They Don't Know

by Patricia Dixon

Daisy meets Adam on their first day at Manchester University and they immediately become firm friends, inseparable. But when tongues begin to wag and their relationship is questioned, for the first time in his life Adam shares his secret with Daisy. Daisy promises to stand by him and keep his secret.

When their Grandmother dies, Adam’s older brother, Ryan, returns from abroad and Daisy quickly falls for him.

After a troubled upbringing at the hands of a drunken mother and jailbird father, Adam and Ryan only have each other. In adulthood, their bond holds firm, glued together by Daisy with whom they are now both in love.

Adam struggles with his secret and the fear of ever losing Daisy to another man. Is he besotted and quietly controlling and soon the past starts to influence his choices.

Ryan is motivated, selfish and sees everything in black and white, living in a military world that shields him from the demons of his past, bringing order to his life.

And in the middle is Daisy who loves both of them and makes a promise to each. One she sets free, the other she vows to protect and never abandon. 

But when tragedy strikes can Daisy ever find happiness?

Genres: Romance, Fiction

390 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2018

About the author

Published by Bloodhound Books

Author of -
Over My Shoulder, They Don't Know, The Secrets of Tenley House, Liars, #MeToo, Blame. The Other Woman, Coming Home, Resistance, Birthright, Venus Was Her Name, A Good Mother, Rosie and Ruby, Anna, Tilly, Grace, Destiny, The Complete Destiny Series Box Set, The Suspense Boxset.

All titles available on Amazon -
amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00I1YV2RM

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and captivating story that will touch on every single one of your emotions.... once again I had to bust out the Kleenex, another book that made me cry with both happiness and heartbreak... with characters that were so well developed that I was convinced I would know them if I saw them walking down the street... and might I add if I did see them walking down the street I’d invite them to have dinner and drinks with me, I’d love to spend an evening with these three....

Daisy and Adam meet one another there first day of University... A beautiful sweet and lifelong friendship begins... The bond between these two was so strong, I was confused just like some others as to why they weren’t more than friends... but Adam has a secret, and it is not what you think.... Adams older brother Ryan also enters the picture making this twosome a threesome.... there is a love triangle, there is miscommunication, and there is heart break.... so... will these three ever be completely honest with one another? Will they lay all their secrets on the table? Will anyone get a happily ever after? Well you will need to read this book to find that out!

Strongly recommend if you enjoy a love story with wonderful characters and all the feels💕

[Adele Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia Dixon, what are you trying to do to me? I can barely see through tears and I am an emotional wreck.
The book will set you on a roller-coaster of emotions. I'm lost for words sorry. MUST READ!!!

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meet Adam and Daisy
And also Ryan ( Adam’s brother )
Thus starts a love story unlike any I have read before
The subject covered I found fascinating as a friend has this and it is rarely spoken about except in hushed conversation, never socially and never really enters people’s minds, handled perfectly and respectfully and no I am not saying what it is or else that will spoil it
Based in Manchester and France this story is really very emotional and tis almost unheard of for me to have a tear in my eye when reading but towards the end I did
I loved Adam, what a great character he is, I liked Daisy and Ryan, well Ryan is very fanciable! All 3 of them have massive personalities to explore and the bonds made and shared are rare to find, in fiction or reality
You cant help but be moved, shocked, touched and tickled by this book as it progresses and if you are looking for a different read, unpredictable, romantic but not as you think and generally a read to help you forget life at the moment this is for you

10/10
5 Stars

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. What an absolutely wonderful story this was!

I enjoyed getting to know Daisy, Adam and Ryan throughout this story. By the end I was so bereft as I felt like I had been through so much with them. 

The story starts off in present day and then we go back to when Daisy and Adam first meet and then we flick to different years leading back up to present day again. Daisy and Adam's friendship has to be one of the most touching I've ever read about. I think anyone would be lucky to have a friendship like theirs.

