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Too Far #1
A Dance Too Far
Love can be dangerous!
Valentin Bychkov, rising star of contemporary Russian ballet, appears to have everything: wealth, talent, success, and a face and body to match. Not that anyone can get close. Bypass the entourage and there's still Valentin's sharp tongue and acerbic wit to deal with. He may give his body freely, but his emotions are kept tightly locked away.
Max Farley's life is a simple one. All he's interested in is work, drinking, and picking up the latest in a long line of one-night stands. The way he chooses to live may not be to everyone's taste but it suits him down to the ground. He's never met anyone who's made him want to confront the demons from his past. Until now.
A show in London brings the two together. Lust brings them closer still. But if rumors of Bratva connections turn out to be true, then dangerous men wait in the wings. One dangerous man in particular, who's used to people following his orders without question.
Difficult choices need to be made on both sides. Valentin and Max need to stop playing with fire and let each other go, or face the consequences. But letting go isn't that easy where love is concerned.
And some things are worth the risk.
Warning: This book contains a snarky ballet dancer with an aversion to clothes, a little too much wall sex and an overabundance of Russian heavies.
Valentin Bychkov, rising star of contemporary Russian ballet, appears to have everything: wealth, talent, success, and a face and body to match. Not that anyone can get close. Bypass the entourage and there's still Valentin's sharp tongue and acerbic wit to deal with. He may give his body freely, but his emotions are kept tightly locked away.
Max Farley's life is a simple one. All he's interested in is work, drinking, and picking up the latest in a long line of one-night stands. The way he chooses to live may not be to everyone's taste but it suits him down to the ground. He's never met anyone who's made him want to confront the demons from his past. Until now.
A show in London brings the two together. Lust brings them closer still. But if rumors of Bratva connections turn out to be true, then dangerous men wait in the wings. One dangerous man in particular, who's used to people following his orders without question.
Difficult choices need to be made on both sides. Valentin and Max need to stop playing with fire and let each other go, or face the consequences. But letting go isn't that easy where love is concerned.
And some things are worth the risk.
Warning: This book contains a snarky ballet dancer with an aversion to clothes, a little too much wall sex and an overabundance of Russian heavies.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2019
133 people are currently reading
464 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Day
48 books498 followersH.L Day is a teacher and a writer. She enjoys writing far too many different sub genres to stick to one thing so writes everything from rom-coms to post-apocalyptic sci-fi. It's just the way her brain works. H.L Day lives in the UK with her elderly black cat that she accidentally stole from her next door neighbour.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
December 4, 2019
Audio – 5++++ I loved Brad King’s voice. I loved his British accent. I loved his Russian accent. If that was all it took to fall in love, I’d say I love Brad King…LOL
Tantor Audio needs to make great use of this very talented narrator. He should have been the one to narrate the Game Changers series..just sayin’. Tantor, GET A CLUE!!!
Story – 3.5 Stars round up because of the great narrator performance
Even knowing that I’m going to have to suspend belief, I love a story that is mobster or gangster related. It’s fiction after all, right? This story was no different, and that part of the story I enjoyed. There’s blackmail, a couple of brutal violent scenes, deception…etc. The romance, however, was lacking a bit for me.
I loved Valentin’s diva attitude and Max’s inability to resist him. That said, I still struggled to feel a strong connection between them. Valentin is a ballet dancer owned by a Russian mobster. He and Max can only be together in secret. A situation like that calls for a level of desperation and passion. I didn’t get that. The sex was steamy, but there was nothing special about it.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, and I’m looking forward to book two.
Tantor Audio needs to make great use of this very talented narrator. He should have been the one to narrate the Game Changers series..just sayin’. Tantor, GET A CLUE!!!
Story – 3.5 Stars round up because of the great narrator performance
Even knowing that I’m going to have to suspend belief, I love a story that is mobster or gangster related. It’s fiction after all, right? This story was no different, and that part of the story I enjoyed. There’s blackmail, a couple of brutal violent scenes, deception…etc. The romance, however, was lacking a bit for me.
I loved Valentin’s diva attitude and Max’s inability to resist him. That said, I still struggled to feel a strong connection between them. Valentin is a ballet dancer owned by a Russian mobster. He and Max can only be together in secret. A situation like that calls for a level of desperation and passion. I didn’t get that. The sex was steamy, but there was nothing special about it.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, and I’m looking forward to book two.
February 14, 2019
5 BIG stars Amazing captivating read... it costed me some night rest... I couldn’t put it down... at night I couldn’t sleep because of thinking about them.
The cover reveals the character quite well!
At 50% so much already happened and revealed... like I already read a whole book... and there was still more! Wonderful done.
Unbelievable well worked out main characters... the plot ghaawd so well put together!!
