that Goth makeup and clothing. The more Jordan interacts with Demi, the more he is convinced that she is hiding something.

At some point, Jordan realizes his behavior towards Demi was reprehensible and tries to make amends. He makes the effort to get to know Demi and befriend her. As much as Demi tries to keep Jordan at a distance for his own safety, she is drawn to him and lets him in. From that point a friendship blossoms between them and Jordan becomes an integral part in helping Demi to cope with her own tragedy. They essentially help heal each other from their own pain.

From start to finish, I was not able to put this book down. This story was most definitely a page turner and the twists and turns in the book had me captivated. I just loved the chemistry between Demi and Jordan. I couldn't get enough of these characters. I look forward to other books from this author. I am officially a fan.
Profile Image for Jessica Amendt.
19 reviews
August 13, 2016
When Demi moved in next door, in the house that Jordan’s best friend had lived in, Jordan was angry and resentful. That was Gord’s house and the new girl next door didn’t belong there.

Demi pulled up to her new house just as the neighbor boy was pulling into his driveway. Not that Demi intended to form a friendship, she didn’t do that, but Jordan was immediately rude and standoffish. Figuring that Jordan was responding to Demi’s all black outfit, long black hair, and dark makeup, Demi excused Jordan as just another surface jerk.

Neither Demi nor Jordan could possibly know the true demons that the other battled everyday. Regardless of their first impressions of one another, there was just something that kept drawing their attention in the direction of the other. Slowly, Demi and Jordan begin to find the hidden passages through the dark forest surrounding their hearts. But would Demi’s demons prove to be too much for Jordan? Could standing by Demi cost Jordan and his family everything? How far will Jordan go to protect this girl-next-door, and why are these people determined to find Demi and kill her?

What is a good love story without a deranged lunatic trying to kill the princess in the fairy tale? And what kind of hero would the prince be if he didn’t find himself in the middle of it all? Demi and Jordan’s stories unfold beautifully as the readers begin to understand the pain behind the walls that they each have built to protect their hearts. Doyle has you falling in love while biting your nails on the edge of your seat. Throw a few super hot sex scenes in there for a perfect blend of thrilling romance.

I don’t give books 5 stars without a life altering moment coming from the words between the covers, but I considered it with this one! I can’t wait to read more from Dawn Doyle!
206 reviews
August 12, 2016
Amazing!!!

   Judging By The Cover is a standalone novel by Dawn Doyle. The story is about a young woman, Demi aka Lydia, who is hiding under witness protection and Jordan Demi's new next door neighbor. Demi has lost everything important in her life at the hands of monsters who just happen to be her blood relatives, she witnessed something that can get her killed if the monsters ever find her so she's in hiding with her "guardians". Jordan is suffering from the loss of his best friend who was more of a brother, he just can not stop blaming himself for his friends death. When Demi and Jordan first meet sparks fly....and not in a good way. Jordan and Demi are constantly at each others throats fighting like teenagers until they take time to get to know each other and the sparks are flying again this time in the best way possible.  Demi is torn because she is hiding from some of the worst people in the world and does not want Jordan getting caught up in her mess, but Jordan isn't staying away without a fight.  Everyone says that money is the root of all evil and Demi know the truth behind that statement first hand.

  I really liked this book! I was hooked from the very beginning to the very last page. The author did an amazing job tell the story and keeping me guessing through out the book. This book definitely takes you on a rollercoaster and throws plot twists at you throughout the entire book.  I absolutely loved the ending!! The book is written in first person through both Demi's and Jordan's points of view. This book does contain graphic material so I do not recommend to anyone under 18. I give this book 4 stars!
Profile Image for Meghan901.
1,207 reviews28 followers
August 12, 2016
4 Stars

Judging By The Cover by Dawn Doyle is a standalone novel and is the first book I've read from this author.It was an amazing story! It follows Demi who is in witness protection and Jordan who is reeling from his friend’s death.