Adam I just loved. When you read this story, you will see why. He's almost like a little boy and I just wanted to mother him. If anything I was quite jealous of Daisy as I wanted a friendship just like theirs. I think a lot of people could learn a lot from Adam's outlook on life and his generosity in letting the ones he loves most, grow. He really is a special person.

Daisy is a great character also. She takes Adam under her wings and needs him as much as he needs her, it just felt like one big happy family when she takes Adam back home to her family in France for the summer holidays and again I was so envious of their time together.

Ryan, I think I fell for as much as Daisy did. Again the relationship between him and Adam was so heart warming and he takes his role as big brother very seriously. It was good to read of a strong solid bond between the two.

They Don't Know totally blew me away. As soon as I started reading it I couldn't put it down as I was so wrapped up in the story and the characters lives. I'm not quite sure what I was expecting from the story but it totally enveloped me and I was an emotional wreck by the end. This has to be one of the most heart warming and beautifully written stories I have read in a long while. Adam, Daisy and Ryan will live on inside of me for a very long time to come. A story that will definitely steal your heart.

My thanks to Bombshell Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Patricia Dixon's recent psychological thriller 'Over My Shoulder', I thought I might also appreciate this book too. I don't usually read romantic suspense, which is what I would class this as, but Patricia's books seem to skirt the periphery between womens fiction/chick lit and romantic suspense, and I decided to take the plunge. I'm glad I did.

Daisy has lived in France with her parents for longer than she cares to remember, but she is upping sticks and moving back to the UK to attend Manchester University. Like most students on their first day in a strange new world she's incredibly nervous, and this is exacerbated by the fact that she doesn't know anyone, but she is not the only one. That changes when she meets Adam in a queue whilst waiting to sort out her new life and university accommodation. They hit it off immediately, and it is clear that they are destined to become great friends. When their relationship moves to the next level it feels as though nothing will break them, but then Daisy meets Ryan, Adam's older brother and swiftly falls for him. Now a love triangle has formed and noone knows exactly how it will end.

Having experienced Dixon's writing before I knew it suited me and I found her style effortlessly compelling, this book was no exception. This is a love story with a difference, and with plenty of sweet surprises along the way, I was hooked! There is a lot of interest and intrigue as we watch the love triangle play out between the three main characters, and by the end you feel as though they are all friends you have known for donkeys years. If you like romantic suspense I feel that this is a great read with many nice touches and nuances. I thoroughly enjoyed it and reckon many others will too!

Many thanks to Bloodhound/Bombshell Books for an ARC. I was not required to post a review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, I think that I have been the full length of my emotional scale while reading this book. I wept with joy and sobbed uncontrollably as it sucked all the breath from my lungs and made my heart ache. It is Just such a beautiful story of pure love between two special people. Ryan and Adam are brothers that had a pretty horrid start in life and as tragedy followed tragedy they ended up at their gran’s who gave them love and a roof over their heads. To be honest these lads turned into a couple of pretty exceptional young men. Ryan joining the forces and Adam going to Manchester Uni where he meets Daisy and a relationship begins between them that is so very rare.
Now from the description of the pair of them, they must have looked a pretty hot couple but their relationship confused others and at times even themselves, that was until Adam told Daisy a secret that he had never told anyone ever before, not even Ryan. Promises were sworn between them. There is something almost pure about Adam in the way he thinks but he has an innocence about him that makes him seem very vulnerable where I just wanted to wrap him up so nothing could change him. Daisy’s family welcomes him and his brother with open arms in France where they live and it becomes quite a haven for them all.
Adam sets his heart on an outcome for the two people who are his world, Daisy and Ryan. All three had desires in different ways but would any of them have the courage to say how they felt? What an ending! that is all I can say. This book will really touch you and stay with you because I know it will with me. It is superb writing, I wanted these people to be real because just on the pages there was such magic and I wanted just a little of what they had. A book I will read again and again.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bombshell Books for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam and Ryan are brothers. One has signed up for the forces and the other is at university. Ryan, the elder one,has always been protective of his younger brother. Even more so since they lost their parents. Their father was a good -for-nothing criminal and their mother died from an overdose. They were mainly raised by their grandmother who following a stroke is now in a home. Daisy lives in France with her parents and has returned to England to attend university. Ryan speaks to her on the first day when they are both very unsure of themselves and find themselves in a unique friendship that no-one quite understands. This is a story of life and friendships. Of those people that have that special something that you don’t want to spoil. Of life’s highs and lows, turmoil and tribulations, successes and not quite so successful things we all go through. Beautifully written, wonderfully described. I loved Daisy and Adam from the start. By the end I felt I knew them. If you want to restore your faith in human nature then this is one of the books you should perhaps read. It takes you away to a wonderful place in your mind- a relaxing read to sink into whilst getting to know these characters that come alive on the page. Stunningly written this will be one of my books of the year. I fell in love with the characters, I enjoyed the plot and I really didn’t want it to end. A book I will remember for a very long time. They don’t know about us- they’ve never heard of love.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I knew as soon as I read the blurb for this one that it was going to be a story for me and one I really wanted to read. I read it in an afternoon and I must say that it really tugged on my heartstrings and I found it to be a very moving story.

