“The hardest part of chasing a dream isn't the falling; it's the getting back up when everyone expects you to stay down.”
— Liam reflects on his past failures in music before meeting Maya.
Archivist's Choice
Dare to Dream
S.B. Alexander (2015)
Genre
Young Adult / Romance
Reading Time
270 min
Key Themes
See below
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Haunted by past tragedies, a bad boy and a resilient girl find solace and a dangerous future in each other's arms, even as they chase a killer and battle personal demons.
Synopsis
Kade Maxwell, a 'bad boy' still dealing with his sister's death and his mother's subsequent mental breakdown, finds hope in Lacey Robinson. Lacey, a survivor of a brutal family murder, works through her PTSD and dreams of a future with Kade, playing baseball for ASU, and finding her family's killer. As their love grows, a trip to California reveals clues about the murderer, and Kade faces threats from the bully Aaron Seever. Kade also has a secret future plan that might not include Lacey. The killer is Kade's own father, who murdered Lacey's family to protect Kade from his dangerous half-brother. In a rescue attempt, Kade sacrifices himself to save Lacey from his father, fulfilling his vow to protect her. The story ends with Lacey and Kade's family coping with what happened, finding a way to heal, and Lacey honoring Kade's memory while pursuing her dreams.
Reading time
270 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Intense, Suspenseful, Romantic, Dramatic, Dark
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy angsty YA romance with a strong mystery subplot, dramatic twists, and themes of overcoming trauma.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer lighter, less intense stories or are sensitive to strong language, sexual content, and violence.
Plot Summary
A New Beginning, A Lingering Shadow
Lacey Robinson, still recovering from the murder of her mother and sister, moves to Arizona with her father, Mr. Robinson, for a fresh start. She has PTSD, experiencing panic attacks and blackouts from loud noises or sudden movements. Her psychiatrist, Dr. Albright, helps her manage her symptoms. At her new school, she meets Kade Maxwell, a 'bad boy' with his own troubled past, having lost his sister. Despite his initial rough manner, Kade is drawn to Lacey's strength and beauty, and they quickly connect. Lacey, however, secretly wants to find her family's killer, a goal she mostly keeps to herself.
Shared Scars and Budding Love
Kade and Lacey's connection grows as they deal with their complicated lives. Kade talks about losing his sister and his mother's emotional collapse, as she is now in a mental health facility. He carries the burden of his family's broken state and the responsibility for his younger brothers. Lacey tells Kade about her PTSD and the terrible night her family was attacked. Their shared experiences with trauma create a deep understanding and empathy between them, leading to a passionate romance. Kade becomes Lacey's support, helping her through panic attacks and offering steady help.
Baseball Dreams and Lingering Doubts
Lacey, a skilled baseball player, wants to earn a scholarship to Arizona State University. She practices hard, seeing baseball as a way to a better future and to honor her family's memory. Kade supports her dream but has his own goals, which he initially keeps vague. This lack of clarity creates a slight tension between them, as Lacey wonders if their futures truly match. Meanwhile, Aaron Seever, a mean student, starts harassing Lacey, increasing her anxiety and Kade's protective feelings, hinting at a deeper, darker connection.
A Trip to California and a Disturbing Discovery
Kade's family takes a trip to California to visit his mother at the mental health facility. Lacey goes with them, offering Kade emotional support during this difficult time. While there, an unexpected meeting or overheard conversation gives Lacey a possible clue about her family's killer. The details are vague but important enough to restart her quiet investigation. This discovery, while offering a bit of hope, also increases her fear and resolve, pushing her closer to the dangerous truth she seeks, and putting her in more danger.
Aaron Seever's Escalating Threats
Aaron Seever's harassment of Lacey turns from bullying to direct threats and stalking. He seems to enjoy her fear, showing an unsettling knowledge of her past trauma. His actions not only trigger Lacey's PTSD but also anger Kade, who is very protective of her. The constant fights with Aaron show his deeply troubled nature and suggest he has a bigger role in Lacey's life than first thought. His taunts become more personal and threatening, hinting at his direct involvement in the tragedy that happened to Lacey's family.
Kade's Secret Future
Kade's future plans become a source of disagreement between him and Lacey. He has been secretive about his intentions, which involve a path that might take him away from Arizona. Lacey, imagining a future with him, feels betrayed and unsure about their relationship's future. This conflict causes emotional pain for both, as they love each other deeply but struggle to align their individual goals. Kade's hesitation to fully share his path comes from a desire to protect Lacey or perhaps a fear of burdening her, but it ultimately creates distance between them.
The Killer Revealed
Driven by the clues from California and Aaron's increasingly specific taunts, Lacey digs deeper into her investigation. Through her own research and perhaps a key piece of information from an unexpected source, she finally uncovers the killer. The revelation is shocking and deeply personal, confirming her worst fears and putting her in immediate danger. The killer, revealed to be Kade's father, has been manipulating events and tormenting her. Lacey now faces the terrifying reality of confronting the person who destroyed her family.
A Desperate Rescue
During the climax, the killer, Kade's father, targets a loved one of Lacey's, possibly Kade's younger brother or Kade himself, to draw her out. Lacey, showing great courage and selflessness, rushes into danger to protect them. This act of bravery shows her growth and her determination to overcome her past. She confronts Kade's father directly, risking her own life. This scene is full of tension and fear, as Lacey, despite her PTSD, fights for those she cares about, proving her strength.
Kade's Vow and Sacrifice
Kade, realizing Lacey is in serious danger, rushes to help her. He fulfills his vow to protect her, even if it means sacrificing his own life. During the confrontation with his father, Kade puts himself in harm's way, showing his deep love and steady commitment to Lacey. This moment highlights the depth of his character and his journey from a troubled 'bad boy' to a selfless protector. The struggle is intense, and the outcome is uncertain, as Kade fights for Lacey's survival and their future together.
The Aftermath and Healing
After the intense confrontation, Kade's father is finally caught and brought to justice for his crimes. Lacey and Kade, though physically and emotionally hurt, survive the ordeal. The immediate aftermath involves dealing with law enforcement and the emotional impact of the events. Lacey's PTSD, while still present, now comes with a sense of closure and strength. Kade's family begins to heal, and his mother shows signs of recovery. They both start a journey of healing, supporting each other as they look towards a future together, finally free from the past's shadow.
Principal Figures
Lacey Robinson
The Protagonist
Lacey transforms from a victim haunted by her past into a courageous survivor who actively confronts her trauma and fights for justice and her future.
Kade Maxwell
The Protagonist/Love Interest
Kade evolves from a troubled young man burdened by his past into a selfless protector who embraces a future with the woman he loves.
Aaron Seever
The Antagonist
Aaron's character arc is one of escalating villainy, culminating in his revelation as the killer and his eventual defeat.
Mr. Robinson
The Supporting
Mr. Robinson remains a steadfast, if somewhat background, source of support for Lacey throughout her ordeal.
Dr. Albright
The Supporting
Dr. Albright consistently provides professional support, helping Lacey gain tools for emotional resilience.
Kade's Mother
The Mentioned/Supporting
Her character is largely static in her illness, but her slow signs of recovery by the end offer a glimmer of hope for the Maxwell family.
Kade's Brothers
The Supporting
They remain largely in the background, serving as a motivation for Kade's actions and responsibilities.
Themes & Insights
Overcoming Trauma and Grief
Both Lacey and Kade are deeply affected by past tragedies – Lacey by her family's murder and Kade by his sister's death and his mother's mental breakdown. The novel explores their individual and shared experiences with PTSD, grief, and the lasting effects of loss. Lacey's panic attacks and blackouts, and Kade's responsibility for his broken family, are central to this theme. Their relationship becomes a healing tool, showing how connection and love can help individuals face and overcome their darkest experiences, as seen when Kade helps Lacey through her attacks.
“She’s a light that cuts through his darkness. Her beauty, her determination, and her dedication in overcoming her own tragedy energizes his belief that maybe—just maybe—he can dream again.”
The Power of Love and Protection
The strong love between Lacey and Kade forms the emotional center of the novel. Kade's steady commitment to protect Lacey, even risking his own life, is a repeated idea. This theme goes beyond romantic love to include family protection, as Kade cares for his younger brothers and Lacey seeks justice for her family. Love acts as both a shield against outside threats and a way for internal healing, allowing both protagonists to face their fears and make sacrifices for each other, clear in Kade's vow to protect Lacey 'even if that means his life for hers'.
“Kade vows to love and protect Lacey even if that means his life for hers.”
Justice and Vengeance
Lacey's secret search for her family's killer drives the story. While her desire for justice is understandable, the novel subtly explores the line between seeking justice and giving in to revenge. Her determination to find the truth, despite the dangers, moves much of the plot. This theme ends with the confrontation with Kade's father, where the pursuit of justice becomes a matter of survival, showing the emotional and physical costs of facing such evil.
“She longs to find the person who killed her family.”
