What do you think?
Rate this book
Too Far #2
A Step too Far
Two men. Three identities. An unstoppable attraction.
Desperate for his luck to change, Jake Spencer manages to land a dance contract with Dmitry Gruzdev. The job has plenty of perks, including a simmering lust between him and Dmitry's hulking brute of a bodyguard, Mikhail. Life is finally looking up. Except as the shine wears off, it becomes clear that Jake's stepped into a world of darkness and depravity where Bratva answers to no one and allies are not what they seem.
Mikhail's hiding a secret: there is no Mikhail. He's simply a front for undercover operative, Ryan Harris. A means to gain access to Dmitry. Ryan's not stupid. There's no way he's going to get distracted by a pretty face, no matter how attractive Jake might be. That would be far too dangerous for all concerned. Only it's not that simple and before Ryan knows it, the line between personal and professional begins to blur spectacularly.
Lust develops into more. Secrets start to unravel. Ryan's got an impossible choice to make: keep Jake safe or maintain his cover. But how much does Dmitry know? The hunted may be about to become the hunter, blowing both men's worlds to pieces and leaving them with nothing.
Can a relationship built on lies ever lead to love?
Warning: This book contains a seductive dancer prone to getting into trouble, a gruff man who's anything but, and a villain who just won't go away.
Desperate for his luck to change, Jake Spencer manages to land a dance contract with Dmitry Gruzdev. The job has plenty of perks, including a simmering lust between him and Dmitry's hulking brute of a bodyguard, Mikhail. Life is finally looking up. Except as the shine wears off, it becomes clear that Jake's stepped into a world of darkness and depravity where Bratva answers to no one and allies are not what they seem.
Mikhail's hiding a secret: there is no Mikhail. He's simply a front for undercover operative, Ryan Harris. A means to gain access to Dmitry. Ryan's not stupid. There's no way he's going to get distracted by a pretty face, no matter how attractive Jake might be. That would be far too dangerous for all concerned. Only it's not that simple and before Ryan knows it, the line between personal and professional begins to blur spectacularly.
Lust develops into more. Secrets start to unravel. Ryan's got an impossible choice to make: keep Jake safe or maintain his cover. But how much does Dmitry know? The hunted may be about to become the hunter, blowing both men's worlds to pieces and leaving them with nothing.
Can a relationship built on lies ever lead to love?
Warning: This book contains a seductive dancer prone to getting into trouble, a gruff man who's anything but, and a villain who just won't go away.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2019
41 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Day
48 books495 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.
Want to sign up for my newsletter, you can sign up here. https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Other links
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HLDay
My FB group Day's Den - https://www.facebook.com/groups/22145...
My FB page - https://www.facebook.com/HLDay/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HLDAY100
Website: https://hldayauthor.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.l.day101/...
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/h-l-day
Want to sign up for my newsletter, you can sign up here. https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Other links
Patreon https://www.patreon.com/HLDay
My FB group Day's Den - https://www.facebook.com/groups/22145...
My FB page - https://www.facebook.com/HLDay/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/HLDAY100
Website: https://hldayauthor.co.uk/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/h.l.day101/...
Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/h-l-day
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 6, 2020
Audio 5 +++ stars Brad King continues to impress! 😍❤
Story 3 Strong Start, Weak Finish Stars
Story 3 Strong Start, Weak Finish Stars
June 4, 2019
One audition and Jake is in. A contract signed for a great dance future. He thought so.
Only, Jake is swallowed into the Dark world of Dmitry. As we can read in #1 ‘A Dance too Far’ where Valentin left a gap in Dmitry’s life, now the shark has a new fish in his net.
Mikhail is Dmitry’s bodyguard. Only Mikhail is not who he seems to be. Working as an undercover agent who has to get to Dmitry’s boss, Iosif Zhernakov to dismantle the Bratva.
He can’t get involved with Jake but oh boy it’s impossible not to. Jake is witty, vibrant and irresistible, in no time they get into each other’s pants.
Dmitry is extremely suspicious and alert, machinate to destroy. When everything turns downwards, beautiful Jake gets deeper into Dmitry’s world and Dmitry gets more and more grip.
What a rollercoaster this was, super captivating and thrilling. My heart hurt for Jake and Mikhail/Ryan. Together they were like firework, apart they were lost. This was a wonderfully written story, it had a good plot, lots of sexiness, lots of hurt and thank goodness a satisfying end.
Loved this one a lot!
Kindly received an ARC from the author
Only, Jake is swallowed into the Dark world of Dmitry. As we can read in #1 ‘A Dance too Far’ where Valentin left a gap in Dmitry’s life, now the shark has a new fish in his net.
Mikhail is Dmitry’s bodyguard. Only Mikhail is not who he seems to be. Working as an undercover agent who has to get to Dmitry’s boss, Iosif Zhernakov to dismantle the Bratva.
He can’t get involved with Jake but oh boy it’s impossible not to. Jake is witty, vibrant and irresistible, in no time they get into each other’s pants.
Dmitry is extremely suspicious and alert, machinate to destroy. When everything turns downwards, beautiful Jake gets deeper into Dmitry’s world and Dmitry gets more and more grip.
What a rollercoaster this was, super captivating and thrilling. My heart hurt for Jake and Mikhail/Ryan. Together they were like firework, apart they were lost. This was a wonderfully written story, it had a good plot, lots of sexiness, lots of hurt and thank goodness a satisfying end.
Loved this one a lot!
Kindly received an ARC from the author
November 19, 2022
3.25 stars
This was fun but a bit too insta-lovey for my tastes. So you know you can count me in when I come across the words ballet, the Russian mob, and undercover operation. But I couldn’t believe that an experienced undercover cop investigating organized crime would blow his cover so spectacularly because he was lusting after a dancer.
