Don't Dare to Dream

by Dan Friedman

The borrowed money is gone. He's left to take the blame.

Can a desperate man escape a deadly scam?

David Pascal has hit rock bottom. After failing at startups and losing his fiancée to another guy, the unsuccessful entrepreneur wallows in depression in front of the TV until he decides to end it all. But when the new power couple next door talks him off the ledge, he accepts their offer to get back in the game.



Joining forces with the life-coach husband on an app that attracts a venture capital investment, David can't stop himself from falling for the man's beautiful spouse. But when thugs come sniffing around, and his perfect neighbors disappear with the funds, he fears his golden opportunity has pushed him into dangerous crosshairs.



As his world spirals out of control, can David recover the cash before he's the one to take the fall?



Don't Dare to Dream is an award-winning standalone thriller. If you like underdog heroes, twisted plots, and gripping suspense, then you'll love Dan Friedman's wild venture.



Buy Don't Dare to Dream before price changes!

Genres: Fiction, Thriller, Suspense

392 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2018

About the author

Award-winning author Dan Friedman likes to write thrillers, where regular people deal with extraordinary situations.

He is also an entrepreneur, has an MBA, and in the past was a technology journalist and a programmer. Dan lives with his wife, two children, and their dog. He lived for two years in Tulsa, Oklahoma—where Don’t Dare to Dream was born.

His debut novel Don't Dare to Dream won the 2019 Reader's Favorite Gold Medal Mystery Book Award and a finalist in the National Indie Excellence Award thriller!

You can follow him at www.danfriedmanauthor.com

Reviews

[Huzaifa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced thriller. I read this book in 2 sittings, taking a break for sleep and work.
I love the way the author creates and builds the characters, makes you feel like you are sitting right next to them and are a part of their lives.
Highly recommend.

[Karen Lamoreaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twists and turns

David has pretty much given up on everything. He sits in recliner except when he is shopping for more junk food. Then he meets the nice couple from upstairs and his life quickly changes. After he is betrayed, David digs deeply for inner strength.

[Ricci Venessa Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pager turner from start to finish

Great read, thoroughly recommend. Real world scenario with a twist. Characters to identify with, cool plot. Look forward to the next book from Dan Friedman.

[Gerald Witherell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review

A great book-Read it in one day and loved it!-Definitely a can’t put down type of book-I would like more from this author

[Noya Polliack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended! I have just finished reading the book and I must admit it’s one of the best thrillers I have read.
David is a depressed man, unhappy with his life. One day he meets his beautiful and successful neighbors - Rick and Angela and they become friends. Then a series of disturbing events takes place and the reader is left to guess who can be trusted and who’s a suspect.
The characters are well described and easy to relate with. Multiple twists made it hard for me to stop reading (plus I was too nervous to walk around the house at night 😄).
Don’t miss it!

[Ruth Penn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best thrillers!

Excellently written, full of twists and turns in the plot and in the way the reader relates to the characters, the book is breathtaking and thrilling. It is highly recommended!!!

[Rebecca Cochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Different angle on a crime. Couldn’t figure out how it would finally end: many “stories”. And twists. Great debut book👍

[Amit Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! This is a real page-turner. Perfect for summer reading or book club lists. It keeps you guessing until the end!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, Don't Dare to dream, by Dan Friedman, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. David is not in a great mindset, depressed, over eating, etc. when his neighbors ask him for help, he figures it would be no big deal. Wow, this novel, I could feel the gaslighting from the neighbor, red flags everywhere but Dave is oblivious. A good thriller.

[Melissa Ammons]

Please note, there are some spoilers in my review.

Part One introduces us to David Pascal who was feeling down about himself due to life circumstances. Rick and Angela moved into the same apartment complex, befriending David, Rick being a life coach and Angela being a student studying to be a psychologist. They get to know David. Rick even helps him develop a workout plan and helps David start to get into shape, physically, which ultimately helps him feel better about himself. Rick comes up with a brilliant business idea!

Part Two takes us through the attempted start-up attempt at a life coach app. David used to create apps for a living, from developing the app to getting investors. He was well on his way to feeling successful in life as he was able to secure an investor. Rick turned out to be a disappointment as a business partner and suddenly disappears.

Part Three is where this book really "heats up." The local police are involved. The FBI is involved. David becomes a suspect. Angela is even looked at as a suspect. Rick is nowhere to be found. When Rick resurfaces, do they believe his story as to the why behind his disappearance? Do they believe that "bad guys" are really after him? Or is his story just another scam?

[Denice Langley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book promoted as "set in Oklahoma". Since I live in Oklahoma, I'm always interested in how the state is presented in fiction. Yes, the story is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma but that was a very, very small part, so I was a little put off that the promotion was misleading.
That being said, the book story line was interesting enough to hold my attention and keep me reading. There were enough twists and turns that you had to keep changing your mind on what was going on. It is well worth your time to read.