Demi is on the run-after witnessing the deaths of her family, by her cousins. She gets placed in the witness protection program and is under the watchful eyes of Dennis and Lorraine.(Her ‘parents’)She had to change everything from the way she dresses right down to the color of her eyes. Moving across the country trying to stay hidden, she doesn’t expect the hostile vibes coming from her new neighbor. But what happens when the one you want to hate becomes the one you wind up living for?

Jordan has been going through a rough time. After his best friend passes away, Jordan places the blame on himself. The guilt is eating away at him and he’s becoming a different person. The anger, the sadness,it's all too consuming and he doesn’t know how to make it stop. To make matters worse the new neighbors daughter is driving him crazy. Besides her looking like a freak, she's hiding something and Jordan wants to know what it is. Little does he know that she will be the one to chase his demons away.

I loved this book! I could not put it down. From the first page, it drew me in and I was thrown into a world full of suspense. I literally was on the edge of my seat trying to read fast enough to get to the next page. I loved the banter between Demi and Jordan. I laughed out loud but there were times that my heart hurt for Demi as well. Ms. Doyle did a wonderful job and I cannot wait to read more from this author!
Profile Image for Julie.
282 reviews
August 12, 2016
Judging By The Cover by Dawn Doyle is a five star book. Jord and Gord are the best of friends. They have been for as long as they can remember. As they grow older, Jordan realizes that Gord is a little different than he is. This only makes Jord want to protect him. He spends his life trying to keep Gord happy and hanging out with him whenever he senses the bad days. That is, until he goes to his first real job interview. He knows he has to go, but hates leaving Gord alone all the same. When he returns, he knows something is wrong by the voicemail that was left by Gord. Several months later, a new family moves into Gord’s old house directly next door to Jordan. Jordan resents this new family and their weird daughter. It is very hot this summer and she wears nothing but combat boots and black clothing that covers her whole body. Jord starts off this relationship badly by being mean and showing her his hurt through his actions. Dem returns the favor by being extremely rude back to him. She does that to hide behind her façade. She cannot let anyone into her life. Her real family was tragically murdered and now being in witness protection, she has to take every precaution. Even though this leaves her very lonely, she knows it is necessary in order to keep everyone safe. Her “parents” think it is time for her to make a friend and have deemed Jordan as safe for her. In order to do that though, they both need to realize that a friendship with the unlikeliest person is not necessarily a bad thing. When this relationship starts to bud, they are both taken by surprise.
Profile Image for Laura Leyman.
171 reviews8 followers
August 12, 2016
This book kept me guessing the whole way through. I started with one theory, changed it a couple of times and I still ended up getting it completely wrong.
Demi is in hiding. She has changed everything about her, to make her feel safe. Demi is finally feeling safe living with her guardians, Lorraine and Dennis, when the three of them moved into a newly renovated house.
Jordan, had recently lost his next door neighbour and best friend. He was holding onto anything that he could, to remind him of his best friend. That included the house next door. He was angered by the people that were moving into the house next door and because of this he took an instant disliking to Demi.
‘I was glad she was going out. It meant I didn’t have to think about how much I detested the people next door’
This book makes points about a few serious topics. Such as, how mental health affects everyone, not just the person with the condition. Judging By The Cover, has been named as such because within the book the characters do judge each other by their cover and their cover is not who they really are. It shows that people who look like they have it all together on the outside, are actually falling apart on the inside. It also shows that people who look like they are a mess on the outside are actually put together on the inside.

‘That girl’s a freak… did you see her makeup? She’s like Goth and Emo mixed into one’

Overall, I loved this story. It raises important topics that some people find difficult to talk about. It was a good read, with a lot of ups and downs.
263 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2016
FIVE STARS
JUDGING BY THE COVER
AUTHOR: DAWN DOYLE

DAWN DOYLE is a bestselling iTunes contemporary romance author. JUDGING BY THE COVER is a stand alone novel and I truly enjoyed every minute from beginning to end. It is the first book I have read by Dawn Doyle but I am anxious to read the rest of her books. I have already added them to my TBR list. I enthusiastically recommend Dawn Doyle if you are looking for a great romantic read or a great new author to try.