This was fun but a bit too insta-lovey for my tastes. So you know you can count me in when I come across the words ballet, the Russian mob, and undercover operation. But I couldn’t believe that an experienced undercover cop investigating organized crime would blow his cover so spectacularly because he was lusting after a dancer.
August 28, 2019
4.5 Stars
This was another good book to follow up A Dance Too Far. I enjoyed the darker tone of A Step Too Far, I love some sting in my reading and I got that.
Sexy
Pulls at the heartstrings
Two engaging MCs
One horrid antagonist
Valentin deserves a medal
This was another good book to follow up A Dance Too Far. I enjoyed the darker tone of A Step Too Far, I love some sting in my reading and I got that.
Sexy
Pulls at the heartstrings
Two engaging MCs
One horrid antagonist
Valentin deserves a medal
June 4, 2019
After reading book one, I wanted so much for someone to just beat the tar out of Dmitry. If you haven’t read book one, you need to or you will be lost. Also, there are some triggers. Controlling mafia boss, who has people beaten, killed, threatened, you name it. It’s a bad situation, but it’s the mafia, so hello.
I was so torn for Mikhail and Igor when I found out who they really were. They just wanted to get the job done and go home, but trying to get the info they needed was near impossible. And having to stomach what Dmitry wanted them to do or was having done around them was getting worse every day. It made them want to vomit. After helping Valentin get free in book one, one would hope that Dmitry wouldn’t pick another boy to take his place. But they were dead wrong. Jake runs in, disrupting a rehearsal to audition for Valentin’s spot. And Mikhail/Ryan was immediately smitten. But Dmitry was just as captivated. Just for different reasons. Mikhail/Ryan tried subtly to get Jake out of it, but Dmitry was too good at manipulation and Jake was now stuck in a world he wanted no part of. When he was thrown in to what was expected of him, he was shocked, disgusted and much more. But Mikhail/Ryan had to explain in any way he could, that Jake had to do this or could possibly die. But soon Jake overheard something he wasn’t supposed to and now things are getting dangerous. Dmitry has found out a lot of things and it has all went to shit. Ryan is doing everything he desperately can to save Jake, but he can’t find him and Ryan now fears the worst. But he refuses to give up. The bad part is, he may have no choice.
I don’t know how undercover cops can do their jobs when in situations like that. You know there are government people and cops undercover all over this world and I don’t know how they stomach what they have to see or do, just to stay hidden. Unfortunately, some go bad themselves. Thankfully, Ryan and George (Mikhail and Igor), but damn the stuff they had to do. And heaven forbid they make one little mistake. Their bosses were up their butts for it, when these two were the ones with their lives on the line. It’s scary stuff. Even more scary when you fall for the person you are supposed to be indifferent too. Ryan tried in so many ways to help Jake and to make it better for him, but he had to maintain his cover too. That’s the point where I’d be even more at a loss. Do you quit after so long undercover and try to make it or turn a blind eye to all that is happening, especially to the one you care for?
And Jake. Bless his heart. All he wanted to do was dance. And make it in the world of ballet. But was thrust into a world of lies and secrets and bad men. My heart broke for him, when the wool got dropped from his eyes and he really got a glimpse at what his world was now. Truly horrible. And no matter what he did, there seemed to be no way out. Trying to escape got him a beat down, so he went numb. Doing what he had to do to survive as long as he could. Completely devoid of himself. What was there to live for anyway? He couldn’t dance, was a prisoner, and the one man he cared for was told was dead. Another point in which I would wonder if life was worth it. And what decision I could make to stop it all. A harsh reality.
It’s a tough read. Life is not all sunshine and roses. It’s very far from that, in fact. But it’s a hell of a book. A hell of a series.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
I was so torn for Mikhail and Igor when I found out who they really were. They just wanted to get the job done and go home, but trying to get the info they needed was near impossible. And having to stomach what Dmitry wanted them to do or was having done around them was getting worse every day. It made them want to vomit. After helping Valentin get free in book one, one would hope that Dmitry wouldn’t pick another boy to take his place. But they were dead wrong. Jake runs in, disrupting a rehearsal to audition for Valentin’s spot. And Mikhail/Ryan was immediately smitten. But Dmitry was just as captivated. Just for different reasons. Mikhail/Ryan tried subtly to get Jake out of it, but Dmitry was too good at manipulation and Jake was now stuck in a world he wanted no part of. When he was thrown in to what was expected of him, he was shocked, disgusted and much more. But Mikhail/Ryan had to explain in any way he could, that Jake had to do this or could possibly die. But soon Jake overheard something he wasn’t supposed to and now things are getting dangerous. Dmitry has found out a lot of things and it has all went to shit. Ryan is doing everything he desperately can to save Jake, but he can’t find him and Ryan now fears the worst. But he refuses to give up. The bad part is, he may have no choice.
I don’t know how undercover cops can do their jobs when in situations like that. You know there are government people and cops undercover all over this world and I don’t know how they stomach what they have to see or do, just to stay hidden. Unfortunately, some go bad themselves. Thankfully, Ryan and George (Mikhail and Igor), but damn the stuff they had to do. And heaven forbid they make one little mistake. Their bosses were up their butts for it, when these two were the ones with their lives on the line. It’s scary stuff. Even more scary when you fall for the person you are supposed to be indifferent too. Ryan tried in so many ways to help Jake and to make it better for him, but he had to maintain his cover too. That’s the point where I’d be even more at a loss. Do you quit after so long undercover and try to make it or turn a blind eye to all that is happening, especially to the one you care for?