It had a darkness in it... but it wasn’t really a dark read... it had cruelty in it but it wasn’t a cruel story. It had angst, it had sweetness, it had steamy sexiness, a lot of witty and sarcastic moments...It had a lot of diversity!
Valentin is a hautain person... a diva and as a high leveled ballet dancer ‘owned’ by Dmitry... Dmitry is involved with the Bratva a Russian crime organization...
Max does only one-night stands and never more, he drinks as much as he fucks...
When he starts working as free lancer at the ballet production where Valentin is lead dancer, he is impressed by this beautiful gracious man... until Valentin opens his mouth...
When their ways collide more than once life is getting difficult... there is attraction... but Valentin doesn’t let anyone come close and Max wants nothing more than that.
Both have their secrets and their own way to deal with it.
“lyubov moya."
My face was telling the story because more than once my surrounders asked what happened... because they saw startled eyes... mouth hanging open, the horror was written on my face... I had to update them... they wanted to know...
There is a lot of story and not one moment was dull. I was constant on the edge of my chair.
Written in a vivacious, fiery and snappy way. Wonderful well defined characters and a stunning plot!
Absolutely a mustread!
Kindly received an arc from the author
The cover reveals the character quite well!
At 50% so much already happened and revealed... like I already read a whole book... and there was still more! Wonderful done.
Unbelievable well worked out main characters... the plot ghaawd so well put together!!
It had a darkness in it... but it wasn’t really a dark read... it had cruelty in it but it wasn’t a cruel story. It had angst, it had sweetness, it had steamy sexiness, a lot of witty and sarcastic moments...It had a lot of diversity!
Valentin is a hautain person... a diva and as a high leveled ballet dancer ‘owned’ by Dmitry... Dmitry is involved with the Bratva a Russian crime organization...
Max does only one-night stands and never more, he drinks as much as he fucks...
When he starts working as free lancer at the ballet production where Valentin is lead dancer, he is impressed by this beautiful gracious man... until Valentin opens his mouth...
When their ways collide more than once life is getting difficult... there is attraction... but Valentin doesn’t let anyone come close and Max wants nothing more than that.
Both have their secrets and their own way to deal with it.
“lyubov moya."
My face was telling the story because more than once my surrounders asked what happened... because they saw startled eyes... mouth hanging open, the horror was written on my face... I had to update them... they wanted to know...
There is a lot of story and not one moment was dull. I was constant on the edge of my chair.
Written in a vivacious, fiery and snappy way. Wonderful well defined characters and a stunning plot!
Absolutely a mustread!
Kindly received an arc from the author
Read
February 19, 2019I think my expectations were too high. I liked it, but for some reason I thought it would be a bit more darker, and Valentin a bit more bitchier (not that he wasn't a diva enough). LOL
It was mostly satisfying both in the romance and in the crime department, but I just... ugh... wanted more.
So, I think it's just me, not the book.
3.5 starts
It was mostly satisfying both in the romance and in the crime department, but I just... ugh... wanted more.
So, I think it's just me, not the book.
3.5 starts
dnf
June 2, 2019I didn't know what Bratva is when I read the blurb -- if I had, I would have known that this wouldn't be for me. So the DNF isn't the book's fault, it's mine.
September 28, 2023
I can not quite agree with all the favourable reviews here.
I disliked Valentin and I felt nothing for Max, I thought the plot had some serious holes and the rest of it was rather foreseeable.
On top of that I did not like the exaggerated russian accent the narrator gave Valentin and all the russian cast. I read that many people thought this was especially well done, but it wasn't to my taste and did take away a lot of the enjoyment as obviously there was quite a lot of Valentin and other russians in the book. I admit though that the part he did as Max was well done.
Also I would have liked to have "seen" more actual ballet.
I disliked Valentin and I felt nothing for Max, I thought the plot had some serious holes and the rest of it was rather foreseeable.
On top of that I did not like the exaggerated russian accent the narrator gave Valentin and all the russian cast. I read that many people thought this was especially well done, but it wasn't to my taste and did take away a lot of the enjoyment as obviously there was quite a lot of Valentin and other russians in the book. I admit though that the part he did as Max was well done.
Also I would have liked to have "seen" more actual ballet.
February 17, 2019
When reading a work by a new to me author, there is a certain amount of trepidation and wonder. Will I like or not? This book was a revelation. I loved it. The characters were multidimensional, the writing style was smooth and flowing, the melding of different cultures was seamless. This book allowed me to immerse myself into the world of ballet, backstage drama and vicious men who don't take "no" for an answer.
