‘Right now, someone else’s life was in his hands. He couldn’t say whether it was a few seconds or minutes that they both stood staring at each other, but he had never been so scared in his life.’ In Truth or Dare we follow, spell-bound, as chance encounters bring violent pasts roaring into the present; we wait on tenterhooks as a woman sits by her husband’s hospital bed as both their lives hang in the balance; we watch anxiously as a homeless man begs a woman with her life and career stretching ahead of her not to jump to her death. By turns comedic, heart-wrenching and moving, these stories paint powerful pictures of pain, love and empathy, and celebrate the power we have over one another. From the rain-soaked waterways of London to the bustling streets of Dhaka, Truth or Dare is a stunning collection that spans two continents and sees the best and worst in both. 'The writer’s wonderfully crafted language and commendable flair make the characters’ emotions, their dreams, their fears, their disappointments, etc., recognisable and easy to empathise with. The plots are refreshingly different. The soul-stirring narrations as one engaging story follows another makes Truth or Dare a very worthwhile read. As we finish reading each story, we feel that we understand a little more about human nature, even though we experience a sense of loss at the same time.' The Asian Age 'Showcasing the best and worst of humanity, Truth or Dare is a powerful and riveting collection that will have you turning the pages until you’ve devoured every last word. Soaked in compassion, love and a host of other emotions, Nadia K Barb’s work will remind you of Gabriel Garcia Marquez at the height of his powers. Rich and evocative, this is a collection to be cherished and savoured.' Awais Khan, author of No Honour 'These stories draw you in, hold you, speak to you, tell you secrets, and show you worlds, and then let you go at just that point when you can’t stop thinking about them. Each one is a journey, each story a gem. Short fiction has a new torchbearer in Nadia Kabir Barb and this remarkable debut is just the beginning, I hope.' Nadeem Zaman, author of The Inheritors 'Nadia Kabir Barb writes with compassion and imagination about her characters, who are varied and richly drawn. She keeps the reader close to the stories, allowing us to experience their anguish, fears and joys on an intimate level.' Sharbari Z. Ahmed, author of Dust Under Her Feet 'Effortlessly switching between London and Dhaka, Nadia Kabir Barb’s humanity shines through in this tender and diverse collection.' Bee Rowlatt, author of One Woman Crime Wave 'Sharply observed and vivid in detail, Nadia Kabir Barb’s stories lay bare the poignant, the powerful, the traumatic moments on which our lives turn. These delicate, penetrating vignettes are glimpses that encapsulate a greater whole. Hers is a memorable short fiction debut.' Steven J. Fowler, author of The Guide to Being Bear Aware

The truth is that for those who dare to be different school and growing up can be hell. Truth & Dare is a collection of edgy, quirky stories that revolve around a funny, nerdy cast of characters who struggle to fit in . . . or struggle not to. They will appeal to the inner geek of anyone caught up in attempts to navigate the labyrinthine teen caste system. Written in authentic teen voices, they speak to fans of the movies Juno and Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist and the TV series The Gilmore Girls. Witty and smart, these are short stories from the point of view of funny, though not always cool or popular guys and girls, who are dealing with all the pressures of growing up - school, friends, music, relationships, parents, and just plain fitting in (or not). Contributors: Jennifer Finney Boylan is author of eleven books, five of which are YA books. Sarah Rees Brennan is author of The Demon's Lexicon, which was one of Kirkus' Best Books, ALA's Top Ten Best Books and a Best British Fantasy book. Cecil Castellucci author of Rose Sees Red and a picture book Grandma's Gloves. Emma Donoghue author of Booker-shortlisted Room. AM Homes is the winner of the 2013 Women's Prize for Fiction (formerly known as the Orange) for her novel May We Be Forgiven. She is also the author of, This Book Will Save Your Life, Music For Torching, The End of Alice, In a Country of Mothers, and Jack. Jennifer R. Hubbard author of the contemporary YA novel The Secret Year, published in 2010. Heidi R. Kling is the author of the Penguin Young Readers YA novel Sea, a story of hope after tragedy set in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. Michael Lowenthal is the author of the novels Charity Girl, Avoidance, and The Same Embrace Saundra Mitchell author of Shadowed Summer and The Vespertine. Luisa Plaja author of the teen novels-Split by a Kiss, Swapped by a Kiss and Extreme Kissing. Matthue Roth author of Never Mind the Goldbergs, his first novel, a coming-of-age tale Sherry Shahan has written over 30 books, including Purple Daze. Shelley Stoehr author of four award-winning novels for Young Adults, including the still popular, award-winning, Crosses. Ellen Wittlinger had her first teen novel, Lombardo's Law,published in 1993. Jill Wolfson author of award-winning novels for young people including What I Call Life; Home, and Other Big, Fat Lies; and Cold Hands, and Warm Heart. Also includes: Courtney Gillette, Jennifer Knight, Gary Soto, and Sara Wilkinson

Recent graduates of Middleton High test their bravery in the woods where legend says a girl was kidnapped by the Midnight Man, so when one of their friends does not return they become increasingly scared.

Satisfy Me: Asia Michaels and her friends find themselves tantalized by a quiet new arrival in their small town -- and by its possibilities. One thing leads to another as truth leads to dare, and Asia's in the arms of a man who gives her answers to all of the questions she could never ask...

A love story with a difference – girl meets girl, they fall in love. A powerful and turbulent novel about first love and crossing boundaries. Louie is a prefect at Woodhaugh High. She plays hockey, passes exams and acts in school plays. She’s going to be a lawyer. Willa lives in a pub. She had an affair with the daughter of a preacher and was kicked out of Miller Park College. She just wants to get through her final exams and become a chef. Quietly. Then they fall in love – fast. And everything the girls were sure of – their families, their friends, their faith, their identities – are called into question. Willa and Louie face the consequences, difficulties and joys of their relationship. A fast-paced, turbulent but ultimately uplifting story of deep, painful, heart-wrenching first love. Written in Paula Boock's crisp, direct style this gripping book has a strong appeal for both adults and teenagers. '...an essential addition for all secondary school and public libraries.' Dr Elody Rathgen, Senior Lecturer in Education, University of Canterbury '...it has such a powerful and beautifully written message about the meaning of love.' Otago Daily Times 'I laughed, I cried, I held my breath, as Paula Boock's Willa and Louie fell in and out of love and dared to be true to themselves. Evening Post

Synopsis coming soon.......

The New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz is at the top of her game with Truth or Dare.