And Jake. Bless his heart. All he wanted to do was dance. And make it in the world of ballet. But was thrust into a world of lies and secrets and bad men. My heart broke for him, when the wool got dropped from his eyes and he really got a glimpse at what his world was now. Truly horrible. And no matter what he did, there seemed to be no way out. Trying to escape got him a beat down, so he went numb. Doing what he had to do to survive as long as he could. Completely devoid of himself. What was there to live for anyway? He couldn’t dance, was a prisoner, and the one man he cared for was told was dead. Another point in which I would wonder if life was worth it. And what decision I could make to stop it all. A harsh reality.
It’s a tough read. Life is not all sunshine and roses. It’s very far from that, in fact. But it’s a hell of a book. A hell of a series.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/
June 4, 2019
Fantastic follow-up to Valentin’s story! Poor Mikhail/Ryan goes through the angst-wringer after meeting Jake, who pushes himself into Dmitry’s notice, ignorant of what he will be in for. The suspense and tension was phenomenal leading into an emotionally wrenching conclusion. It did make their time together and eventual happiness even more poignant. I got so many feels out of this story! I knew the worst would probably happen for Jake and Ryan before it got better but still was so unexpected and kept me on the edge of my seat. I do like a plot that engages me that strongly, it’s my idea of good writing. Mikhail/Ryan and Jake were well matched with decent chemistry, giving the story some real steam. Valentin and Max make an appearance from book one. I’d recommend reading A Dance too Far first for better understanding but I don’t think you’d be too lost reading as a stand-alone. A great choice for suspense aficionados.
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
*An ARC was provided by the author, publisher or a promotional service and I have chosen to publish a fair and honest review*
December 20, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
A Step Too Far is an excellent follow-up to A Dance Too Far; in fact, I think it was even better and more exciting. As I mentioned above, this book follows directly from the first one and continues the story. While there are new main characters, you really need the backstory of the first book to fully understand this one. In many ways, the premises are similar between the books — a vulnerable dancer facing a cruel master, falling in love, but being trapped and seeing no way out. What makes this book really work, however, is watching this all happen from a new perspective. First off, we know from the start that Mikhail is really Ryan. So we have a new perspective on the events from the first book, as well as what is happening here. The events from A Dance Too Far take on a new significance now that we know the truth about Mikhail. In addition, as readers, we know what fate lies before Jake, even though he does not. It makes the early part of the book when Jake is just getting involved with Dmitry so intense, as we watch him make this huge mistake and then see the horror as he slowly comes to realize what his life has become. It is really intense and Day does such a great job of using this second book to expand the world we knew and grow the story.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
A Step Too Far is an excellent follow-up to A Dance Too Far; in fact, I think it was even better and more exciting. As I mentioned above, this book follows directly from the first one and continues the story. While there are new main characters, you really need the backstory of the first book to fully understand this one. In many ways, the premises are similar between the books — a vulnerable dancer facing a cruel master, falling in love, but being trapped and seeing no way out. What makes this book really work, however, is watching this all happen from a new perspective. First off, we know from the start that Mikhail is really Ryan. So we have a new perspective on the events from the first book, as well as what is happening here. The events from A Dance Too Far take on a new significance now that we know the truth about Mikhail. In addition, as readers, we know what fate lies before Jake, even though he does not. It makes the early part of the book when Jake is just getting involved with Dmitry so intense, as we watch him make this huge mistake and then see the horror as he slowly comes to realize what his life has become. It is really intense and Day does such a great job of using this second book to expand the world we knew and grow the story.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
dnf
January 20, 2020DNF at 70%
Unfortunately, I had to put it down, because it crossed my hard limits :( Up until that point it was nice, however I just couldn't see how those two fell in love without knowing anything about each other; It was a clear case of lust mistaken for love IMHO. I'd probably rate it with 3 stars if I hadn't stopped reading.
Unfortunately, I had to put it down, because it crossed my hard limits :( Up until that point it was nice, however I just couldn't see how those two fell in love without knowing anything about each other; It was a clear case of lust mistaken for love IMHO. I'd probably rate it with 3 stars if I hadn't stopped reading.
November 24, 2025
ya just gonna leave big homie out like that. where is his love interest
June 10, 2019
Arc copy provided by H. L. Day
All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion.
This is the second of two books, and both are excellent.
If you like mafia and crime stories, absolutly give them a go.
Slimy Bratva boss Dmitry is back, and he's finally found a new dancer -- Jake.
Jake is broke, has no family, he's desperate for somewhere to stay, exactly the kind of man Dmitry can break.
Dimitry's hired muscle are undercover operatives who have grown hardened to the things they've seen, until Jake gets under Mikheil's skin, and finds Ryan, a man who can only do so much to help him without blowing their operation wide open.
Warning: This is no fairytale. There's some dub-con between Jake and Ryan, initially. There's non-con between Jake and Dimitry's Johns. There is abuse, non-con, mind games and imprisonment. But most of all there is a good, solid story. There is resolution, romance, a rescue, and, there is more Valentin. You do need to read the two books in order for them to really make sense. Not a standalone.
5/5
All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion.
This is the second of two books, and both are excellent.
If you like mafia and crime stories, absolutly give them a go.
Slimy Bratva boss Dmitry is back, and he's finally found a new dancer -- Jake.
Jake is broke, has no family, he's desperate for somewhere to stay, exactly the kind of man Dmitry can break.
Dimitry's hired muscle are undercover operatives who have grown hardened to the things they've seen, until Jake gets under Mikheil's skin, and finds Ryan, a man who can only do so much to help him without blowing their operation wide open.
