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Danny and Mike
Sometimes love can be found in the most unlikely places, or so Danny discovers once he finds himself in a bar brawl. With a life of abuse behind him, he's more than ready for a new, happier start and Mike seems to be exactly what his damaged soul needs.
With a completely different background, Mike is close to a ray of sunshine. Always optimistic and happy, he anchors Danny and shows him life can be about love instead of hate.
But chapters of the past are rarely completely closed, and once Danny's nightmares come back into his life he has to make a choice—to fight or to save the one who showed him life is worth living.
CONTENT This title contains a HFN ending, violence and explicit rape scenes. These dark subjects, including but not limited to abuse, rape and non-consent sexual acts, are not in any way meant for titillation, but may be a trigger for some people.
This is a previously published work. The title, author, and/or publisher may have changed.
With a completely different background, Mike is close to a ray of sunshine. Always optimistic and happy, he anchors Danny and shows him life can be about love instead of hate.
But chapters of the past are rarely completely closed, and once Danny's nightmares come back into his life he has to make a choice—to fight or to save the one who showed him life is worth living.
CONTENT This title contains a HFN ending, violence and explicit rape scenes. These dark subjects, including but not limited to abuse, rape and non-consent sexual acts, are not in any way meant for titillation, but may be a trigger for some people.
This is a previously published work. The title, author, and/or publisher may have changed.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2012
2 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Valentina Heart
22 books305 followersI would say that I am first a reader and then a writer. My fascination with books goes way back into the past when I didn't even know I could read something that wasn't given to me in school. Writing came later. First when I tried writing down the plots of the movies I found overwhelming and later in the form of a very dark blog that connected me with people I still consider very good friends.
When in reading I always reached for happy ending romances that helped me deal with the bad side of the world, while in my short stories characters died and their life usually reflected the reality that surrounded mine.
In time, vampires and shifters took the place of knights in shiny armors and I still searched for that happy ending . But with the years also came that wish for something edgier.
My current reading habits take me daily into the world of men, where kink is preferable and angst the realistic side of life in my dose of fiction. It was only natural that my fingers followed my thoughts and I came to a point where men only ogled men and women became side characters.
Somehow out of love for reading a writer was born. I won't say that the handsome men walking through my imagination have everything a reader might want. They are usually troubled, lost and insecure, but as they slowly stroll through my worlds, they eventually find their happy ending.
When in reading I always reached for happy ending romances that helped me deal with the bad side of the world, while in my short stories characters died and their life usually reflected the reality that surrounded mine.
In time, vampires and shifters took the place of knights in shiny armors and I still searched for that happy ending . But with the years also came that wish for something edgier.
My current reading habits take me daily into the world of men, where kink is preferable and angst the realistic side of life in my dose of fiction. It was only natural that my fingers followed my thoughts and I came to a point where men only ogled men and women became side characters.
Somehow out of love for reading a writer was born. I won't say that the handsome men walking through my imagination have everything a reader might want. They are usually troubled, lost and insecure, but as they slowly stroll through my worlds, they eventually find their happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 3, 2012
1.5 stars
I am going to be brutally honest here, I didn't like this story, it upset and annoyed me and its the second story I have read this week featuring abuse, it's a popular theme lately, not sure why as it's a difficult subject to get right.
For starters any story featuring abuse can be tricky and there is a fine line between acceptable or not, for me it can go either way. It also depends on the suffering and if there is a substantial enough reason for drawing out the abuse and forcing the MC to go through hell. I didn't like it and why give Danny a fledgling light of hope? Making him feel safe with self defense classes and knife skills. Building his courage up only to knock him back down to crumble later on, giving him no reason to want to live or fight back.
I think I could have handled the abuse to a certain point was a big fat no and wrong, why this was added to the story was beyond me, unnecessary angst which came out of nowhere. Just as things are looking up for Danny, falling in love (insta) building a new life with Mike, I had qualms about the relationship, wasn't completely convinced that Danny as the abused victim would fall for Mike so quickly, oh and the gushy words "sweets" Mike uses was another pet peeve of mine, I didn't want these babying words for Danny. Back to the drama, . By this stage I'd had enough and didn't want to see Danny a broken shell trying to make it back from where-ever he'd lost himself in. The only other thing I will mention is, Danny I liked him even if he was created to trigger compassion, not enough to be believable though. Another one bites the dust unfortunately.
I am going to be brutally honest here, I didn't like this story, it upset and annoyed me and its the second story I have read this week featuring abuse, it's a popular theme lately, not sure why as it's a difficult subject to get right.