Max Farley is a man of simple tastes. He walks through life alone and never seems to stop to think that something is missing. He has built walls around himself that withstand any plea or heated encounter until one day one arrogant dancer puts him in his place. Since that moment Max's life takes an unexpected turn - he finds passion, love and peace he didn't know he lost long time ago.
Valentin Bychkov is an enigma. He is the star. While on stage he is powerful but as soon as the dance ends he is back under the "loving" care of his mentor. No one knows what it takes not to cry, not to crumble and scream for help. He knows it's of no use, so he puts on a mask of sarcasm and disdain that keeps everyone at bay. But when loneliness is too much to bear he finds solace in Max's arms. Only he sees the "real" Valentin.
I loved the "unveiling" of Valentin. Little word here, a truth whispered in a moment of weakness, and Max starts to see the man under all the layers of makeup and sass. What he finds is a man of great strength and integrity who survives day by day by being smart and cunning. I loved the talks they had. How Valentin got to the heart of the matter when it concerned Max. He helped him see and finally let go.
The level of heat between them is amazing, their intimacy is so passionate. They tease, they spar and parry verbally all the time. They are so amusing together. It was so painful to watch them struggle to let each other go. Dmitry, Valentin's mentor, wants his possession back and he will stop at nothing to teach Max and Valentin a lesson. The conclusion to the book is well done. Valentin is resilient and strong enough for both of them to fight for their future and his freedom. I loved how low key it was. There was no bloodshed, no fighting - just sharp wit, a bit of chance and help from unexpected source. So good!
All in all, this was a wonderful story with amazing characters. I enjoyed it immensely. I highly recommend it and will definitely read more by this author! Bravo!
** ARC provided by LesCourt ARC Team for honest review **
Max Farley is a man of simple tastes. He walks through life alone and never seems to stop to think that something is missing. He has built walls around himself that withstand any plea or heated encounter until one day one arrogant dancer puts him in his place. Since that moment Max's life takes an unexpected turn - he finds passion, love and peace he didn't know he lost long time ago.
Valentin Bychkov is an enigma. He is the star. While on stage he is powerful but as soon as the dance ends he is back under the "loving" care of his mentor. No one knows what it takes not to cry, not to crumble and scream for help. He knows it's of no use, so he puts on a mask of sarcasm and disdain that keeps everyone at bay. But when loneliness is too much to bear he finds solace in Max's arms. Only he sees the "real" Valentin.
I loved the "unveiling" of Valentin. Little word here, a truth whispered in a moment of weakness, and Max starts to see the man under all the layers of makeup and sass. What he finds is a man of great strength and integrity who survives day by day by being smart and cunning. I loved the talks they had. How Valentin got to the heart of the matter when it concerned Max. He helped him see and finally let go.
The level of heat between them is amazing, their intimacy is so passionate. They tease, they spar and parry verbally all the time. They are so amusing together. It was so painful to watch them struggle to let each other go. Dmitry, Valentin's mentor, wants his possession back and he will stop at nothing to teach Max and Valentin a lesson. The conclusion to the book is well done. Valentin is resilient and strong enough for both of them to fight for their future and his freedom. I loved how low key it was. There was no bloodshed, no fighting - just sharp wit, a bit of chance and help from unexpected source. So good!
All in all, this was a wonderful story with amazing characters. I enjoyed it immensely. I highly recommend it and will definitely read more by this author! Bravo!
** ARC provided by LesCourt ARC Team for honest review **
January 26, 2020
Brad King rocked this audiobook! Wow! His Russian accent, his British accent! Damn! He truly made this story.
The story. It was interesting. It was OK. Like some other reviewers (Lyn) have said, the characters lacked the urgency and desperation. These guys are caught in in the web of the Russian mafia, but they're all chill.
So, Brad King is one of my favorite narrators. HL Day is a NTM author and I'll pick up the second book in this series because....BRAD KING!
My rec? AUDIOPHILES GET ON THIS!
The story. It was interesting. It was OK. Like some other reviewers (Lyn) have said, the characters lacked the urgency and desperation. These guys are caught in in the web of the Russian mafia, but they're all chill.
So, Brad King is one of my favorite narrators. HL Day is a NTM author and I'll pick up the second book in this series because....BRAD KING!
My rec? AUDIOPHILES GET ON THIS!
February 14, 2019
A very enjoyable romantic suspense with two intriguing, attractive leads. Valentin, the Russian ballet dancer is arrogant, seemingly cold and can deliver cuts that could draw blood! Max is a love-them and leave-them type until he sets eyes on Valentin. But the path of true love – or even lust – definitely does not run smoothly. Add in the Russian mafiya and the manipulative Dimitry and both Valentin and Max have to fight for a future together.
It’s well written, a page turner, sexy and exciting in equal measures. HL Day does a very good job in showing us character development happening throughout the book. The pace never slackens. The detail on the dancing is well researched and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
The cover says it all!
It’s well written, a page turner, sexy and exciting in equal measures. HL Day does a very good job in showing us character development happening throughout the book. The pace never slackens. The detail on the dancing is well researched and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
The cover says it all!
April 21, 2020
OK - reader poll time. Suppose a Baddie (say, one with connections to the Mafia or, as here, the Bratva) says to you, "And don't even think about going to the police; remember I have connections everywhere." Do you believe him?
Genuine question, because this particular plot thingy comes up quite frequently, and I don't know whether it's just my personal circumstances (living in rural Scotland) that make me think, "on your bike, how likely is it you've got the whole Met in your pocket? Like, really?" Because everytime any MC falls for this line, I stop having much sympathy for them.
So am I just being really naïve? Is this a line that's actually credible in London / New York / somewhere that isn't my town?
Genuine question, because this particular plot thingy comes up quite frequently, and I don't know whether it's just my personal circumstances (living in rural Scotland) that make me think, "on your bike, how likely is it you've got the whole Met in your pocket? Like, really?" Because everytime any MC falls for this line, I stop having much sympathy for them.
So am I just being really naïve? Is this a line that's actually credible in London / New York / somewhere that isn't my town?
February 23, 2019
DNF @ 62%.
This was quite disappointing for me. For starters, I've read three other books from H.L Day and they have all been 4 stars reads for me, so I had high expectations going into this. And then there is the cover. My god, that is a gorgeous cover. And I will admit that I often do pick books based just on their cover.
Now, unlike the other books, I actually quite liked the blurb for this one. The other three were all books that I wasn't blown away by the blurbs, but ended up thoroughly enjoying the books anyway. So, the fact that this one had a blurb that I was interested in (and Russian mobsters), made me think this one was going to leave me floored.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
I don't have strong feelings for Valentin one way or the other, which I think is an issue. I would rather hate him than feel nothing for me. Max, on the other hand, I do hate. I really can't stand the "I don't do relationships because I had one once and got hurt". Boohoo, cry me a river.
Neither Max or Valentin can understand their attraction to each other, and neither can I. I have no interest in these two as individuals, so I have even less interest in them as a couple.
And I do find it takes skill to make a plot with Russian mobsters boring, but this plot is extremely dull.
Now, on a side note, Max's ex, James, is referred to as a pedophile. James got involved with James when he was 15 and dumped him during his first year of college... which I assume put Max at 18 or 19 years of age. That would mean that James was an ephebophile. I know people love to use pedophilia to describe an attraction to minors, but being sexually attracted to a prepubescent child is a whole different can of worms to being attracted to youth in late adolescence. And the fact that it didn't seem to be a huge issue because Max lied and told everyone that nothing happened until he was 16 just seems nuts. Like one year makes all the difference? Even if he was 16, James was his teacher. And Max's mother didn't kill James? And let Max live with James? My mother would have had a six foot hole dug before you could blink if she had found out a teacher was involved with any of her teen children. Max had to reach almost 30 before someone told him that his ex was a pedophile and being groomed? I just don't get how you can label someone as a pedophile but then just have it be such a non-issue to everyone involved (except Valentin). I just don't like how it's swept under the rug so quickly.
I'll still check out other books from H.L. Day, but I can't say I will consider them insta-reads anymore.
This was quite disappointing for me. For starters, I've read three other books from H.L Day and they have all been 4 stars reads for me, so I had high expectations going into this. And then there is the cover. My god, that is a gorgeous cover. And I will admit that I often do pick books based just on their cover.
Now, unlike the other books, I actually quite liked the blurb for this one. The other three were all books that I wasn't blown away by the blurbs, but ended up thoroughly enjoying the books anyway. So, the fact that this one had a blurb that I was interested in (and Russian mobsters), made me think this one was going to leave me floored.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
I don't have strong feelings for Valentin one way or the other, which I think is an issue. I would rather hate him than feel nothing for me. Max, on the other hand, I do hate. I really can't stand the "I don't do relationships because I had one once and got hurt". Boohoo, cry me a river.
Neither Max or Valentin can understand their attraction to each other, and neither can I. I have no interest in these two as individuals, so I have even less interest in them as a couple.
And I do find it takes skill to make a plot with Russian mobsters boring, but this plot is extremely dull.