Warning: This is no fairytale. There's some dub-con between Jake and Ryan, initially. There's non-con between Jake and Dimitry's Johns. There is abuse, non-con, mind games and imprisonment. But most of all there is a good, solid story. There is resolution, romance, a rescue, and, there is more Valentin. You do need to read the two books in order for them to really make sense. Not a standalone.
5/5
March 29, 2021
4.5🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
July 8, 2021
I did end up enjoying it more. Maybe because I was a little more invested in the story as I had read the first and therefore was more prepared for it.
June 13, 2019
Enjoyed the first half. Hated the rest.
June 4, 2019
Wow, talk about a book with many twist and turns. This is what I would call both a love story and a dark read read in one. I was blown away with how the main characters where able to try and still find the good in things even after all the bad that they went through. I guess the saying “love conquers all” is true in the case of these two men. This book is both heartbreaking and incredible at the same time. Jake, one of the main characters definitely proves just how strong he is with all that he has to endure before he is able to finally have his true happiness in the end.
Jake is a very much naive person. He is in over his head with bills and trying to make it as a dancer. So when he pushes himself into what he hopes will land him a job as a dancer he never expected to be offered something so much more. That old saying “when it seems to be too good to be true” well this turns out to be the case and Jake should have ran the opposite direction as soon as the proposal was on the table.
Mikhail is a Russian mob henchmen and a body guard for Dmitry. Dmitry treats his “boys” as properly when really he makes them into his whore. The last boy he had was Valentin but he was able to escape Dmitry with help. So when Jake wonders in and Dmitry decides to make him his new boy, Mikhail tries to warm him off without Dmitry being aware. Mikhail hates the way he is with his boys and he does not want to see Jake turned into that. The fact that he is attracted to him as well does not help matters either.
All Mikhail can do is try to protect Jake without letting on that he is doing so. Or at least until Mikhail can get Jake out and with the information that Mikhail needs to shed the whole Mikhail persona. Mikhail is not who he seems to be, but rather his real name is Ryan and he is undercover trying to get the goods on Dmitry and who the higher ups are above him.
The closer that Ryan gets to Jake the more dangerous the situation is and when Dmitry finds out Ryan’s true identity, someone may not walk away with their life. But the question is can Ryan protect the man he is falling in love with? Will Jake be able to get out of Dmitry’s clutches without turning into someone else?
This was a great read that has dangerous situations. I enjoyed how it played out in the end. Like I said this booknis on the dark side of things but it has a happy ending. I look forward to more books in this series if there is to be any. Definitely a recommended read!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Jake is a very much naive person. He is in over his head with bills and trying to make it as a dancer. So when he pushes himself into what he hopes will land him a job as a dancer he never expected to be offered something so much more. That old saying “when it seems to be too good to be true” well this turns out to be the case and Jake should have ran the opposite direction as soon as the proposal was on the table.
Mikhail is a Russian mob henchmen and a body guard for Dmitry. Dmitry treats his “boys” as properly when really he makes them into his whore. The last boy he had was Valentin but he was able to escape Dmitry with help. So when Jake wonders in and Dmitry decides to make him his new boy, Mikhail tries to warm him off without Dmitry being aware. Mikhail hates the way he is with his boys and he does not want to see Jake turned into that. The fact that he is attracted to him as well does not help matters either.
All Mikhail can do is try to protect Jake without letting on that he is doing so. Or at least until Mikhail can get Jake out and with the information that Mikhail needs to shed the whole Mikhail persona. Mikhail is not who he seems to be, but rather his real name is Ryan and he is undercover trying to get the goods on Dmitry and who the higher ups are above him.
The closer that Ryan gets to Jake the more dangerous the situation is and when Dmitry finds out Ryan’s true identity, someone may not walk away with their life. But the question is can Ryan protect the man he is falling in love with? Will Jake be able to get out of Dmitry’s clutches without turning into someone else?
This was a great read that has dangerous situations. I enjoyed how it played out in the end. Like I said this booknis on the dark side of things but it has a happy ending. I look forward to more books in this series if there is to be any. Definitely a recommended read!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
June 26, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-h4U
From that Review:
A Step too Far (Too Far #2) by H.L. Day picks up after the events of A Dance Too Far where Dmitry's loses his star dancer (and much more), Valentin. Valentin's escape has left a hole in Dmitry's organization as a cover, the lack of a dancer a continuing blow to the mobster's pride and other self interests and something needs to be done about it. Immediately.
Questions that Valentin asked himself in the last story were what had happened to Mikhail, the stoic Russian bodyguard who had finally risked everything to help Valentin. And why? A Step too Far gives us those answers and so much more. Including the startling information that Mikhail is actually undercover agent Ryan Harris trying to gather intel and take down a Russian gang. The toll of being Mikhail is becoming too much, he's seen and been a part of to too much. And now Dimitry has tasked him with finding Valentin's replacement.
Day actually splits this character into Mikail/Ryan, that's how it reads for most of the story because he's two completely different personalities. One cold, ruthless, and trying to being sexless. The other warm,torn, intelligent, with a conscious that's telling him he can't keep doing this no matter the end result. We see them both. First it's mostly Mikhail staying in character, then a mixture, and then finally mostly Ryan as that personality becomes dominant, dangerous while undercover.
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-h4U
From that Review:
A Step too Far (Too Far #2) by H.L. Day picks up after the events of A Dance Too Far where Dmitry's loses his star dancer (and much more), Valentin. Valentin's escape has left a hole in Dmitry's organization as a cover, the lack of a dancer a continuing blow to the mobster's pride and other self interests and something needs to be done about it. Immediately.
Questions that Valentin asked himself in the last story were what had happened to Mikhail, the stoic Russian bodyguard who had finally risked everything to help Valentin. And why? A Step too Far gives us those answers and so much more. Including the startling information that Mikhail is actually undercover agent Ryan Harris trying to gather intel and take down a Russian gang. The toll of being Mikhail is becoming too much, he's seen and been a part of to too much. And now Dimitry has tasked him with finding Valentin's replacement.
Day actually splits this character into Mikail/Ryan, that's how it reads for most of the story because he's two completely different personalities. One cold, ruthless, and trying to being sexless. The other warm,torn, intelligent, with a conscious that's telling him he can't keep doing this no matter the end result. We see them both. First it's mostly Mikhail staying in character, then a mixture, and then finally mostly Ryan as that personality becomes dominant, dangerous while undercover.
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
June 4, 2019
Oh boy how to review this.....I loved the first book and I love this one just as much but this one had my heart in my mouth a few times...Jake takes the place of Valentin and Mikhail/Ryan notices him from the start....Their relationship starts slow and weird in a way...Pushed together because of Dmitry it's an unusual relationship...I don't want to say too much and spoil it but this one is done just as good as the first...We get to see Valentin again and I'm telling you, the last part of the book you will be holding your breath and wanting to hold both Ryan and Jake tight...An amazing book and I hope sometime we get more because there's a certain someone still out there and it's not who you think x
August 12, 2022
Very average read.
Slow paced first half. This was a let down following Valentin’s book. The lack of dance in any form was disappointing.
“Dmitry was a small fish by Bratva standards, but he had teeth. Very sharp teeth, ready to rip flesh from bone if the fancy took him.”
Zero Bratva. While it’s referred to, with Dmitry being accountable to someone higher up, there’s nothing Bratva included. A safe house and vague organised party references, weren’t as in depth as book one.
It felt more of an obligation to tell Ryan’s story, not in depth, touching on how he arrived undercover.
Tense, POV, grammar issues. Told not shown. Predictable and rushed in the last 25%. 2.5⭐️
Slow paced first half. This was a let down following Valentin’s book. The lack of dance in any form was disappointing.
“Dmitry was a small fish by Bratva standards, but he had teeth. Very sharp teeth, ready to rip flesh from bone if the fancy took him.”
Zero Bratva. While it’s referred to, with Dmitry being accountable to someone higher up, there’s nothing Bratva included. A safe house and vague organised party references, weren’t as in depth as book one.
It felt more of an obligation to tell Ryan’s story, not in depth, touching on how he arrived undercover.
Tense, POV, grammar issues. Told not shown. Predictable and rushed in the last 25%. 2.5⭐️
Read
June 27, 2019Too much didn’t work, ages, cover stories, etc.
February 5, 2021
Anche questo non mi è piaciuto gran che. La parte ambientata in Russia poi è stata davvero orribile.
May 18, 2025
Meh, it felt really repetitive.
I love those angsty moments in the end, but the rest was boring following the same plot as the first book.
I love those angsty moments in the end, but the rest was boring following the same plot as the first book.
June 26, 2019
Good second book in the series.
Very well written follow up to the first book, (A Dance Too Far), in this series, this one was somewhat of an emotional roller coaster. At times a difficult to read due to a what happens to Jake, one of the MCs, however, much of this was off page, so the impact was lessened.
I'm not going to go into too much detail, suffice to say, this is about the relationship that slowly develops between Jake and Mikhail and the impact it has on both their lives, in particular Jake's. Valentin and Max from the first book play a significant part in the story. It was good to see Valentin hadn't changed much.
I can't say I truly enjoyed the story, (kudos to the author for all the feels), however, I got a lot of satisfaction from it. I certainly don't regret reading it, and despite the angst I would recommend it. In fact I'd recommend both books. I'm interested to see how things will end in the next book. 4 and a half stars.
Very well written follow up to the first book, (A Dance Too Far), in this series, this one was somewhat of an emotional roller coaster. At times a difficult to read due to a what happens to Jake, one of the MCs, however, much of this was off page, so the impact was lessened.
I'm not going to go into too much detail, suffice to say, this is about the relationship that slowly develops between Jake and Mikhail and the impact it has on both their lives, in particular Jake's. Valentin and Max from the first book play a significant part in the story. It was good to see Valentin hadn't changed much.
I can't say I truly enjoyed the story, (kudos to the author for all the feels), however, I got a lot of satisfaction from it. I certainly don't regret reading it, and despite the angst I would recommend it. In fact I'd recommend both books. I'm interested to see how things will end in the next book. 4 and a half stars.
March 21, 2021
I absolutely loved Ryan. We saw there was some humanity in Mikhail in the last book, but knowing the full story now made me love him so much. I can’t imagine having to live a double life in that world. Meeting Jake three his life in a tailspin, and Dmitry was one paranoid and resourceful son of a B. I was so curious how Ryan and Jake would get their HEA. It wasn’t easy, but it was really well written. I loved seeing Valentin and Max again. I totally want to read about their dinner together. Wonderful.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by the author
June 5, 2019
I’ve been looking forward to this book. I needed to see what was going on with Mikhail and Dmitry, to see if the bad guys got what was coming to them and if the good guys triumph in the end.
The plot for A Step Too Far is exciting and suspenseful with a good pace and secondary characters that are supportive of the storyline. The author drew me into the hearts and minds of Mikhail/Ryan and Jake, making me love them even when they didn’t think they were very lovable. I could feel the pain, disillusionment, and anger they experience as they are made to play Dmitry’s games, but I could also feel the desire and budding love they cling to even as their world is upended and then demolished by Dmitry.