For starters any story featuring abuse can be tricky and there is a fine line between acceptable or not, for me it can go either way. It also depends on the suffering and if there is a substantial enough reason for drawing out the abuse and forcing the MC to go through hell. I didn't like it and why give Danny a fledgling light of hope? Making him feel safe with self defense classes and knife skills. Building his courage up only to knock him back down to crumble later on, giving him no reason to want to live or fight back.
I think I could have handled the abuse to a certain point was a big fat no and wrong, why this was added to the story was beyond me, unnecessary angst which came out of nowhere. Just as things are looking up for Danny, falling in love (insta) building a new life with Mike, I had qualms about the relationship, wasn't completely convinced that Danny as the abused victim would fall for Mike so quickly, oh and the gushy words "sweets" Mike uses was another pet peeve of mine, I didn't want these babying words for Danny. Back to the drama, . By this stage I'd had enough and didn't want to see Danny a broken shell trying to make it back from where-ever he'd lost himself in. The only other thing I will mention is, Danny I liked him even if he was created to trigger compassion, not enough to be believable though. Another one bites the dust unfortunately.
skimmed-through
October 2, 2012WTH was that?
A parody on the hurt/comfort theme?
Yeah, maybe - if it were better written...
Taking a deep breath I decided to ignore the existence of this book....
Note:
The rapist(s!) in the story used lube....thank God for small mercies, hmmmmm?
A parody on the hurt/comfort theme?
Yeah, maybe - if it were better written...
Taking a deep breath I decided to ignore the existence of this book....
Note:
The rapist(s!) in the story used lube....thank God for small mercies, hmmmmm?
April 21, 2013
Christ, my honest is going to get the best of me on this book, but what good are you as a reviewer if you can't be right?
A note to the author should she see this: Kindly update in GR your content advisory on this book please? I ask this for future readers.
I found there to be more than just 'near rape' scenes in this story. I got sucked real deep into reading this one and the scenes of rape are detailed, many and frequent. Whenever he dreamed on reality it happened alright. I cringed each and every time I hit one and there's physical abuse within this book as well. I needed to make this known about the abuse, both sexual and physical and the rape scenes which are reaccuring and not a one time isolated incident either.
The story though is brilliant in the way it's been written.
One man tormented, abused, lost and had never known love, the meaning of it or how to give it and he was ablivious to any kindness because it was never given to him in turn. He was a target and a bullseye to all the nasty shit. Which seemed to beeline his way.
One man who becomes a savior, knight in shining armor you'd say, angel and with his love, patience, calm demeanor and humor, shows a man what it's like to feel love, trust, that sense of safety and a brightness in a life that became so dark.
Two men who collide literally and completely opposite completely complement on another and are compaitble in every way.
Although a tragic one it's still a story of love and being there for one another through the thick and thin. If you get by all the narsty shit the makes you want to throw the book, cringe and just choke someone, you'll enjoy this book.
A note to the author should she see this: Kindly update in GR your content advisory on this book please? I ask this for future readers.
I found there to be more than just 'near rape' scenes in this story. I got sucked real deep into reading this one and the scenes of rape are detailed, many and frequent. Whenever he dreamed on reality it happened alright. I cringed each and every time I hit one and there's physical abuse within this book as well. I needed to make this known about the abuse, both sexual and physical and the rape scenes which are reaccuring and not a one time isolated incident either.
The story though is brilliant in the way it's been written.
One man tormented, abused, lost and had never known love, the meaning of it or how to give it and he was ablivious to any kindness because it was never given to him in turn. He was a target and a bullseye to all the nasty shit. Which seemed to beeline his way.
One man who becomes a savior, knight in shining armor you'd say, angel and with his love, patience, calm demeanor and humor, shows a man what it's like to feel love, trust, that sense of safety and a brightness in a life that became so dark.
Two men who collide literally and completely opposite completely complement on another and are compaitble in every way.
Although a tragic one it's still a story of love and being there for one another through the thick and thin. If you get by all the narsty shit the makes you want to throw the book, cringe and just choke someone, you'll enjoy this book.
October 4, 2012
BAM!!! It just ends. What a ride! Up, down - back and forth. Hell, I didn't even get the name of the bull I was riding. This book was like bull riding. Scaring, exhilarating - hoping you stay one to finish and then sailing through the air, praying you land on your feet. Like I said, what a ride. Highly recommended.
December 28, 2015
I really don't want to leave a review...but I must for challenges.
This didn't really work for me.
You would think it would. I love angst books. I have no problems with dark subject matters.
But this seemed off.
Don't get me wrong, it had some good points. I liked that Danny got into self defense. I liked the knife throwing. I liked that he found art. He was doing really well when he met Mike.
It just seemed like this story in super speedy mode. They were in love, and planning on forever, in less than a week. I thought that was a little fast for Danny to accept. Shit hit the fan at the end of the first week...that seemed to drag on for months. I will admit, the shit hitting the fan, was what kept me from a DNF.
But it wasn't a good thing. Like everything else, it was on super speed. The recovery was on speed too.
Some of the angst seemed unnecessary. The rape scene in the beginning, didn't really do much for the story.
Don't get me wrong, it had some good points. I liked that this wasn't two damaged souls finding each other. It was kinda nice that Mike was so solid. I loved Mike's family. Sasha was interesting, and his mother was a character.
Even some of the negative aspects, in the beginning I thought might be strengths. When Danny just opened up so quickly, and told Mike his past, I thought, hmmm that's a little fast and easy, but at least it wasn't dragged out and angst-ed to death.
I liked Danny. He found his strength in himself. He didn't have to have Mike fix him. He had already put in all the work to make himself feel safe, before Mike got there.
I liked Mike, he was supportive, and patient.
I think, there were some good points in the story. Everything was just to fast, and the drama was BIG, but overcome to easily.
This didn't really work for me.
You would think it would. I love angst books. I have no problems with dark subject matters.
But this seemed off.
Don't get me wrong, it had some good points. I liked that Danny got into self defense. I liked the knife throwing. I liked that he found art. He was doing really well when he met Mike.
It just seemed like this story in super speedy mode. They were in love, and planning on forever, in less than a week. I thought that was a little fast for Danny to accept. Shit hit the fan at the end of the first week...that seemed to drag on for months. I will admit, the shit hitting the fan, was what kept me from a DNF.
But it wasn't a good thing. Like everything else, it was on super speed. The recovery was on speed too.
Some of the angst seemed unnecessary. The rape scene in the beginning, didn't really do much for the story.
Don't get me wrong, it had some good points. I liked that this wasn't two damaged souls finding each other. It was kinda nice that Mike was so solid. I loved Mike's family. Sasha was interesting, and his mother was a character.
Even some of the negative aspects, in the beginning I thought might be strengths. When Danny just opened up so quickly, and told Mike his past, I thought, hmmm that's a little fast and easy, but at least it wasn't dragged out and angst-ed to death.
I liked Danny. He found his strength in himself. He didn't have to have Mike fix him. He had already put in all the work to make himself feel safe, before Mike got there.
I liked Mike, he was supportive, and patient.
I think, there were some good points in the story. Everything was just to fast, and the drama was BIG, but overcome to easily.
October 1, 2014
Danny and Mike was written three years ago and was my first book in this genre. The manuscript was raw back then, a lot of unfocused thoughts and unpolished plot directions. I finished it when I only had a couple of friends on Goodreads and publication was completely out of my mind.
The original manuscript lacked the whole beginning it has now (courtesy of MsMiz(Tina)), some of the names were different and it wasn't set in Croatia (hence the warning in the first pages - some things were too much a part of the story to be changed and fit the setting better). So my lovely ladies (mentioned in the dedication) worked with me to make this book as good as they thought it could be. I couldn't be more grateful for their help as well as encouragement, I can always use a few nice words - imagine it as a kick in my behind when I most need it *grins*
The guys might not be the favorites to anyone, but I don't think I liked any of my characters as much as I love Danny. He was the first and the most vulnerable. He went through things I will probably never again write so explicitly and he endured everything I put him through. Danny is a fighter and I always saw this book is his battlefield.
The original manuscript lacked the whole beginning it has now (courtesy of MsMiz(Tina)), some of the names were different and it wasn't set in Croatia (hence the warning in the first pages - some things were too much a part of the story to be changed and fit the setting better). So my lovely ladies (mentioned in the dedication) worked with me to make this book as good as they thought it could be. I couldn't be more grateful for their help as well as encouragement, I can always use a few nice words - imagine it as a kick in my behind when I most need it *grins*
The guys might not be the favorites to anyone, but I don't think I liked any of my characters as much as I love Danny. He was the first and the most vulnerable. He went through things I will probably never again write so explicitly and he endured everything I put him through. Danny is a fighter and I always saw this book is his battlefield.