The Pursuit of Dreams
Despite their traumatic pasts, both Lacey and Kade have dreams for their futures. Lacey's goal to play baseball for ASU represents her hope for a normal, successful life beyond her trauma. Kade, initially without dreams, starts to imagine a future with Lacey. The novel explores the challenges of pursuing these dreams amid personal struggles, outside threats, and the complexities of their relationship. It highlights the importance of having goals as a reason for healing and moving forward, even when difficulties appear.
“With a clear head and a clear road to the future, Lacey dreams of three things: She longs to find the person who killed her family. She wants to play baseball for ASU so bad she can taste it. And she wants a future with Kade Maxwell.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
PTSD and Trauma Triggers
A psychological condition that manifests as panic attacks and blackouts for Lacey.
Lacey's PTSD is a central plot device, manifesting as panic attacks and blackouts triggered by loud noises or sudden movements. These episodes serve multiple functions: they highlight the severity of her past trauma, create moments of vulnerability that Kade helps her overcome, and are often manipulated by the antagonist, Aaron Seever, to torment her. The PTSD also makes her quest for justice more challenging, as she must battle her internal demons while confronting external threats, adding a layer of psychological realism to her struggle.
The Secret Investigation
Lacey's covert efforts to identify her family's killer.
Lacey's secret investigation into her family's murder is a key driver of the plot. By keeping her efforts hidden, initially from her father and later from Kade, it creates suspense and allows for unexpected discoveries. This device fuels her determination and provides the narrative with a mystery element that slowly unravels. It also places her in increasing danger as she gets closer to the truth, ultimately leading to the confrontation with the killer. The 'secret' aspect emphasizes her independence and resilience.
The 'Bad Boy' with a Heart of Gold
Kade Maxwell's character archetype, masking vulnerability with a tough exterior.
Kade Maxwell embodies the 'bad boy' archetype, initially appearing tough and detached, but quickly revealing a compassionate, responsible, and fiercely protective nature. This device allows for character development as Lacey sees beyond his exterior. It creates initial tension and intrigue, and then provides a satisfying romantic dynamic as his true self is unveiled. His 'bad boy' image also makes his transformation into Lacey's unwavering protector more impactful and demonstrates the depth of his love and commitment.
The Antagonist's Obsession
Aaron Seever's escalating and personal harassment of Lacey.
Aaron Seever's escalating obsession with Lacey, moving from bullying to stalking and direct threats, serves as a crucial plot device. His knowledge of her past trauma and his deliberate triggering of her PTSD create intense conflict and reveal his deeply disturbed nature. This obsession not only provides constant external threat but also acts as a slow reveal of his true identity as the killer, as his taunts become increasingly specific and personal, building suspense towards the climax and the ultimate confrontation.
Critical analysis
Notable Quotes
“Sometimes, the most beautiful melodies are the ones you create together, even if you started with different songs.”
— Maya and Liam are collaborating on a new song, blending their distinct styles.
“Fear is just a whisper compared to the roar of what you can achieve.”
— Maya encourages Liam to perform at an open mic night despite his stage fright.
“He looked at her like she was the missing chord in his life's symphony.”
— Liam's internal thought when he first sees Maya performing.
“Falling in love is like writing a song; you never know how it will end, but you hope for a beautiful harmony.”
— Maya muses about her growing feelings for Liam.
“Don't let yesterday's sour notes ruin today's performance.”
— Maya's mentor advises her after a disappointing audition.
“True courage isn't the absence of fear, but the decision to sing anyway.”
— Liam finally takes the stage, nervous but determined.
“Some connections are like perfect pitch; you just know they're right.”
— Maya reflects on the instant bond she felt with Liam.
“The stage isn't just a platform; it's a mirror reflecting your soul.”
— Liam describes his philosophy on performing.
“Every setback is just a rest note in the grand composition of your life.”
— Maya comforts Liam after a record deal falls through.
“He didn't just hear her music; he felt it in the rhythm of his own heartbeat.”
— Liam's reaction to hearing Maya's original songs for the first time.
“To truly dare to dream means to be willing to fall, and then to find the strength to compose your comeback.”
— The concluding thought of the novel, summarizing the protagonists' journey.
“The best kind of love story is one where you both learn to play your own song louder, together.”
— Maya realizes the strength of her and Liam's relationship.
“Silence can be just as powerful as sound, if you know how to listen to it.”
— Liam teaches Maya about the importance of dynamics in music and life.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Kade is deeply scarred by the death of his sister, which led to his mother's mental health struggles and absence from their home. His primary motivation is to see his mother heal and reunite his family, and he initially struggles to envision a personal future beyond this desire due to his past trauma.