Now, on a side note, Max's ex, James, is referred to as a pedophile. James got involved with James when he was 15 and dumped him during his first year of college... which I assume put Max at 18 or 19 years of age. That would mean that James was an ephebophile. I know people love to use pedophilia to describe an attraction to minors, but being sexually attracted to a prepubescent child is a whole different can of worms to being attracted to youth in late adolescence. And the fact that it didn't seem to be a huge issue because Max lied and told everyone that nothing happened until he was 16 just seems nuts. Like one year makes all the difference? Even if he was 16, James was his teacher. And Max's mother didn't kill James? And let Max live with James? My mother would have had a six foot hole dug before you could blink if she had found out a teacher was involved with any of her teen children. Max had to reach almost 30 before someone told him that his ex was a pedophile and being groomed? I just don't get how you can label someone as a pedophile but then just have it be such a non-issue to everyone involved (except Valentin). I just don't like how it's swept under the rug so quickly.
I'll still check out other books from H.L. Day, but I can't say I will consider them insta-reads anymore.
April 30, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
A Dance Too Far is my first book by H.L. Day and I definitely enjoyed the story. The highlight for me is the great character development and watching Max and Valentin grow over the course of the story. Both men are reserved with their emotions, for valid reasons, and neither do more than one-night-stands. I loved the bit of comeuppance Max gets when we first see him leaving last night’s lover wanting more, and then he finds himself in the same situation with Valentin. Day does a nice job making sure that Max never comes across like a jerk for his behavior with the other men, so it allows us to enjoy that bit of turnabout, while still feeling for him when he realizes how much he actually cares about Valentin. Both of these men are so controlled and reserved and slowly, as the story progresses, they open up to each other more and more until they really can share the love they have for one another openly.
I’d describe this one as light suspense as Valentin is trapped under the control of Dmitry, his benefactor of sorts, a man whose connections to the Russian mob mean he is not to be trifled with. As soon as Dmitry realizes that Valentin might actually have feelings for Max, both men are in danger. This isn’t necessarily a high intensity story, but Day brings out some nice urgency and a sense of desperation as the men try to figure out how they can keep one another safe and how they can possibly break free of Dmitry.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
A Dance Too Far is my first book by H.L. Day and I definitely enjoyed the story. The highlight for me is the great character development and watching Max and Valentin grow over the course of the story. Both men are reserved with their emotions, for valid reasons, and neither do more than one-night-stands. I loved the bit of comeuppance Max gets when we first see him leaving last night’s lover wanting more, and then he finds himself in the same situation with Valentin. Day does a nice job making sure that Max never comes across like a jerk for his behavior with the other men, so it allows us to enjoy that bit of turnabout, while still feeling for him when he realizes how much he actually cares about Valentin. Both of these men are so controlled and reserved and slowly, as the story progresses, they open up to each other more and more until they really can share the love they have for one another openly.
I’d describe this one as light suspense as Valentin is trapped under the control of Dmitry, his benefactor of sorts, a man whose connections to the Russian mob mean he is not to be trifled with. As soon as Dmitry realizes that Valentin might actually have feelings for Max, both men are in danger. This isn’t necessarily a high intensity story, but Day brings out some nice urgency and a sense of desperation as the men try to figure out how they can keep one another safe and how they can possibly break free of Dmitry.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
May 6, 2025
It was alright. The writing could’ve used some tightening up, the character work too. Valentin was described as an ice queen but after the first scene (where he ordered Max to fuck him💯) he was just a tortured soul, a young man who’d been forced to grow up too fast. There was nothing particularly “ice queen” about his behaviour.
Max’s character also had its issues. He’s presented as somewhat of a playboy in the beginning, the kind of man who doesn’t sleep with anyone twice no matter how much they beg. Then, with no character development whatsoever, he’s following Valentin around like a puppy TWO SCENES LATER.
I think this had potential to be something more, especially with the money laundering (and what I suspect was human trafficking?) subplots but those were barely given any page time.
Overall, this didn’t wow me enough to pick up the rest of the series so I’m going to park things here.
Audiobook review: 4 stars
It was good. Brad King’s Russian accent sounded believable but I’m not Russian so make of that what you will.
Expect
- Co-workers to lovers
- Loads of spice (a reviewer described it as “plenty of wall fucking” and I wholly agree)
- Very little ballet
- Mafia subplot
- Angst
Audiobook included with my Audible membership.
Max’s character also had its issues. He’s presented as somewhat of a playboy in the beginning, the kind of man who doesn’t sleep with anyone twice no matter how much they beg. Then, with no character development whatsoever, he’s following Valentin around like a puppy TWO SCENES LATER.
I think this had potential to be something more, especially with the money laundering (and what I suspect was human trafficking?) subplots but those were barely given any page time.
Overall, this didn’t wow me enough to pick up the rest of the series so I’m going to park things here.
Audiobook review: 4 stars
It was good. Brad King’s Russian accent sounded believable but I’m not Russian so make of that what you will.
Expect
- Co-workers to lovers
- Loads of spice (a reviewer described it as “plenty of wall fucking” and I wholly agree)
- Very little ballet
- Mafia subplot
- Angst
Audiobook included with my Audible membership.
February 26, 2019
Received ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
I really enjoyed this. I have to say, it didn't go where I expected it to. I appreciate that I was surprised and that the characters were so true to themselves instead of written out of character for "drama" or "angst". Valentin is who he is. He's not a victim. He's made choices and he lives with them without apology or shame. When the time comes to make harder choices, he does. There's no waffling. None of this is to say that he's emotionless. He feels things, he's just pragmatic about it. I really loved him. Max I enjoyed for the most part but there were moments of "Seriously dude?". Nothing major or bad. I loved how into Valentin he was. He didn't try to change him or make him "nicer". He accepted him. The stuff with Dimitry was interesting. I both love and dislike how it is resolved, it at once seems too easy but then I like that it wasn't some big unbelievable battle.
I really enjoyed this. I have to say, it didn't go where I expected it to. I appreciate that I was surprised and that the characters were so true to themselves instead of written out of character for "drama" or "angst". Valentin is who he is. He's not a victim. He's made choices and he lives with them without apology or shame. When the time comes to make harder choices, he does. There's no waffling. None of this is to say that he's emotionless. He feels things, he's just pragmatic about it. I really loved him. Max I enjoyed for the most part but there were moments of "Seriously dude?". Nothing major or bad. I loved how into Valentin he was. He didn't try to change him or make him "nicer". He accepted him. The stuff with Dimitry was interesting. I both love and dislike how it is resolved, it at once seems too easy but then I like that it wasn't some big unbelievable battle.
February 21, 2019
I actually enjoyed this book a whole lot. That cover grabbed my attention every time I saw it in passing on Amazon and with a male ballet dancer in the lead I had to buy it.
While it's a bit light on the mob and ballet elements, it's an engaging story that makes the pages fly by quickly. I really liked Max and Valentin as MCs and there was some angst to fuel my personal enjoyment. For the most part they had to work for their happiness, something that also works for me.
While it's a bit light on the mob and ballet elements, it's an engaging story that makes the pages fly by quickly. I really liked Max and Valentin as MCs and there was some angst to fuel my personal enjoyment. For the most part they had to work for their happiness, something that also works for me.
October 20, 2022
I don’t know why I kept this languishing on my kindle for so long. It was just the right balance of ballet, angst, smut, and Russian mafia.
October 16, 2023
Creí que era más ballet y menos mafioso ruso estereotipado.....y la historia de amor ni siquiera tiene fuerza.
July 22, 2022
It was an ok read wasn't too fond of the characters.
June 28, 2020
5 stelle perché, finalmente, due personaggi fedeli a loro stessi fino alla fine. Valentin è saccente, altezzoso, freddo, manipolatore. Max è menefreghista, e dà l'impressione di essere superficiale. Ovviamente, sono entrambe facciate, ma portate avanti con una coerenza ferrea, anche quando scocca la scintilla. Due personaggi bellissimi nelle loro imperfezioni.
February 16, 2020
Pretty good!
I’ve had this book on my radar for ages but never got around to it even though it has ballet in it! Don’t know why it took me so long 🤨
Anyway, I like the progression of character development for Valentin. You really do see a depth to him, I mean, first impressions aren’t everything and people are usually more complex and nuanced than what they portray so I’m happy to see that portrayed here.
It’s a pretty basic and straightforward plot line. No dramatic twists or anything. So that made it slightly predictable but it didn’t make the story any less exciting. I think execution was key and the author executed perfectly.
You get the typical bad-boy-who-only-does-one-night-stands-and-no-repeats trope. You get the arrogant man trope who is untouchable. You also get the “unlikely pairing” trope. Then there’s the orphan-who-didn’t-have-a-choice trope. Pretty run of the mill tropes. But I never once felt like sighing “ahhh...this again??”
I liked it. I think I liked Max a little more than Valentin even though truly, Valentin felt like the more fleshed out character. Pretty satisfying read, for a straightforward plot. And then at the end, the author threw out such an enticing bone and I think I’m going to be reading the next book too! 😉
I’ve had this book on my radar for ages but never got around to it even though it has ballet in it! Don’t know why it took me so long 🤨
Anyway, I like the progression of character development for Valentin. You really do see a depth to him, I mean, first impressions aren’t everything and people are usually more complex and nuanced than what they portray so I’m happy to see that portrayed here.
It’s a pretty basic and straightforward plot line. No dramatic twists or anything. So that made it slightly predictable but it didn’t make the story any less exciting. I think execution was key and the author executed perfectly.