[Jeanie Goltermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read!

I read this in one sitting as I got totally lost in the characters! There was no way I’d be able to sleep without knowing how this ended...thanks for taking my mind off my problems for awhile!

[karin whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm wrapped up in the lives of these characters! Poor David just wants a family, some excitement in his life. He meets his new neighbor and finds a kinship, then he meets Angela. Now we are getting into the twists, the crazies, and the fun begins. Get ready for a long night because you have to keep reading! You have to! An excellent story, great characters, fast paced, and we'll written! Looking forward to more!

[Ann Keeran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb reading experience. Believable characters, an excellent story with a wonderful ending. Dan Friedman should definitely be read by everyone!

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very believable characters and real life stories! How interacting with people with a positive approach to life can improve someone´s life and bring all the things that were left behind at previous happy times. Sometimes heartbreaking as the descriptions about one´s shortcomings are made, the reader can put herself/himself in the character´s shoes. Sometimes all we need is a lifeline, and this is very well described in this thriller. Highly recommended.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Dare to Dream is the first book in the Agent Bob thriller series and is a great start to the series.

The characters are well developed and realistic. The storyline is well written and engaging with depression, deception, betrayal, suspense, and lots of twists and turns.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Wpayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't Dare To Dream

Pretty good read. A bit confusing at times but interesting enough to keep me reading. Felt bad for David but the ending was good.

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating thriller that grabs your attention from the beginning. Chock full of twists and turns and believable characters that interact perfectly with each other in a well-written story that will keep you turning the pages. You will never be certain what's going to happen next. No spoilers in this review, but you get your fix when it comes to thrills, FBI, a dash of romance, and characters that you can empathize with. Highly recommend this book as well as the first one. Don't need to be read in order, but it certainly won't hurt. If you've never read this author before, this book will make you a fan! I received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Charlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

My first time reading an Agent Bob book. He didn’t come into play for awhile and I kept wondering when he would appear. A good read. Would recommend.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I know. But we’re working on getting them back. Never lose your dreams . You always have to get up after you fall. That’s life.”“I’m not sure I can. You know? I kinda gave up.”

Dave was a washed up loser who sat around depressed eating junk food. Then his neighbor Rick comes into his life and, for good or for bad, changes it in a story that is part crime show, part reality television, part thriller and part friendship. The Dave at the beginning is certainly not the Dave at the end pricing that having a life and living a life might just be two separate things.....

When I first picked up this book, I really wasn't sure where it was going. Who were the good guys... Who were the bad guys... Every time I thought I might have figured it out, another twist proved maybe I was wrong. Dan Friedman can certainly write plot twists that keep you up at night in a psychological race against time. I'll certainly keep my eye out for others. Recommended 5/5

[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]

[Mimi Davis Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desire for Success

This story has a great flow and a storyline that runs smoothly. The plot is something we can all relate with.

[Geneen Kudler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately this book was a bit slow and was too long. The story never really got going. I appreciate the opportunity to read Dont Dare to Dream.

[Rahel Charikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Don't Dare to Dream" by Dan Friedman is a rollercoaster of suspense, passion, and unexpected twists that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This debut crime thriller introduces us to Emily Turing, a co-founder of a successful startup in a male-dominated industry, who inadvertently stumbles upon a threatening email meant for someone else.

The narrative kicks into high gear as Emily navigates the intricate web of loyalty, love, and deception within her professional and personal life. The author skillfully weaves a complex storyline, drawing readers into a world where alliances are tested, and the line between right and wrong becomes blurred. Emily's internal struggle between her commitment to Jessica, her boss and co-founder, and her budding romance with Mike adds layers of depth to the plot.

On the other side of the story, FBI Agent Bob Alexis faces his own challenges when his seemingly stable life unravels with the revelation of his wife's affair. This unexpected twist plunges him into a psychological abyss, giving readers a glimpse into the fragile nature of human emotions.

The connection between Emily and Bob is brilliantly established, adding a layer of suspense that heightens the overall intrigue. As Emily turns to Bob for help, the stakes are raised, and the narrative takes an unexpected turn that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.

Dan Friedman's writing style is crisp and engaging, propelling the story forward with a sense of urgency. The novel's recognition with the 2019 Reader's Favorite Mystery Gold Medal Book Award and its status as a finalist in the National Indie Excellence Award are well-deserved accolades. The author's ability to create unpredictable characters and maintain a taut plot is commendable, making "Don't Dare to Dream" a must-read for fans of gripping crime thrillers.

In conclusion, "Don't Dare to Dream" is a captivating novella that seamlessly combines suspense, mystery, and emotion. Dan Friedman's debut is a promising start to what is sure to be a successful writing career. If you enjoy stories with unexpected twists and well-crafted characters, this book is a four-star gem that should not be missed.

[Bella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't Dare to Read!

This book is way too long at 276 pages! It doesn't feel like a mystery or a thriller, and there are no real twists and turns. It's readable but nothing great. Instead, you feel like you are getting a glimpse of the author's autobiography wrapped into a so-called fiction. Basically, there are three main characters: the couple Angela and Rick, and the sad depressive older guy David. Throughout the story David lives a sad broken-down life with no friends and pining away for Rick's wife Angela through fantasies and porno dreams. When he is not doing that, he is either crying about the love of his life who left him: his less than two-month internet relationship or reliving his days of past when he held a job and had an internet love. Angela and Rick are a dysfunctional couple, only Angela doesn't realize it even though Rick slaps her arounds and calls her bitch word. Add in a few thugs and a lot of gay inferences and gay talk and you have this book in a nutshell. I gave it two stars because I love the book cover and I am sure the author put in effort, although it feels like it is his own story. Just because anyone can write, doesn't mean they should.

[Shawn Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging and unusual read. I didn’t expect much when I picked it up, but I was quickly pulled into David’s messy, emotional story. He’s not perfect, but that’s what makes him interesting. He’s down on his luck, dealing with failure and loneliness, and you can really feel his pain.

The book starts slow but builds into something darker and more suspenseful as David gets involved with his strange but charming neighbors, Rick and Angela. At first, they seem to be helping him, but you slowly realize things aren’t what they seem. There were plenty of moments that made me stop and wonder what was really going on.

Some parts of the book dragged a little, and I found myself skimming now and then. The romance angle also felt a bit overdone in spots. But overall, the tension and twists kept me reading. It reminded me of a good true crime podcast, uncomfortable at times, but hard to look away from.

If you like psychological thrillers with flawed characters and slow-building suspense, this book is worth a try.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Clever and original story.

I really liked the way the characters are built in this original and interesting mystery, they are extremely relatable, but still manage to provide plenty of surprises.
I would have given this book 5 stars, except that for me it took a very long to get going, I can see why the author structured the book the way he has, he introduces the characters and gives us lots of background, but this takes up almost the first two thirds of the book. This section of the book is interesting, but not really gripping. The final part is where things get really interesting and exciting, with action , twists and turns aplenty, I found this last part very difficult to put down.
So, overall a good book which I can definitely recommend, and please don't get put off by the relatively slow start, I can pretty much guarantee that you won't be able to predict what is going to happen.
I have written this honest review from a complimentary copy of the book.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just how far are you prepared to go to make your dreams a reality?

Preparation and research are the name of the game. Leaving no stone unturned, and no avenue left out.

A life coach and his wife, and an overweight out of shape ex-startup venture capitalist.

Drawn together with careful planning and research.

This book really does keep the pages turning. The characters are almost real, the situations daunting. And, more than believable. The plot fast paced and more twists and turns than a mountain road.

I read this in a couple of sittings, had I had more time on my hands it would have been devoured in one go.

It really does encapculate the just one more page… till you’ve lost time you could ill afford to lose.

It’s one of those, it’s more than just a book scenarios.

Loved every single page of it.

I doth my cap to the author.

Status: Completed

Rating: 4.8/5.0

[Melissa T · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one surprised me quite a bit! I really enjoyed the fast paced story line. The characters were likeable and I felt genuine emotions when they shared their backgrounds, The story itself was good - life coach meets a neighbour who seems down on himself and attempts to build a friendship and help him; the two decide to go into business together and that's when things get interesting. I liked the little bits of cross-over stories (the detectives discussing money laundering, goons roughing people up, etc) because it really had me questioning a lot of what I thought was happening. Just when I thought I had it figured out another twist would come and I'd realize I was wrong. The story didn't drag at all.
This was a great, quick read. I really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend this one!!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Heaven Protsman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't have many expectations for the book before I started, but it was decent.

It starts out super slow, but we get to meet our three main characters - David, Rick, & Angela. I cannot even begin to explain how much I hated David in the beginning! Rick and David became some sort of friends, and Rick helped him get his life together. David started exercising and taking better care of himself. He also began falling in love with his friend's wife, Angela.

Rick and David decide to enter business together, but after a deal gone wrong, David wonders if he should have trusted Rick at all. Rick goes MIA and David and Angela work with the FBI to find Rick and to uncover the truth.

The twists along the way genuinely surprised me. The author had me convinced of one truth for so long up until the end. This was a good story, but not one I will remember or think twice about.

[Barbara Shaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure the summary of this book below matches what I read ? Read the summary of the other entry for this book. That review matches this book
It wasn’t much of a psychological thriller as I had imagined.
A review of the book has got it right.It's refreshing to have a hero who's a pudgy, out-of-shape techie so out of touch with humanity that a complete stranger can become his best friend in minutes. He's a real human being, tossed into circumstances out of his control and dependent on others to make it out alive.

Rick got in debt with Mobsters and owed $
Rick gets shot and dies after trying to get money out of the bank by the mobster guy
Angela and David end up together 5 years after the episode.
David helps start Best Buy