Even though they are not overly graphic, some of the scenes are quite hard to take. I cringe as I remember what these two men, especially Jake, are made to do to survive in their new reality. I don’t know if I love or hate the author for doing this to these characters. It makes for compelling reading, but it also hurt my heart and destroyed some of my naiveté.
There is a nice flow to the work that makes the transitions these two guys experience believable, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. There is so much pain caused by one powerful person that it is hard to wrap my mind around.
I am glad that Valentin and Max from A Dance Too Far make an appearance. Their involvement provides a catharsis of sorts for them all.
The HEA is beautiful and satisfying. There is no neat bow attached, but there is hope for the future. I am glad that these characters get another chance to be everything to each other.
I look forward to more from this author.
Merged review:
I’ve been looking forward to this book. I needed to see what was going on with Mikhail and Dmitry, to see if the bad guys got what was coming to them and if the good guys triumph in the end.
The plot for A Step Too Far is exciting and suspenseful with a good pace and secondary characters that are supportive of the storyline. The author drew me into the hearts and minds of Mikhail/Ryan and Jake, making me love them even when they didn’t think they were very lovable. I could feel the pain, disillusionment, and anger they experience as they are made to play Dmitry’s games, but I could also feel the desire and budding love they cling to even as their world is upended and then demolished by Dmitry.
Even though they are not overly graphic, some of the scenes are quite hard to take. I cringe as I remember what these two men, especially Jake, are made to do to survive in their new reality. I don’t know if I love or hate the author for doing this to these characters. It makes for compelling reading, but it also hurt my heart and destroyed some of my naiveté.
There is a nice flow to the work that makes the transitions these two guys experience believable, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. There is so much pain caused by one powerful person that it is hard to wrap my mind around.
I am glad that Valentin and Max from A Dance Too Far make an appearance. Their involvement provides a catharsis of sorts for them all.
The HEA is beautiful and satisfying. There is no neat bow attached, but there is hope for the future. I am glad that these characters get another chance to be everything to each other.
I look forward to more from this author.
The plot for A Step Too Far is exciting and suspenseful with a good pace and secondary characters that are supportive of the storyline. The author drew me into the hearts and minds of Mikhail/Ryan and Jake, making me love them even when they didn’t think they were very lovable. I could feel the pain, disillusionment, and anger they experience as they are made to play Dmitry’s games, but I could also feel the desire and budding love they cling to even as their world is upended and then demolished by Dmitry.
Even though they are not overly graphic, some of the scenes are quite hard to take. I cringe as I remember what these two men, especially Jake, are made to do to survive in their new reality. I don’t know if I love or hate the author for doing this to these characters. It makes for compelling reading, but it also hurt my heart and destroyed some of my naiveté.
There is a nice flow to the work that makes the transitions these two guys experience believable, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. There is so much pain caused by one powerful person that it is hard to wrap my mind around.
I am glad that Valentin and Max from A Dance Too Far make an appearance. Their involvement provides a catharsis of sorts for them all.
The HEA is beautiful and satisfying. There is no neat bow attached, but there is hope for the future. I am glad that these characters get another chance to be everything to each other.
I look forward to more from this author.
Merged review:
I’ve been looking forward to this book. I needed to see what was going on with Mikhail and Dmitry, to see if the bad guys got what was coming to them and if the good guys triumph in the end.
The plot for A Step Too Far is exciting and suspenseful with a good pace and secondary characters that are supportive of the storyline. The author drew me into the hearts and minds of Mikhail/Ryan and Jake, making me love them even when they didn’t think they were very lovable. I could feel the pain, disillusionment, and anger they experience as they are made to play Dmitry’s games, but I could also feel the desire and budding love they cling to even as their world is upended and then demolished by Dmitry.
Even though they are not overly graphic, some of the scenes are quite hard to take. I cringe as I remember what these two men, especially Jake, are made to do to survive in their new reality. I don’t know if I love or hate the author for doing this to these characters. It makes for compelling reading, but it also hurt my heart and destroyed some of my naiveté.
There is a nice flow to the work that makes the transitions these two guys experience believable, heartwarming, and heartbreaking. There is so much pain caused by one powerful person that it is hard to wrap my mind around.
I am glad that Valentin and Max from A Dance Too Far make an appearance. Their involvement provides a catharsis of sorts for them all.
The HEA is beautiful and satisfying. There is no neat bow attached, but there is hope for the future. I am glad that these characters get another chance to be everything to each other.
I look forward to more from this author.
June 3, 2019
4.5 🌟 rounded up
Although this book technically could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading A Dance Too Far, the first book in this series. A Step Too Far picks up following the events of book one.
The characters are given enough depth to be relatable, but Mikhail/Ryan was introduced in the first book. Basically everything you need to know from before is touched upon, but his character development is much more detailed here. We know bits and pieces of Jake's past, but the character development of the time of this story is pretty complete.
This book is filled with danger and suspense, love and torture (wrapped up with a pretty bow), and fear and deception. Dmitry has lost his hold over Valenten, and has made it his mission to find another dancer to replace him...in every way.
Jake is a struggling dancer, unable to make the rent, but unwilling to stoop to the landlord's "offer" for a compromise. He gets a tip that Valenten is no longer dancing for Dmitry, so he finds a way to audition for the man. Dmitry offers to meet with him, and soon Dmitry has all the information he needs before making an offer.
Mikhail/Ryan is one of Dmitry's thugs, but he is more than meets the eye. He attempts to warn Jake about the contract, but is cut short. When Jake reads through the contract, it doesn't sit well with him, but Dmitry used deceitful tactics to convince him to sign.
It doesn't take long for Jake to realize his mistake, but by then it is too late. However, he was able to get past the stoic Mikhail's defenses, so at least he has a little release. What he eventually learns is that Mikhail and Ryan are two very different people.
When the deception is revealed, the MCs lives are changed drastically. Jake must learn to live by Dmitry's rules, and Ryan must fix his mistakes. Eventually, Ryan seeks out help from a special guest star, and dramatic events take place. However, the Jake Ryan last knew has been through too much, and he fears he may never get his Jake back. This is the only part I have a problem with in the story: in a very short time, Jake begins to recover, and they get their HEA.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
Although this book technically could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading A Dance Too Far, the first book in this series. A Step Too Far picks up following the events of book one.
The characters are given enough depth to be relatable, but Mikhail/Ryan was introduced in the first book. Basically everything you need to know from before is touched upon, but his character development is much more detailed here. We know bits and pieces of Jake's past, but the character development of the time of this story is pretty complete.
This book is filled with danger and suspense, love and torture (wrapped up with a pretty bow), and fear and deception. Dmitry has lost his hold over Valenten, and has made it his mission to find another dancer to replace him...in every way.
Jake is a struggling dancer, unable to make the rent, but unwilling to stoop to the landlord's "offer" for a compromise. He gets a tip that Valenten is no longer dancing for Dmitry, so he finds a way to audition for the man. Dmitry offers to meet with him, and soon Dmitry has all the information he needs before making an offer.
Mikhail/Ryan is one of Dmitry's thugs, but he is more than meets the eye. He attempts to warn Jake about the contract, but is cut short. When Jake reads through the contract, it doesn't sit well with him, but Dmitry used deceitful tactics to convince him to sign.
It doesn't take long for Jake to realize his mistake, but by then it is too late. However, he was able to get past the stoic Mikhail's defenses, so at least he has a little release. What he eventually learns is that Mikhail and Ryan are two very different people.
When the deception is revealed, the MCs lives are changed drastically. Jake must learn to live by Dmitry's rules, and Ryan must fix his mistakes. Eventually, Ryan seeks out help from a special guest star, and dramatic events take place. However, the Jake Ryan last knew has been through too much, and he fears he may never get his Jake back. This is the only part I have a problem with in the story: in a very short time, Jake begins to recover, and they get their HEA.
Happy reading!
* I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving my honest review. *
June 6, 2019
This sequel to A Dance Too Far was as heartbreaking and wonderful as the first book. Bodyguard/babysitter/enforcer Mikhail, who surprisingly helped Valentin and Max in book one, turned out to be undercover cop Ryan Harris. Ryan's head and heart were at odds when he was driven to help that couple, but that was nothing compared to his feelings when he met dancer Jake Spencer. Jake was confident, funny, and snarky - all things Ryan knew would change after a very short time spent under Dmitry's control. After two years undercover, which he had already endangered, Ryan was forced to watch the man he'd quickly come to care about begin to lose his spark as he became a possession to Dmitry, to be mistreated or given to other men as he chose.
This book was so hard to read at times because it made me devastated and angry for poor Jake. I was sad for Ryan and his feelings of helplessness, but I cried and felt sick over the man Jake was forced to become to save himself. The bright spots of this story were the one-on-one moments between Ryan and Jake, especially away from Dmitry's surveillance. They were so perfect together. I loved both men, and I just wanted them to have a happy ending, dammit! They had to work so hard to try to get to that point. I never lost interest or faith that they'd get there, but my heart ached at the agony they each had to endure. What a brilliant story this was, especially when combined with book one.
I enthusiastically recommend both A Dance Too Far and A Step Too Far to those who can handle a main character who has to endure nonconsensual activities before finding his happy ending. As I said at the start of this review, it was both heartbreaking and wonderful. The author did a fantastic job making me fall in love alongside the main characters.
This book was so hard to read at times because it made me devastated and angry for poor Jake. I was sad for Ryan and his feelings of helplessness, but I cried and felt sick over the man Jake was forced to become to save himself. The bright spots of this story were the one-on-one moments between Ryan and Jake, especially away from Dmitry's surveillance. They were so perfect together. I loved both men, and I just wanted them to have a happy ending, dammit! They had to work so hard to try to get to that point. I never lost interest or faith that they'd get there, but my heart ached at the agony they each had to endure. What a brilliant story this was, especially when combined with book one.
I enthusiastically recommend both A Dance Too Far and A Step Too Far to those who can handle a main character who has to endure nonconsensual activities before finding his happy ending. As I said at the start of this review, it was both heartbreaking and wonderful. The author did a fantastic job making me fall in love alongside the main characters.
August 3, 2022
This story was heartbreaking but I loved it. Jake and Ryan really were amazing. It’s the second book in the Too Far duet. A forbidden, mafia romance, it was definitely dark, check TWs. Ryan (Mikhail, as he was known in the first book) is a cop, he’s been deep undercover, working Dimitry’s organization, trying to find out information about the higher ups. Jake is a down on his luck dancer, just hoping to get his big break, when he hears that Valentin is no longer with Dimitry due to an injury, he thinks it’s his chance, if only he proves that he deserves a shot. But unfortunately he doesn’t know who Dimitry really is or what he just agreed to.
Honestly, I wasn’t fully sure how I felt during the first half of the book. I really loved Jake right away, but I wish there had been a little more “wining and dining.” Dimitry was the villain and it would have been great to see a little more of his evilness, instead of just kind of disappearing.
The second half was intense! I was holding my breath and felt so bad for Jake. But again, I just wish there was a little more during his time with Dimitry. Jake was kidnapped and forced into some horrible things for months (TW: SA), I would have liked to see his slow acceptance of this new life.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. I loved Jake and Ryan. I especially loved that it didn’t end immediately after Jake was rescued and it showed what it was like for Jake dealing with his trauma.