You get the typical bad-boy-who-only-does-one-night-stands-and-no-repeats trope. You get the arrogant man trope who is untouchable. You also get the “unlikely pairing” trope. Then there’s the orphan-who-didn’t-have-a-choice trope. Pretty run of the mill tropes. But I never once felt like sighing “ahhh...this again??”
I liked it. I think I liked Max a little more than Valentin even though truly, Valentin felt like the more fleshed out character. Pretty satisfying read, for a straightforward plot. And then at the end, the author threw out such an enticing bone and I think I’m going to be reading the next book too! 😉
February 23, 2019
Arc copy provided courtesy of H. L. Day
Reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion.
Stylistically, this is exactly the sort of writing I enjoy most -- immersive, dry, witty, and a bit twisted.
Genres: Gay Romance, Thriller, Mafia, Suspense
Two talented alpha men, both used to tepid one night stands with boringly average partners, too wrapped up in masks and past hurts to form any sort of intimate connection, find a connection in eachother.
Max can't keep his hands off Valentin, even when he's been warned that the gorgeous Russian dancer is basically the property of a sadistic bratva named Dimitry.
The story has good flow, and is engaging, if you enjoy angst and mafia stories, you'll enjoy this. There is a hard won hea, fear not.
Extra Notes:
Dimitry is basically running a male prostitution ring with the dancers. I'm not going to give further information or spoilers, but that's my notification for non-con and solicitation outside the main pairing. There is also mention of grooming and predatory behavior prior to the current storyline, pertaining to an mc.
Reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion.
Stylistically, this is exactly the sort of writing I enjoy most -- immersive, dry, witty, and a bit twisted.
Genres: Gay Romance, Thriller, Mafia, Suspense
Two talented alpha men, both used to tepid one night stands with boringly average partners, too wrapped up in masks and past hurts to form any sort of intimate connection, find a connection in eachother.
Max can't keep his hands off Valentin, even when he's been warned that the gorgeous Russian dancer is basically the property of a sadistic bratva named Dimitry.
The story has good flow, and is engaging, if you enjoy angst and mafia stories, you'll enjoy this. There is a hard won hea, fear not.
Extra Notes:
Dimitry is basically running a male prostitution ring with the dancers. I'm not going to give further information or spoilers, but that's my notification for non-con and solicitation outside the main pairing. There is also mention of grooming and predatory behavior prior to the current storyline, pertaining to an mc.
March 18, 2021
I liked this book so much more than I thought I would honestly. Both MC's were flawed but very likable. I didn't even mind the violence.
February 14, 2019
This was a very good romantic/suspense story. I grabbed it for having a ballet dancer protagonist and the hint of Russian mobster types. A hurt/comfort trope is also one of my favorites. Max is a sound technician where Valentin is dancing and he’s unexpectedly attracted to the seemingly arrogant dancer. Valentin uses a cold, emotionless manner to hide his feelings from his demanding, heartless investor/manager, Dmitry. The characters are built up well with alternating viewpoints, internal thoughts and dialogues. The plot isn’t terribly sophisticated but the uncertainty and tension was quite gripping right up to the conclusion. I liked that the author didn’t make Valentin’s interaction with Dmitry too disturbing. Bad enough but not as terrible as it first appeared, though there was some violence later on towards Max. The culmination was different than I expected, without entirely satisfying results for Dmitry but it worked for the storyline. The ending and epilogue was nicely done with a glimpse of the future and an HEA. Recommended.
March 3, 2019
Meh. This book was ok, I was somewhat entertained but... it didn’t really work for me in a variety of ways.
The main characters were just ok. I didn’t specifically dislike the MCs, but I didn’t really like either of them either. I didn’t feel or understand the chemistry between them. Maybe that’s just a me thing though, I don’t tend to appreciate cold/haughty/bossy characters even when those traits are used as cover for insecurity.
I also didn’t buy many aspects of the plot. I didn’t necessarily find it completely incredible but it didn’t feel very believable either. Especially the resolution with Dmitry, it felt WAY too convenient and easy.
I loved the idea of a ballet dancer as an MC so I was disappointed that the story fell so flat for me.
Actual rating 2.5 stars
If you enjoy tsundere characters and have KU, it may be worth checking out.
The main characters were just ok. I didn’t specifically dislike the MCs, but I didn’t really like either of them either. I didn’t feel or understand the chemistry between them. Maybe that’s just a me thing though, I don’t tend to appreciate cold/haughty/bossy characters even when those traits are used as cover for insecurity.
I also didn’t buy many aspects of the plot. I didn’t necessarily find it completely incredible but it didn’t feel very believable either. Especially the resolution with Dmitry, it felt WAY too convenient and easy.
I loved the idea of a ballet dancer as an MC so I was disappointed that the story fell so flat for me.
Actual rating 2.5 stars
If you enjoy tsundere characters and have KU, it may be worth checking out.
October 30, 2020
3.5 stars. Don't know what I was expecting when I went into this but I wasn't prepared how intense and sometimes brutal this was. This is not a cute cozy reading (or listening, I listen to this), the romance was bit cute yes but big part of the books revolves around mafia and grit. I wasn't prepared! But it was good and I enjoyed the audiobook a lot.
January 21, 2020
One of my favourite books I have read this month.
March 1, 2020
Enjoyed reading this - a new author to lookout for.
July 1, 2020
4 e mezzo
Una gran bella lettura con dei bei personaggi e una scrittura che ti trascina, ti incuriosisce e ti spinge a volerne sapere sempre di più.
Senza nulla togliere a Max, chi spicca e brilla è senza dubbio Valentin.
Valentin. Una star, una diva altezzosa, un ballerino superbo. È saccente, egocentrico, sempre pronto a risposte altezzose e urticanti. Ma non è solo questo, ovviamente.
Dietro a un atteggiamento portato avanti con meticolosità, c'è la sua storia.
Una caratterizzazione perfetta.
Avevo delle riserve a inizio libro su come sarebbe stata gestita la Bratva, ma devo dire che anche in questo caso l'autrice è stata coerente e precisa, gestendola nel migliore dei modi.
Non mancheranno i sorrisi, ma nemmeno i punti in cui lo stomaco si stritola di fronte a certe battute. Perché l'amore ha varie forme e declinazioni, e per come la penso io, un ti amo è inutile è superfluo a volte. Conta ben altro, e Max e Valentin ne sono la prova.
Una gran bella lettura con dei bei personaggi e una scrittura che ti trascina, ti incuriosisce e ti spinge a volerne sapere sempre di più.
Senza nulla togliere a Max, chi spicca e brilla è senza dubbio Valentin.
Valentin. Una star, una diva altezzosa, un ballerino superbo. È saccente, egocentrico, sempre pronto a risposte altezzose e urticanti. Ma non è solo questo, ovviamente.
Dietro a un atteggiamento portato avanti con meticolosità, c'è la sua storia.
Una caratterizzazione perfetta.
Avevo delle riserve a inizio libro su come sarebbe stata gestita la Bratva, ma devo dire che anche in questo caso l'autrice è stata coerente e precisa, gestendola nel migliore dei modi.
Non mancheranno i sorrisi, ma nemmeno i punti in cui lo stomaco si stritola di fronte a certe battute. Perché l'amore ha varie forme e declinazioni, e per come la penso io, un ti amo è inutile è superfluo a volte. Conta ben altro, e Max e Valentin ne sono la prova.
March 19, 2020
Entertaining story and well-read, though the chosen Russian accent is not what I would call a 'slight accent'.
I wondered if I would move to the 'love this' team or the 'hate this' team. I chose to be mediocre.
I enjoyed listening but the tone was set in the first few pages when the mobster was described as a muscled huge Russian called Igor with a scar across his face. It set the tone for the whole novel. Stereotypes and clichés, even in the wording. In the end, some plot holes appeared and it all came together with some luck, coincidences, and negligence by the author.
I wondered if I would move to the 'love this' team or the 'hate this' team. I chose to be mediocre.
I enjoyed listening but the tone was set in the first few pages when the mobster was described as a muscled huge Russian called Igor with a scar across his face. It set the tone for the whole novel. Stereotypes and clichés, even in the wording. In the end, some plot holes appeared and it all came together with some luck, coincidences, and negligence by the author.
June 2, 2019
What an incredible story. A dancer stuck under the thumb of someone contained in the Russian mafia and a sound engineer who sees too much. It was warned to Max to stay away from Valentin but he couldn't. Especially when mib boss Dmitry treated him so badly. Things didn't go well for Max, but with a little help from some unknown sources, Valentin was able to free himself and Max to hopefully start a better life. If it's not too good to be true. A great great story.
May 23, 2019
4.5 stars
Beautiful! I love this author's writting style, and this book was proof how well it works for me: Sweetness and darkness in perfect balance, a bit of angst, a bit of drama and suspense, and two characters who fit perfectly together. A bit more depth into the MCs' background and character, especially Valentin's, would make take this straight to my keepers shelf, but it was extremely enjoyable anyway.
Beautiful! I love this author's writting style, and this book was proof how well it works for me: Sweetness and darkness in perfect balance, a bit of angst, a bit of drama and suspense, and two characters who fit perfectly together. A bit more depth into the MCs' background and character, especially Valentin's, would make take this straight to my keepers shelf, but it was extremely enjoyable anyway.
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