September 30, 2012
4 1/2 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
This book isn’t for the faint of heart or those who want a perfect happy ending. Danny starts a new life in Zadar, away from the abuse that he has suffered for years. It’s a long journey but he is finally on his feet. Stumbling into a bar fight, Danny finds love in the shape of Mike. Mike stumbles across the love of his life during a bar fight and couldn’t be more than happy, but when Danny’s past finds him, Mike wonders if their love will survive.
Valentina Heart has written a book that is filled with both joy and heartache, with new discoveries and old fears and love so great that nothing could break it. Danny has finally escaped to begin a life that he wants for himself, but it is a long road to feeling safe and secure. When he meets Mike in the middle of a bar fight and Mike is interested in him, he can’t help but wonder why Mike wants him. Mike is amazed at how quickly he falls for Danny and vows to be there for Danny no matter what. but, when the past finds Danny Mike feels he has failed his love.
This isn’t an easy book to read as you discover the horrors that Danny lived through in his childhood up until he finally escaped. There are some scenes, both in memory and real page time, that will turn your stomach and make you want to grab Danny and shelter him from all harm. If there was one person that you felt safe leaving our poor Danny with, then it would be the gentle caring soul Mike. Mike is a wonderful beautiful person who has had a wonderful upbringing. He makes Danny feel safe and helps Danny through a lot of his fears. he is also there for him when he needs him most in the aftermath and both our MC’s struggle with the blow that has fallen.
This book switches between both Danny’s and Mike’s viewpoints, but they are clearly done so you never get confused. The emotional impact of this book is devastating. Just when Danny and Mike find complete happiness, the horror strikes and by the end of the book your heart is aching with the devastation of what these two wonderful men go through. The ending is heartbreakingly lovely with the seeds of new hope growing. please, please Valentina write us a sequel that is filled with pure happiness for these two men, even if it is just a short story showing us a glimpse of them in the future. (I will beg and plead!!)
I have to recommend that everyone read this book, but especially those who love two young men falling in love, dealing with traumatic events, supporting each other and being there for each other no matter what and two characters that are incredible strong in spirit and love.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
This book isn’t for the faint of heart or those who want a perfect happy ending. Danny starts a new life in Zadar, away from the abuse that he has suffered for years. It’s a long journey but he is finally on his feet. Stumbling into a bar fight, Danny finds love in the shape of Mike. Mike stumbles across the love of his life during a bar fight and couldn’t be more than happy, but when Danny’s past finds him, Mike wonders if their love will survive.
Valentina Heart has written a book that is filled with both joy and heartache, with new discoveries and old fears and love so great that nothing could break it. Danny has finally escaped to begin a life that he wants for himself, but it is a long road to feeling safe and secure. When he meets Mike in the middle of a bar fight and Mike is interested in him, he can’t help but wonder why Mike wants him. Mike is amazed at how quickly he falls for Danny and vows to be there for Danny no matter what. but, when the past finds Danny Mike feels he has failed his love.
This isn’t an easy book to read as you discover the horrors that Danny lived through in his childhood up until he finally escaped. There are some scenes, both in memory and real page time, that will turn your stomach and make you want to grab Danny and shelter him from all harm. If there was one person that you felt safe leaving our poor Danny with, then it would be the gentle caring soul Mike. Mike is a wonderful beautiful person who has had a wonderful upbringing. He makes Danny feel safe and helps Danny through a lot of his fears. he is also there for him when he needs him most in the aftermath and both our MC’s struggle with the blow that has fallen.
This book switches between both Danny’s and Mike’s viewpoints, but they are clearly done so you never get confused. The emotional impact of this book is devastating. Just when Danny and Mike find complete happiness, the horror strikes and by the end of the book your heart is aching with the devastation of what these two wonderful men go through. The ending is heartbreakingly lovely with the seeds of new hope growing. please, please Valentina write us a sequel that is filled with pure happiness for these two men, even if it is just a short story showing us a glimpse of them in the future. (I will beg and plead!!)
I have to recommend that everyone read this book, but especially those who love two young men falling in love, dealing with traumatic events, supporting each other and being there for each other no matter what and two characters that are incredible strong in spirit and love.
February 22, 2015
Beautifully written, heartbreaking and yet full of hope. I wanted to protect Danny so badly and was happy when Mike showed up for him. I'd really like a follow up to see how they are doing after everything that happened.
thanks-but-no-thanks
October 3, 2012Another story created for a single purpose of maximizing angst. Sooo not for me. Sorry, I don't need catharsis. Others might, though.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews