About Double Dare...
Dear Reader,
Double Dare is out and while a lot of you are enjoying the book, a few of you just couldn’t quite get the feel of it. What happened was that I tried something completely new. Instead of watching them fall in love, I threw you into a story about two people in love with obstacles and who are already in a relationship of sorts. I gave you no warning. None. For that I apologize, but like I said I was trying something completely new. I don’t want to get tied into doing things by the book, sticking to any type of writing formula and I thought that this plot was be the ultimate writing challenge for myself.
Did I enjoy writing Double Dare?
Yes, I actually did. I would never publish a book that I didn’t enjoy writing. Even knowing that it was difficult for some readers to get into, I have to say that I really do enjoy the book and I am very proud of it. I liked seeing Darrin and Marybeth finally push past their problems, accept their situation and move on to a promising future.
I tried to do this book from a completely different situation, two people who are already in a relationship of sorts. It was a challenge and ended up feeling more like a job to get the storyline to work. That being said, I did enjoy it, but I think that I overlooked a few things like the readers wanting to watch the characters fall in love, witness that first kiss, the moment they realize that they’re in love, etc. I don’t regret the book, because like I said I enjoyed the story, but I don’t think that I will ever write a book again where it robs the reader of seeing those special moments if that makes any sense?
This will not be how the future Neighbor from Hell books or any of my books will ever be written again. I will never jump into a relationship and expect you to catch up and figure out what’s going on again. I apologize to those of you who were unable to fully get into this book and a thank you to the readers that pushed past my crazy attempts to write a unique book and enjoyed Darrin and Marybeth’s story.
Thank you for your support and understanding in my attempts to give you an original story 🙂
-R.L.
For me anyway I did not matter that they were already together as the way you wrote the book meant we still got to see them strive to attain a happy ending. I love when authors changes up and do’t stick to formula, and I’m looking forward to what you do next.
I loved Double Dare and I really hope that you do not let some peoples opinions hinder your creative mind in the future. I think that reading a book about two souls falling in love is majestic but I also enjoy books that show how difficult relationships are. Those books in my opinion are real. I have loved all of your books, even when I thought Trevor was a huge asshole he won me over in the end. Please continue to write whatever the hell you want. I will read it.
First, I would like to say, I love all of the NFH books. I loved Double Dare! I did not feel like you jumped into or skipped those special moments. Between reading the chronicles and other books, and the way you wrote the other characters into this story with their involvement with Darrin and Marybeth, I felt that you told their back story. Darrin IS a BRADFORD through and through from the first time he met Marybeth at 7yrs old he called DIBS! HELLO! a Bradford called it! Love at first sight even at 7yrs old. She was his food! Thank you for letting me rant. I just wanted you to know. I feel you did this story justice and left me wanting more Bradfords.
I’ve bought it. I purchased the first day it was available . I have known they were friends from the appearances throughout previous books and Chronicles. I will get a chance to read on Sunday. I’m really looking forward to it.
I completely agree with Lorianza! I loved this book from the beginning. The Chronicles helped with the story. I will say it again…. I love you and your work! I will not stop reading because you wrote the book a different way. It still worked, and I got my Bradford fix! For now. Lol!
I think if you had gone from them just getting into their FWB relationship to them falling in love it would have been way too similar to Perfection. I really enjoyed the story you told and don’t think you should apologize for how you told Darrin and Marybeth’s story, they’re your characters ;). I guess I can understand some of the fuss about not being able to see them fall in love or how this book seemed different from the previous books you did for the NFH series, but I think that’s good to mix up your formula. It keeps it from getting too repetitive. I suppose you could always write a chronicle about some of the moments that people are complaining about missing out on.
Honestly though, I loved the story and can’t wait to read more from you :).
I love all your books, especially”The Bradford’s.” I am half way through DD and I love it. No need to apologize, it’s really good. Your a great writer, thank you for the funny stuff, especially from all the bastards…..FIVE STARS !!!
I have to agree with the first commenter. I didn’t feel at all like anything was missed and I thoroughly enjoyed them meeting at 7 with Darrin calling dibs.
I actually did not feel like I jumped right into the middle of the relationship because of the prologue. It gave us their background and how their relationship started and developed into what it was when we started chapter 1….I myself felt it was a great way to start this book. They are sort of there but it took lots of work to finally get all the way there and stay there…I totally enjoyed the book and hope that you continue to write YOUR stories as you see them needing to be told…it makes for the best stories!