The book has some excellent characters and I loved the time I was able to spend with them, I loved reading about their friendships and relationships as the book developed. I didn't want to put the book down and I certainly didn't want the story to end. I was captivated by the plot and the writing style was completely addictive and spot on for this story.

Five stars from me for this one, very well written and a story I really enjoyed - very highly recommended!

[Laura Hundley · Rating 5 out of 5]

They Don’t Know by Patricia Dixon is a story about love and what happens to Daisy and Adam from the time thy met in Manchester. This well written story will definitely have you crying, laughing, and one particular character can get under your skin pretty fast. I enjoyed reading this story and felt like the writer wrote it just for me. However, I know that is not true but as you read this book you will feel like you are the main character. It pulls you in and keeps you interested in what is happening. I want to read more by Patricia Dixon now.

Thank you to goodreads for allowing me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.


5 stars ⭐️ out of 5

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh wow. I think I’m going to have to keep this review short, sweet and to the point!

What a beautiful, emotional and heart-warming story. This story is unique… Not your average romance, chick-lit story. It is a stunning story that is told and written beautifully. Perfection.

I absolutely loved Adams and Daisys characters. Especially the bond and relationship they had! Not your average everyday relationship. Something truelly special!

I loved the setting… Close to home. Mighty Manchester! So I knew all the streets and exactly where and what the characters were doing, making the story that little bit more magical and real for myself.

I would highly recommend you all take time to read this story… It will touch you! A story you won’t forget. A well deserved four stars from me. A really beauty.

[Heather Musgrave · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just weirc

Slogged through this, made it to the end.
A huge amount of padding and repetition.
Won't read this author again

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of Patricia Dixon's books and I'm struck each time by the warmth of her writing. She oozes love and care for the characters she's created, and in turn they give friendship and reality to the story.

There is a short prologue which relates to a time near the end of the book. We then start chapter one with Daisy, who lives in France with her parents, leaving the family home to go to university in Manchester, England. She's an astute girl but is also shy and very nervous about the whole university process and getting accommodation. During the wait in the long queue she meets Adam, who is also a little nervous, but after a few minutes of small talk they hit it off and it's obvious they will become good friends.

There is also a little back story of Adam and his brother Ryan which fills in their personalities and why each are like they are – quite different but both troubled. Once all three meet up, they become a solid force to be reckoned with, nothing will ever break them.

Adam is a good looking lad, and when Fliss can't get him to be her boyfriend, talk about him being gay is spread around. Adam is hurt about the false and personal allegations and confides in Daisy his true feelings and unusual sexual orientation.

This is a very moving book; there is love, emotion and deep friendship as well as a dreadful tragedy which rocks them to the core. The character description is exquisite, you can picture what each of them look like. They feel so real and have definite individual identities. This is a love story with a difference, and I adored the references to songs, especially Kirsty MacColl's They Don't Know.

[Lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you sign up for a blog tour you never know what to expect. It is usually a new author and the synopsis only tells you so much so I opened this book with eyes open.

When I first started reading it and Adam met Daisy I thought to myself oh here we go they fall in love but NO it wasn't that type of predictable love story. It was completely different to what I thought it was going to be and I was plesantly surprised by the twists and turns it took me on.

Set over a period of 5 years between Manchester and France, we discover how Adam and Daisy meet and how the friendship grows and develops. We are introduced to their families and how the relationships interact and grow. It is intriguing how Adam and Daisy have a purely platonic friendship but their loyalty and love for each other is so genuine and heart warming that they always put each other first to the detriment of their own lives at some points.

What this book showed me is that not every relationship may be what it first appears and how easy it is to hide who we truly are from people.

I think people who enjoy romance novels that are looking to try something a little different will find this book a good little find.

[Myreadbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Bloodhound Books and the Netgalley website for this partnership.

I was immediately attracted by the blanket: you see Daisy and Adam walking side by side in the forest and by the catchphrase: "two promises, one secret".

When Daisy meets Adam, it's the cordial agreement, they are inseparable until one day when a rumor arises that their relationship is being questioned, but she will promise to keep it secret.

But Adam's grandmother dies and Daisy falls in love with her brother.

A beautiful book based on the promises we make in everyday life and on the different types of friendly, loving relationships. A captivating story full of suspense and twists and turns. A book to read absolutely.

[Tina Dorr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every book that Patricia has written and loved every word. This latest offering doesn’t disappoint, although it is a bit different from her usual books.
Daisy and Adam, two young people, one from France, the other from Manchester, meet at university and there begins their lives together. They live, work and love in both the city of Manchester and in the pretty rural region of the Loire Atlantic, which Patricia describes so well.
Both suffer losses, Adam with Olive, his gran, and Daisy with a close family member – I won’t say who as it spoils the story. But through everything they have each other and Adam’s brother Ryan, the third person in the relationship. Until one day when Daisy and Adam are at their happiest.
This is a story of love, a love that is totally pure and unbreakable, a love that spans time but could be in name only.
This book had me willing Daisy and Adam together and also made me cry, and not many books do that.
This is truly a must-read book.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was beautifully written and I loved watching the relationships unfold between Daisy, Adam, and Ryan. Definitely recommend!

[Fiona Mccormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this kind of book, one in which the characters are so well drawn that the reader really cares about them. Daisy and Adam meet on their first day of university in Manchester and are immediately drawn to each other and soon promise each other they will let nothing stand in the way of their friendship. Adam and his brother Ryan have experienced an extremely traumatic childhood which shapes the way in which they both live their lives and we follow the three main characters through the years.
This is a story of love, friendship and family and I didn't want it to end! It highlights what happens when people don't communicate properly, I was shouting at all three of them to just talk to each other and sort things out! Just heartbreaking at times, I am not often moved to tears by a book but this one managed it. As well as the three main characters, I adored Daisy's parents and detested toxic friend Fliss!
Fabulous book, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to everyone.

[Karen's World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I do love this author and her books just get better and better. This will give all your emotions a good work out! I just had to keep reading it until the end and was shattered the next day but it was so worth it.
Going off to university is hard so the friends you meet tend to stay with you and this story is about a friendship that lasts years but also secrets that are kept and never shared, lives lived in bubbles of secrets that need to burst. Who will be hurt and who will survive the emotional roller coaster that is They Don't Know!
You have to read this as it is superb.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGallery, the publisher and author for the opportunity to review "They Don't Know" and offer my honest review.
I am sorry to say this book didn't keep me engaged, was rather boring and generally, just didn't keep my interest.
I found myself skimming through the pages trying to find something interesting to make me keep reading. Honestly, this did not happen.
I'm sure others may really enjoy this book, it is just not the book for me.

[M T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for my copy. 4.5*

This is a story of love, unconditional love between two people. Love between two brothers, romantic love between a couple, family love and finally devoted love between best friends.

This book will make you laugh and cry. The characters are well developed and the story is beautifully written. If you are looking for a fast paced book full of thrills then this isn't it. This is a slow building tense book full of emotion.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 4 out of 5]

They Don’t Know by Patricia Dixon

This is a book that slowly grew on me weaving a web that eventually caught me in its sticky web…just as Daisy was caught between brothers Adam and Ryan. The love the three had for one another was different in that together they were all “more” and without one or the other of the triangle they managed to get along but not necessarily feel completely whole and thrive to their full potential.

Daisy and Adam are soul mates that are two halves of a whole but at the same time Daisy and Ryan could be a couple, too, if ever they managed to be ready at the same time. And, Daisy has promised each brother something different and that ultimately leaves her rather unable to fulfill her own dreams and aspirations for quite some time.

This is not an easy book…and none of the characters really had easy lives BUT they all grew and learned and cared and shared in a way that was deeper than most characters do in many books I read.

I have to admit I skipped around at times trying to find something out that I wanted to know but then did go back and pick up the bits I had missed and if I had read cover to cover it might have been wiser on my part…but…I always do tend to read the end before I finish any book.

Did I like this book? Yes and no. This is a book that will stay with me for some time. It made me care and wish and want and wonder…what if… I wished that there had been more honesty and communication and that the three could have found what they were looking for earlier and though I might have preferred a different ending I have a feeling that it all did work out for the best for all of the characters…in the long run.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my top reads of the year.

Adam and Ryan are brothers. One has signed up for the forces and the other is at university.
Ryan, the elder one,has always been protective of his younger brother. Even more so since
they lost their parents. Their father was a good -for-nothing criminal and their mother died
from an overdose. They were mainly raised by their grandmother who following a stroke is
now in a home. Daisy lives in France with her parents and has returned to England to
attend university. Ryan speaks to her on the first day when they are both very unsure
of themselves and find themselves in a unique friendship that no-one quite understands.
This is a story of life and friendships. Of those people that have that special
something that you don’t want to spoil. Of life’s highs and lows, turmoil and tribulations,
successes and not quite so successful things we all go through. Beautifully written,
wonderfully described. I loved Daisy and Adam from the start. By the end I felt I knew
them. If you want to restore your faith in human nature then this is one of the books
you should perhaps read. It takes you away to a wonderful place in your mind-
a relaxing read to sink into whilst getting to know these characters that come alive
on the page. Stunningly written this will be one of my books of the year. I fell in
love with the characters, I enjoyed the plot and I really didn’t want it to end.
A book I will remember for a very long time. They don’t know about us-
they’ve never heard of love.

[Alexina · Rating 5 out of 5]

find happiness?
Having recently read Over my shoulder - which is a full on Psychological Thriller, I was intrigued to find out if Patricia could flip genres, and have my heart reacting, but in a different way, to flip genres was a fabulous move by the author.
Patricia's writing skill in her stories are to make the descriptive emotions come alive, regardless of what genre box you would like to place her in to.
Her characterisation of the three main characters Daisy, Adam, and Ryan were a joy to get to know, even in the difficult circumstances they at times found themselves in.
The story spans over the years, from how they formed the relationships, why, and where they lead this young couple to, and how life influences their decisions, including themselves and other people.
I did just want to shake them, have them sit round a table with a cup of tea - and discuss, then move on to wine! But, then we wouldn't have been given the beautiful story that we were told.
There were no quick and easy fixes for this trio. I absolutely fell in love with this story and let it lead me to the end, it was a saga that touched my heat and will stay with me for a long time.
A purely beautiful written story that comes highly recommended.

[Anne Boland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hauntingly beautiful story about a subject rarely covered.

I really loved this story. I have never read a book in which an asexual person is one of the main characters and it was such an enlightening experience. It is so well written and will take you on a rollercoaster ride, covering the whole gamut of emotions.
The different kinds of relationship shared by Adam, Daisy and Ryan are beautifully developed throughout the book and the storyline gives an incredible insight into the often tormented soul of someone who is asexual. I must admit that I kept hoping that Adam would change, but that was ignorance, in the true sense of the word, on my part.
In this time when people are hopefully becoming more tolerant and accepting of homosexuality, gender transition, and equality, I believe that through this excellent story, asexual people may find the courage to speak out to friends and family and stop fearing that they may be treated as ‘freaks’.
It is so well written, and so believable. I loved it, and didn’t want it to end.

[Megan Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. I liked the premise of this story. I was captivated by the love triangle- the relationship between Adam, Ryan and Daisy. The characters were well developed and I was rooting for the relationship between Daisy and Adam. I found Adams sexual identity interesting and thought provoking.
I found myself disconnected at certain points, as the story initially developed, my mind wandering, considering skipping ahead to where the story picked up. Towards the back end of the book, the story went from 0 to 60. It was emotionally charged and I became more invested in the outcome. I was completely satisfied with the story’s conclusion. An overall great read!

[Susan Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to firstly say that this book was completely outside of my chosen genre, but I absolutely loved this author's previous book . Guess what? I absolutely loved this one too. It drew me in from the start as Daisy and Adam meet at University. The friendship between these characters, which remains way past their University years is an amazing, delightful and heartfelt pleasure to read.
Two beautiful and loveable characters, especially Adam. Ryan, who is Adams brother , and Daisy are attracted to each other but they think Adam won't approve. A very emotional read for me and I simply can't stop thinking about this book. Highly recommend this amazing read!

[Vina · Rating 3 out of 5]

“They Don't Know” by Patricia Dixon

A lovely start, and the story of a beautiful, unusual friendship.Adam and Daisy are those rare friends who actually enjoy a platonic relationship.The writer has created a beautiful person in Adam, and the reader is half in love with him. Complications arise, trials ensue, but nothing can break their bond.
But the last third of the book gets trying, repetitive and long drawn. It is too lengthy, and would have benefitted by lopping off a lot of the verbiage.
Despite the fact that the concept was beautiful and emotional,there was no depth to the tale.
3 Stars.

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful heartfelt story that had me absolutely hooked from the first page. I completely and utterly fell in love with the character of Adam, his outlook on life and relationships was so refreshing and inspiring and I adored the close bonds he had with Daisy and his big brother Ryan.
Such a captivating story that took me on an emotional journey with many unexpected moments.
On several occasions I cried, it’s impossible not to become emotionally attached to all of the characters and their situations.
Such a sensitively written book that will remain in my heart for a long long time.
Beautiful ❤️

[Kerry Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is difficult to review as there were parts that warranted 5☆ but now that I've finished it, overall it gets 3☆. I liked the characters and their relationship, however, I found it to be too long winded and parts of it were irrelevant. It was a very long book, overly wordy but it was emotional and I definitely needed the tissues at hand. It was well written with no grammatical errors and mistakes which pleased me greatly as so many books that I read are not like that. I enjoyed the story and the complex relationship and I would recommend it.

[Pippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I suspect the reason that RomComs are so popular is because in the real world love is so often unkind and illogical. We fall for the wrong person or the right person at the wrong time, or for someone who doesn’t deserve it and not for the one who does. Patricia Dixon’s portrayal of the blows that love can floor us with is extremely touching and I for one shed many tears, for their story, and for mine.