JUDGING BY THE COVER is a tremendous book about Demi, a young girl with an extremely disturbing past. After witnessing several of her family members being killed, she has to testify in court against the killers. To keep her protected, she is moved across the country and given a new look and identity. Demi keeps to herself and tries not to draw any attention to herself. This way of life is extremely hard on a young girl. Always worried she will be found by her relatives killers and maybe killed herself. Never having any friends.

When Demi moves across country she gets to know her new neighbors and their son Jordan. Jordan does not immediately warm up to the new neighbors because they moved into the house his best friend lived in. He does start to overcome his anger and they start to build a friendship, but it comes with a lot of problems. Demi is afraid the killers could find her and it could also put Jordan in danger. Will their friendship be able to survive the danger? This is a great book with a lot of emotion!
Profile Image for Krystal gaston.
959 reviews8 followers
August 12, 2016
Judging By The Cover is  a unique story.  This was my first read by Dawn Doyle and i loved it.  The story line was addicting fron the beginning, you can relate to the characters and what they are going through.  Judging By The Cover is the story of Lydia (known as Demi through the book) and how her life has dramatically changed in the past few months.  The people you should be able to count on, kore than anyone else is family.  "Blood is thicker than water.... but its not thicker than money"  Demi is now on the run with her guardians who are risking their lives to protect her, until the threat gets too close then they move again, this time across the country.  Once they get settled in with little for possessions, Demi meets Jordan, it is instant hostility and rude, snarky remarks for the first few weeks.  And then something happens...that one moment when Jordan makes an obvious discovery and the pieces start to fall into place.  This story is easy to get sucked into and take your time reading, the emotions it make you feel you savor.  Demi and Jordan have a hilarious relationship and you can tell they have something more going on underneath their witty sarcastic remarks.  When the past comes to catch up with Demi and her guardians will it be too late to move to another safe house or will she have to leave when she is allowed to make a friend and allowed to relax and live a little but still be on high alert....  I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Amber.
607 reviews48 followers
August 12, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a standalone book written where multiple characters are telling the story. Demi witnesses the brutal murder of family members and has to flee her home In order to stay safe. The things she witnessed have really messed her up and she suffers terrible nightmares and is super paranoid about almost everybody. The safe house they move to they end up neighbors with a really nice family. Jordan and Demi don't get along very well at first. Jordan is still reeling from the tragic loss of his best friend who had lived in that house. So he basically hates them at the beginning because he misses his friend. Over time they bury the hatchet and sparks fly between them. Soon their relationship blossoms and information is brought forth about Demi and the case to put the bad guys away. Demi is living in fear until the trial takes place basically. Will the bad guys find Demi before they can be put to trial? Basically this was a very decent book. The writing was good and it kept me interested. At 75% through I found myself having to finish so I could find out how it ended. I really appreciate the epilogue. I like a look into the future to see how things end up for the characters. I feel this book ended as it should have.
My rating is 4 stars. I enjoyed the book. Thank you for letting me review.
Profile Image for Danielle.
91 reviews6 followers
August 13, 2016
I cannot even describe how much I enjoyed this book. Judging by the Cover is exactly the kind of romance/crime drama I love. Demi doesn't trust anyone. After her own family betrayed her over money. Demi knows that blood is definitely not thicker than water, and she can trust no one. Especially, Brandon, the guy next door who looks at her with total contempt from the day she moves in. It's a good thing she's promised herself that she's better off staying away from people. And Brandon has such a grudge against her for moving into the house next door, it'll be easy for both of them to keep their distance. Unless Brandon's parents become determined to get to know Demi. Or worse, should Demi’s family figure out a way to find her again.

This was the first opportunity I've have to read any of Dawn Doyle’s book. And this was a great first for me. I loved how complex her characters were, and how well she integrated their entire histories into this small story of their lives. I understood exactly what motivated them, and why they acted in the ways they did. The prose of the book was so smoothly written, and the settings perfectly described. From the minute I opened the book, I couldn't put it down. The plot was flawless in the way it twisted and developed between the characters and the way the characters grew and mended their own hearts. Loved it! Job well done!
Profile Image for Lynn Jones.
320 reviews3 followers
August 13, 2016
Judging by the Cover. By Dawn Doyle 4 Stars
The say blood is thicker than water, and family comes before anything. I found out real quick that blood is not thicker than Money.
Everything I thought I knew had turned upside down in the blink of an eye. Demi who escapes after witnessing several family members being murdered. She is placed into protective custody and moved across country. Demi has to keep herself hidden, not recognisable while out and about. So she dresses in goth clothes and dyes her hair.
Jordan the guy that lives next door is furious that someone has moved into his best friends house. Demi and Jordan's first meeting did not go well at all. He knows he is being irrational about this but he is too hurt to care about anything but his own feelings. Even with time they still cannot stand each other. But Jordan senses that there's something different about the goth looking girl.
As their friendship develops secrets come to light and they understand each other better. They must prepare to protect themselves to survive.
This was a very exciting book with lots of sitting on the edge of your seat biting your nail moments. The banter between Demi and Jordan was hilarious as much as heart warming.
Can these two find love before the bad guys find Demi. The author did a great job with the story and keeps you guessing throughout the book.

Janna Jones
Profile Image for Dana Hopkins.
16 reviews
August 13, 2016
There are so many things I want to say about Judging By The Cover by Dawn Doyle, first and foremost I want to say that this is one of the best books that I have read in a long time. Judging By The Cover is the first book by Dawn Doyle Ive read and I have to say that she is now one of my favorite authors. I've never read a book that was quite like Judging By The Cover and I have read a lot of books so its refreshing to read something that can actually surprise me. I love the complexity of the characters, the completely unique plot line, and the heart warming romance between the main characters Demi and Jordan, lets not forget about the sizzling heat between them either! Judging By The Cover is an emotionally well rounded story between two young adults Jordan and Demi, in this story the attraction between them is strong but had a rocky start when Jordan out of spite for the new neighbors who moved into his friend Gordon's old house calls Demi a freak and many other names, at least until he finds out what shes really hiding from. Will Jordon be able to keep Demi safe when her problems catch up to her? I highly recommend this book to all readers and I'm hoping to read more like Judging By The Cover from Dawn Doyle!
Profile Image for Kristen.
115 reviews
August 13, 2016
One should never judge a book by its cover and this is especially true for Judging by the Cover by Dawn Doyle. I was drawn in from the very first sentence up until the last. I enjoyed how the author split the chapters between the two main characters – “Demi” and Jordan – and made it like they were speaking directly to the reader. This was a very intriguing and suspenseful book as you followed Demi’s journey under cover with her guardians as they were assigned to protect her until she testified against her family’s killer. I enjoyed watching the relationship grow between Jordan – the boy who lived next door and was bitter about someone moving into his late friend’s house and Demi’s undercover personality as she fought to keep her identity hidden, however her nightmares got the best of her as she was very suspicious of everyone. Eventually, the two of them learn to trust and forgive not only each other but others as well. This book was a great read and I am giving it 4 stars. A great read for a book club as it will lead to many discussions and I for one will love to read more from the author.
Profile Image for Gail Guerrero.
731 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2016
Wow. I am speechless. This book was one of a kind. The pain, loneliness, fear and selflessness one person can take is abundant in Demi. She has witnessed a terrible crime and is one the run. She showed so much strength through the whole book. To not go insane from the nightmares and constant fear of being found. I loved how she is written and wouldn’t wish for any changes. She hides behind hideous clothing and heavy make-up. You will love what’s underneath.
Jordan is angry, hurt, lost and sad. He has lost someone dear and has no place to put his emotions until he meets his new neighbor. He is a young Thor in the looks department and I love it. He's battling guilt and pain and hasn’t been able to open up. That is until he stops judging Demi's cover and gets a look at what she really is. And now he will do anything to protect her.
Life and death is always on our minds and to have to give up your life for someone else and truly amazing. If you are looking for a book that will have you on you edge wanting a HEA this is your book. The author’s writing style and character depth will have you wanting to read more.
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