I didn’t feel as though I missed anything in this book. Please don’t apologize. I love your stories. I love the way you write. And I don’t feel as a reader that anyone has a right to complain about anything that you or anyone else does. Thank you for sharing your stories with us
I liked that it was different. When you read the same plot line over and over again it can became boring and make me lose interest but I enjoyed that you switched it up. I kinda suspected that their was more than meets the eye with them after reading the game plan( or at least hoped!) anyway, I love the series and have all of my aunts and friends reading it now and I just started pyres and am enjoying it. I hope you continue the series.
I love all your books, the pyte series and the nfh series. There is not a book or blog that you wrote that I did not like! DD was an awesome book! You should not change the way you want to write! You write because you love to and we read cause we love to. Your books always make me laugh, even DD I was crying one page laughing the next. Keep doing what you do RL!!!
I do realize that every book is like giving birth to a baby, of sorts. I did have a hard time getting and staying interested in DD until about halfway into the book. I love the Bradfords and all the cousins and their high jinx. I think you are a truly talented writer but when you change the style of your writing you may not get the same reactions as you normally do. I am just glad that in the end, Darrin and MB were happy in the end. Best wishes!
This book was different from your rest I got a little lost figuring the relationship out but I do appreciate you stepping out of the box. I always enjoy your NFH books and I will only pout a little that I have to wait til 2016
I just finish reading DOUBLE DARE it was a great read as all of the NFH books were I absolutely love the BRADFORD men and helious can’t wait for more you did a great job
I love all your books! Double Date was no different! Can’t wait until your next book no pressure tho 😉
I just finished DD. I really enjoyed this book as I have all you NFH books. Please don’t apologize for your creativity and risk taking. You will never please everyone.
I look forward to your next book!
I loved Double Dare. There were a few scenes I would have loved to have experienced. How the fwb relationship started but really without it the story still felt whole. I was still invested.
I would have liked an epilogue maybe a year in the future. I hope someday we get to see them again. I’m in love.
I am so happy to see this post! I have to say as a true and loyal fan, it was difficult for me to get into this book – but I didn’t think it was because they were already in love… but maybe that was it after all. I just kind of felt like I walked into the middle of the conversation, I re-read Game Plan again to see if I hadn’t paid attention… so reading this post makes me see your point in writing it. I did enjoy once I got into the swing and stopped trying to figure out what I missed!!! I am always going to be a true and loyal fan and I’m ok with you trying new ways of writing!!
That’s how I feel! I was reading the comments to see if someone wrote about it better than I could. Thanks! R.L. I have all time favorite authors, you’re on the list, and I didn’t love all their book. I honestly don’t think it possible to love everything about every story, but I do love that you are trying new things. I stop reading new books from some authors, because you read one you know them all. Keep trying and we will all keep reading!
I personally loved Double Dare it was an awesome book! ! Sometimes it’s good to switch things up it makes life interesting. You already give us that first kiss and the falling in love part so it was a nice change to see two people already in a crazy relationship work out their issues for a HEA.
Have to say I didn’t see a problem with the book. I remembered the couple from Game Plan and I also liked how much background you gave in the book. I laughed, cried and enjoyed the sexy parts. Don’t be discouraged and thanks for all the great neighbors from bell.
You can never please all. Then again, I do think you come really close to always giving us every penny’s worth. I look for your releases because you can craft pure entertainment. You are not copying. Your work is pretty unique. I laugh along. Sometimes cry. You had me from your first book. Please keep them coming. By the way, I look also forward to your weekend Chronicles.
I loved the book just the way you wrote it. I got because you gave enough background on the characters that it was not hard to follow. You are a great writer/storyteller and I love your books no matter want style you write in. Please don’t be discouraged to try different writing styles. Can’t wait for Jill’s story.
i’m really bummed that you’re feeling negative feedback from Double Dare. I personally loved it!! And so did countless others. I am always a sucker for the bbf from childhood blossoming into more. What readers need to realise is that we are now entering Ethan Bradford’s part of the family and although they are all related, they can’t possibly all be exactly the same. I think it’s great. So please, please continue as I’m dying to go through all the Bradford men’s journeys however they pan out xx
I loved it. It didn’t matter to me that they were already together or that he had to try a little harder than your average Bradford to get the girl to stick around. Darrin and Marybeth became my second favorite couple after Zoe and Trevor, of course. I’m glad you stuck to your vision of the story.
No matter what your books still have such a quirky and funny storyline that it is always a pleasure to read!
Now I want to read Double Dare. Honestly I’m not that interested to read DD at first because I thought it would be just like the other NFH books, I LOVE the previous books but I’m getting the feeling I already know what would happen in DD, like I have your “formula” down pat, so I’m not in a rush to read it as much as the other books. But now, yeah I’m back to being impatient to read it. 🙂
Woman…. You have nothing to apologize for. The book was great. Just finished it and loved it. You had me in tears laugh and emotionally too. I sooo can not wait for Reece story.
Take care of you. I think you are the greatest. And love all your books. You are so worthy of reading over and over again
I absolutely loved it!! Please don’t allow a few negative comments to make you doubt that the book wasn’t one of your best. I laughed so hard and enjoyed it thoroughly!! Can’t wait for the next book!
I loved double dare as I have loved all of your books,I recommend them to everyone, my mother who is 74 is asking me to download them for her, I have got 2 of my sisters hooked and a third just about to be hooked on your books. Do not give the time of day to people who can barely string a sentence together without help! I would love to write but l lack imagination, you have it in buckets! So sit back, relax and then write Lucifer and his soon to be wife Elaines’ story! All your fangirls wish you could write as fast as we can read! We dont even care what the book is about, if it is written by R L Mathewson we will buy it and love it!
I Love that every story of the bradfords are unique and Darrin and Marybeth story is awesome. Thank you for always making awesome books that I can’t stop reading once i got started.
Love you R.L. Mathewson.
I understood your point of view for writing but I felt that Danny ‘ s and Darrin ‘ s stories should been one book instead of 2. It would have been more of a cohesive storyline for both characters.
I liked how you wrote double dare don’t think so negative about the book it was good you know what your doing I stayed up til 2 am because I needed to finish reading it I was that into the story. Forget the bashers they suck for a reason do not ever beat yourself up about it.
Trying new things is always a good experience. It may be painful getting there, but ultimately the growth achieved is worth the pain. Kudos to you for doing that! Honestly, I wasn’t crazy about this book. But my expectations were super high based on the others in the series. Don’t get me wrong, there were many parts that I adored. But overall I was ‘meh’. However I am on the RL train for as long as it chugs along. And I am super impressed that you took the time to speak to your readers about the book. I remember a few years ago a very prominent writer took a fully ‘WTF?’ turn mid-series. Going from MMA to aliens totally threw me off. There you are in the middle of the series, in the middle of the book, and BOOM, the h appears and she’s an alien. REALLY????? So it happens. Your speedy non-defensive outreach to your readers shows that you are fully connected to your audience in a way most authors dream of. Congrats and keep them coming!
I have been an avid reader of romance since the age of 12. I can honestly tell you in all of those years I have never found an author who I enjoy more. You tell wonderful stories, have an amazing imagination and bring real love to all your character’s. DD was no different in that aspect and that is what counts. I loved this story just as much as all the others and when I got half way through and made the connection that this was the reason Zoe was pregnant again (because that’s what Bradford’s do) I got super excited. I had to stop to get my excitement out by bombarding my husband with how much I loved you and what an incredible writer you are. Change it up as little or as much as you want R.L. because no matter what, it will be amazing. I’m pretty sure I’ve read all you have published so far, if not I hope too. So if I haven’t said it before THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!! YOUR AMAZING!!!!!
I’m probably going to be tarred and feathered because I left a mixed review but the thing is that I can understand both sides. As a writter you want to try different things and I respect that. I want that! I didn’t have a problem with the time jump or missing out on seeing them fall in love. My mixed review came in because I DIDN’T see a differene in the storyline and I thought that Darrin and Marybeth were very immature most of the book. It’s impossible to please everyone and you should never try for that. You should always be proud of what you create and stand by it. At the same time, it should be okay for someone to express that they are not 100% happy with a book. That’s the purpose of a book review. Having said all of that, I think that you are very talented and should continue to write books that you enjoy.
Monica,
Thank you very much. I think there’s been a misunderstanding and it’s my fault. I’m not upset about negative reviews. I’ve been doing this for over six years now and I’m more than fine with negative reviews. If it’s well thought out I can actually take pointers from it. That’s not the issue. There’s a group who apparently has taken great offense to my existence and decide to target my books. I’m not the first author who has gone through this and sadly, I won’t be the last. Before the synopsis for the last two books was even out they were going around trashing the book, posting 1 star reviews wherever they could, reviews for books that were not even finished yet, etc. When the books came out they continued the harassment, the reviews are personal attacks, repetitive, extremely vague and full of insults that never happened in either book.
That’s what I am stepping away from. There’s not much I can do about it unless I want to stoop to their level, and I’m not going to do that. Instead, I am stepping away from social media, I’m no longer looking at reviews and I am just going to write books, hoping that they get bored and move on. I refuse to play this game, so I am staying out of it. I just want to write and spend time with my children. That’s it. So, that’s what I am going to do 🙂
R.L.
RL,
If that is what is happening then I am truly sorry. When I write a review I only point out what I loved or did not love in a book. What worked or didn’t work in the story for me. A review should never target or trash an author personally and I am very sorry that that has happened to you. I’m a teacher, so I know the value of constructive criticism. I will tell you what I tell my students (lol), don’t ever let anyone take drops out of your bucket. Be who you are. Be proud of what you do and if people don’t like it, they can go to hell. Well, I don’t tell them that last part. Lol. So please keep writing your books. Some will like them, some will not but if you always write what you love, you’ll never go wrong.
Thank you, Monica 🙂
I’ll never write a book that is perfect, that everyone loves and I am good with that 🙂 I take the good with the bad and tried to push on and ignore the nonsense going on, but it got to a point where it became too much. So, I’m going to do my own thing, ignore them and focus on what I love to do 🙂 Thank you for everything 😀
R.L.
I admit I had trouble getting into the story and I was a little confused too, and I did reread it before writing my review, which helped me understand the book and the story a lot better.
Jealousy often sparks idiocy. If people are slamming the book b4 it’s even out, rest assured they know that what you will produce will be stellar. Sad to say, some folks can’t handle the envy. Ignore us all and keep writing and playing with the kids. 🙂
I loved the book and the reason I loved it was because it was different than the others. Which I think is a good think. If you always write using the same formula it can get a little stale. I still love it, but a change now and then is a good thing. Reading about Darrin and MaryBeth, I didn’t feel like I needed to see the conception of them realizing their feelings for one another because it came across without having to be spelled out. You did an awesome job. Now please continue with Reese’s story because I cannot wait to read about Yummy! ,lol
I enjoyed DD especially that they had a childhood love affair (Bradford style). I felt that they fell in love as kids. I’ve enjoyed all of your books and sarcastic humor is right up my alley. But, and it’s a small but, I did notice some flow issues that had me flipping back pages to see if I missed something. That being said, your books are still an auto buy for me.
I LOVED Double Dare! It was funny and sexy and all things Bradford!! You did introduce their love fir each other in the Game Plan…Rl…love,love how and what you write!!!! Please never change that because of a few haters!!!!! I will continue to read NFH as write them. NOW get on with it and write woman!! 🙂
I loved the book!! One of the reasons I love all your books is because they deal with real life people and issues….weight, infertility, money, real jobs, pain the tush families….and all in Bradford style!!! Keep up the excellent work!!
Goes to show that just like in real life not all things are fun and games sunshine and roses. But life must go on and you make the best of the situation that you land in. It only gets bad if you don’t work through the trouble, but when you let the loves in your life know what is going on you have support and that in itself makes the hardships easier.
I absolutely love the NFH series and Double Dare. That being said, I do feel like the relationship between Darrin and Marybeth reminded me more of First Response than other books from the series. There is nothing wrong with that. I do associate the books from the series as more about relationships with the Bradfords than the neighbors aspect.
My only worry about the series is that I have to wait until next year for the next book to come out:)
I loved it. Please don’t ever feel like you can’t change the style/story you want to write. It would be a shame for you to feel stuck in only being able to write one way for a love story and never seeing how things could go. You’re the soul that makes these characters “Rock” and keeps us begging for more. Keep up the great work! I’m patiently waiting for the next NFH.
I still look forward to each Bradford release. The stories truly make smile and giggle. Looking forward to the Honeymoon from he’ll series. Love the chronicles! !!
The book was great! You have to do what feels right to you, and I am very happy with the book. Can’t wait to see what you have in store for Reese!
This book was in no way hard to get to, personally I found just as good as all you book. I enjoyed how it tied into the game plan, also answered things from the last book. It’s great how the whole family continues in the serie of the books. You don’t find that happens in many series. I love reading your books and the different emotions I feel when reading them. Look forward to your book they can’t come fast enough for me…. No pressure!!!
Enjoyed the read; and don’t think it needed any more than those few touches into the beginning of their relationship as kids. Was a great read as usual. Now I need a Pyte fix please…..been way too long….
Well you have done it again! This was great! I enjoyed DD and finally getting a little back story on Darrin & Marybeth. I felt this brought some closure to some of the sceens they appreared in The Game Plan. I felt sad for them but some how knew they would get the gift they wanted. Different style of writting but still very good! Can’t wait for Reece!
I loved it and I don’t feel you needed to change it. Its your baby, run with it. But if you feel you should have changed it you can always make them longer. Lol. I love your books cant put them down, then get upset when i finish it because i enjoyed it so much and now i have to come back to reality.
Totally agree with so many of the previous comments, I’m always excited to see a new book release from your series.
It’s such a bonus to be able to revisit characters that are so full of life and I’ve enjoyed every NFH, including DD.
It may have been written from a different angle but these characters already have a known history and have been introduced through previous stories so it made sense to pick it up from their crossroads.
I guess a snapshot could have been included of the moment they gave into their desire and lust for one another, maybe you’d consider showing this through your chronicles?
Also I’d love to see a follow up on their surrogacy and the arrival of their baby and finally why does Darrins little sister hate Marybeth so much , that wasn’t really explained?
Anyway can’t wait for the next instalments, the sooner the better
:-)!
Was a brilliant book as were all of them I liked it bit different if all were same would very boring x
first I want to say I love all your books!!!! I am always re-reading them!!! And I want to thank u for writing double dare!!! Thank u for making a book that really touched my heart!!!!
R.L-
Don’t despair on what people think. Taking creative risks takes a lot of courage. I need to say that I applaud anyone who takes creative chances. They might not always be wildly successful, but as the saying goes “even if you fall flat on your face, you are still moving forward.”
While some may feel the book stumbled. It was still a very enjoyable read that added to the characters. I appreciated how humor was balanced with some of the same humor that has permeated all the other books mixed with other bits that were new to the reader. I very much enjoy stories in which the characters have real life issues. In this story, Marybeth suffers from a condition that affects so many women around the world. While it is can seem really insignificant for some individuals, it can mentally take a toll on the women that do have it when dating since for many it can be a deal breaker.
Take a look around. Not everyone that post on here might have been madly in love with the novel. But I can almost bet money in Vegas that if you asked even one of us if we would like to read a story before the official publishing date, we would full on tackle each other (not physically, this a blog for peet’s sake) to reach in progress title.
Take a deep breath and continue to take chances. That is why you have loyal readers to begin with.
DD reminded me a lot of Joe and Eric from SR. The writing style was different but how can you not love a Bradford story in any way, shape or form?! I struggled more with TGP but I retread it before I read DD and I really enjoyed it the second time around. My fav will always be PFK though, with Perfection a close second.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the NFH series! I absolutely adore the Bradford family. I liked Double Dare but admittedly it did fall a little short for me. I like that you jumped into an already existing relationship because I don’t like to feel like I’m reading the same story but with different people. What I had a difficult time with was that it seemed to rely heavily on The Game Plan because they happen at the same time. It almost didn’t seem like a separate story and that tripped me up a bit. And yes a few things were a little unclear because it focused on the middle of a relationship. But even with that I still greatly enjoyed it and I can’t wait for the next NFH book!! You’re an amazing author that has such a unique and fun writing style.
I did enjoy certain parts of the book but Marybeth for me was difficult to like. That aside I love every single one of your books. Just so you know you are one of the few authors with an always completely unique take on your books. No need to change just be the fantastic author that you are! I enjoy your writing not only because it’s hilarious but different.
I know this book is a year old but I just read it a couple weeks ago (I am relatively new to NFH, but have quickly become addicted!) This book has to be one of my favorites. I just have to say that I love that you choose to have a couple that struggled with infertility. I myself have struggled with it, and sometimes the fact that most books end up happily married and with kids it was nice to be represented. You did an excellent job of portraying the fears and emotions that come along. My husband and I tried for years to have a baby and ended up having to go through treatments before we were blessed with our son. Even my problems were not exact to Marybeth’s, I can remember having the same thoughts and feelings that she did. I have found that even though infertility is becoming more common, it is still not talked about very much. I am glad that they got their happy ending even if it was not the one they thought they would have in the beginning. Thank you for writing this book and giving voice to those who feel as Marybeth did.