Honestly, I wasn’t fully sure how I felt during the first half of the book. I really loved Jake right away, but I wish there had been a little more “wining and dining.” Dimitry was the villain and it would have been great to see a little more of his evilness, instead of just kind of disappearing.
The second half was intense! I was holding my breath and felt so bad for Jake. But again, I just wish there was a little more during his time with Dimitry. Jake was kidnapped and forced into some horrible things for months (TW: SA), I would have liked to see his slow acceptance of this new life.
Overall, I really did enjoy this book. I loved Jake and Ryan. I especially loved that it didn’t end immediately after Jake was rescued and it showed what it was like for Jake dealing with his trauma.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2019
How do you not fall in love with a winsome, beautiful dancer who grabs your heartstrings and never lets go? Mikhail tries, but Jake Spencer does and now Mikhail has to try and keep him safe, while he does his job as an uncover cop. His partner, George, tries to help, but the evilness that is Dmitry and Bratva are a force to reckon with and soon Jake is taken down a road of darkness that is almost more than his mind and soul can survive. Mikhail is really Ryan, but who is it that Jake falls in love with? Jake disappears after a battle that almost takes out George and Mikhail is left desperate to find his beloved. On a hunt for six months to find him, will he get his Jake back? Will Dmitry finally fall? An excellent book that follows a "A Dance too Far," We get to see Max and Valentin again so we can feed our Valentin fetish. There is an HEA, but is a hard fight to get it. I knew there was an HEA at the end, but the author a is so good, I was almost convinced it wouldn't happen. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves suspense, drama, severe PTSD, undercover agents, evil criminals and HEAs. I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC book.
June 9, 2019
Highly recommend reading A Dance Too Far first
I've been hoping to learn more about Mikhail since he helped Valentin in book 1 of this series and was not disappointed. Early we learn Mikhail is actually Ryan, who is working undercover to take down Dmitry's assumed boss from within Bratva. Of course working undercover comes with a lot of ethical gray areas, and while Mikhail is not affected by any of it, Ryan certainly is. Now that Dmitry's pet dancer is gone, he needs a replacement: enter Jake, who Ryan is taken with from the moment he lays eyes on the dancer, but now he (as Mikhail) is responsible for watching him, in effect keeping him captive and obeying Dmitry. Content warning for human trafficking/nonconsensual sex/abuse/violence. I connected with these characters more strongly than I did Valentin and Max in the first book, and was emotional when time leapt forward. 4.5/5 stars
I've been hoping to learn more about Mikhail since he helped Valentin in book 1 of this series and was not disappointed. Early we learn Mikhail is actually Ryan, who is working undercover to take down Dmitry's assumed boss from within Bratva. Of course working undercover comes with a lot of ethical gray areas, and while Mikhail is not affected by any of it, Ryan certainly is. Now that Dmitry's pet dancer is gone, he needs a replacement: enter Jake, who Ryan is taken with from the moment he lays eyes on the dancer, but now he (as Mikhail) is responsible for watching him, in effect keeping him captive and obeying Dmitry. Content warning for human trafficking/nonconsensual sex/abuse/violence. I connected with these characters more strongly than I did Valentin and Max in the first book, and was emotional when time leapt forward. 4.5/5 stars
June 3, 2019
There's bad guys that you root for and who captures your heart and then there's Dmirty. If you hated him in A Dance too Far it's only going to multiply in this book.
Jake is a dancer in desperate need of a break and you're right there with Ryan ( undercover cop posing as Mikhail) praying that he doesn't catches Dmitrys eyes when he auditions for the position Valentin left wide open. But neither my or Ryan's prayers where heard and Jake soon discovers that there are way worse things than a sleezy landlord and being broke.
And for Ryan it's just another round of torture to not being able to warn him after everything he watched Valentin go through.
I felt so bad for both Ryan and Jake especially when they started to feel for each other and Dmitry kept playing his sick games.
I was in a loop of hope, dread, tears, feelings and back to hope the whole book and I loved every minute of it.
I'm so happy that we got to see Valentin and Max again and see that Valentin got the ending he deserved.
Jake is a dancer in desperate need of a break and you're right there with Ryan ( undercover cop posing as Mikhail) praying that he doesn't catches Dmitrys eyes when he auditions for the position Valentin left wide open. But neither my or Ryan's prayers where heard and Jake soon discovers that there are way worse things than a sleezy landlord and being broke.
And for Ryan it's just another round of torture to not being able to warn him after everything he watched Valentin go through.
I felt so bad for both Ryan and Jake especially when they started to feel for each other and Dmitry kept playing his sick games.
I was in a loop of hope, dread, tears, feelings and back to hope the whole book and I loved every minute of it.
I'm so happy that we got to see Valentin and Max again and see that Valentin got the ending he deserved.
June 6, 2019
A Step Too Far, the second book in the Too Far series, is an exciting romance/thriller by HL Day.
Mikhail/Ryan is undercover, trying to get proof of Dmitry's connection to the Russian mob. But when Jake's hired as one of Dmitry's new dancers, things get complicated. Ryan may be undercover, but he's falling hard for the dancer. As Ryan and Jake act on their attraction, lines get blurred.
The pace is great, the writing is wonderful, and the storyline's a whole lot of fun. Their story is full of desire, self-hatred, and a whole lot of action. The suspense is non-stop, as the writing is sharp and on-point. Overall, their relationship is very complicated and they have to deal with conflicts and self loathing.
If you enjoy thrillers, I would definitely recommend A Step too Far. HL Day fantastically weaves a great suspenseful story with plenty of love and emotions involved.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews