Review by Cam: Dangerously Happy by Varian Krylov

Title: Dangerously Happy

Author: Varian Krylov

Publisher: Self Published

Rating: 4/5 Smooches

Blurb: 

Aidan has always played it safe. Instead of pursuing his dream of creating innovative music that makes his soul sing, he settled for a degree in software, a job in a cubicle, and a spot in a generic band with his buddies. 

And he's always been straight. But when he's seduced by magnetic local literary luminary Dario, Aidan must decide whether to keep playing it safe, or succumb to a ravenous passion and a nourishing love unlike anything he's experienced before. Will he find the courage to go after real happiness if it means admitting he's in love with a man? 

Their journey together isn't easy. Sometimes it isn't safe. Even if Aidan has the courage to admit he's in love with Dario, can he endure the repercussions of the traumatic event in Dario's past? 

This novel has mature content and is intended for readers over the age of eighteen. Although this is a story about two men falling in love, there are extended, explicit sex scenes, including some BDSM, m/m/m and m/m/f scenes. There are references to sexual violence which may be a trigger for some readers, although there is no graphic depiction of rape in the book.

Review

This is a new author to me. Mostly because, I believe this is her first foray into m/m. The book was pretty well written. There were some minor editing things, but it didn’t detract from the book too much.  The formatting did hit upon one of my pet peeves… At 83%, the story was over and the rest was excerpts and filler. I dislike that.

This is a GFY (gay for you) story, but done a little bit differently. Aiden is straight (or so he thinks). Dario is gay and out. When they hook up, it’s this big secret. It doesn’t seem to bother Dario so much, but Aiden is jealous, and very conscious of what he believes Dario is giving up by the hiding of their relationship. There are also several sub-plots running through this, with BDSM elements, and rape, and threesomes with both a woman and another man. There is a lot going on.

I think that Ms. Krylov juggled it all with grace. The story was very erotic. There is a lot of sex. Sex is what binds the story together, and all of it moved the plot forward. Neither of the characters are perfect. They both have hang ups. They both make mistakes. I liked that most of their family and friends seemed to take everything in stride. There was no big, “You’re gay, we hate you, scene.” I know that it is common, but it’s nice to see a story that didn’t do it. (coming from someone who stressed over coming out, only to find no one cared)

The ending was sweet, and simple. I loved it. I also loved that this story was written in first person from Aiden’s point of view. You are actually quite a ways into the book before you even find out Aiden’s name. I am very much looking forward to seeing more m/m by this author. I hope she continues to write and grow in the genre. 

** Images with excerpts borrowed from the Author's facebook 

** Thank you to Varian Krylov for providing us with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review

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