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Falling in Love with Crazy
Economics professor Ryuu Tanaka suffers through the embarrassment of playing softball with his students to get closer to the man sitting under a nearby tree. Ryuu finds Daniel to be more attractive, more intelligent, and more mysterious than any human being has a right to be. Despite the fact Daniel isn't gay, possibly isn't all there, and isn't interested in any future conversations, Ryuu has no intention of letting Daniel walk out of his life for good.
Avoiding arrest as a stalker is only the first hurdle Ryuu must overcome to be with Daniel. Once he does, their friendship quickly turns into a love that has Ryuu planning long nights with the perpetually horny and submissive Daniel bound and at his mercy. But Daniel's failing mental stability forces Ryuu to delve into Daniel's past. Ryuu learns Daniel's real last name, the possibility of a child and that the man in his bed may not be Daniel at all.
Ryuu is desperate to keep the certifiably insane Daniel from slipping into his fantasy world with Armor, the version of Ryuu Daniel has created in his mind, but a homicidal student with a crush has other plans.
Avoiding arrest as a stalker is only the first hurdle Ryuu must overcome to be with Daniel. Once he does, their friendship quickly turns into a love that has Ryuu planning long nights with the perpetually horny and submissive Daniel bound and at his mercy. But Daniel's failing mental stability forces Ryuu to delve into Daniel's past. Ryuu learns Daniel's real last name, the possibility of a child and that the man in his bed may not be Daniel at all.
Ryuu is desperate to keep the certifiably insane Daniel from slipping into his fantasy world with Armor, the version of Ryuu Daniel has created in his mind, but a homicidal student with a crush has other plans.
240 pages, ebook
First published May 13, 2013
3 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Dane Waters
2 books14 followers In July 2007, I had a dream; just random images of people and places that seemed familiar. It woke me up that night, and every one after until I was getting no sleep at all. I turned to the only genius I know. As usual, my sister (Author - Qwillia Rain) had great advice. "Write it down. Get it out of your head, and you'll be fine."
I spent hours typing that story out of my head, but it worked. That night I slept like a baby. And, that was the last good night's sleep of my life. Getting that one story out of my head paved the way for more.
Flash forward to 2024 and they're still coming. I have 100+ stories on my computer; all screaming for attention and keeping me up at night. At this point, I don't think I have a choice but to write. And, I love it.
Still, from time to time, I wonder what my life would be like if I'd just taken a sleeping pill.
Dane Waters ~
I spent hours typing that story out of my head, but it worked. That night I slept like a baby. And, that was the last good night's sleep of my life. Getting that one story out of my head paved the way for more.
Flash forward to 2024 and they're still coming. I have 100+ stories on my computer; all screaming for attention and keeping me up at night. At this point, I don't think I have a choice but to write. And, I love it.
Still, from time to time, I wonder what my life would be like if I'd just taken a sleeping pill.
Dane Waters ~
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 9, 2013
4.25*
Wow. That was a ride. I had to take a deep breath and honestly wipe a few tears away at the end of this one.
This review might be a bit spoilerish, but not much, just a few quotes to help me explain what this book did to me.
In theory I shouldn't have liked this story. It starts out light and silly, with lots of banter and crazy behavior, there is a plot twist I'm not a fan of and tons of drama and melodrama - but I did like it. A LOT.
Ryuu is a cocky, arrogant guy, sees Daniel and wants him. Sexually yes, but he will take friendship or anything he can get. I'm not sure why, besides finding him beautiful, but that ceased to matter to me.
After the first few chapters of silliness and a bit of stalkerish and pushy behavior on his part I fell for Ryuu. And I felt for him.
He had fallen in love with a very complicated and sick man.
It got serious and my heart broke a little along with Ryuu's, broke for Daniel: “Ryuu’s heart was breaking as he realized, for the first time, what crazy really was. It wasn’t cute. It wasn’t funny. It wasn’t something to joke about. It was scary as hell, and he was losing Daniel to it.”
Poor Daniel, like Ryuu, I was never really sure how far or deep his illness went. But god, I just cried for him : “I don’t understand any of it! Everything sounds different and…and the air smells wrong and nothing…nothing tastes like it’s supposed to or feels the way I think it does. It…it’s all wrong. Everything is wrong, and they wouldn’t listen. They were destroying it. They were burning the only…places I understand. Where I don’t have to be confused all the time. It makes sense there. I understand it. I was…happy there, and I want to go back. I want…I want to go back. ” Daniel sat back on his heels. “I’m tired, Ryuu. I’m tired…of being confused all the time. I’m tired of trying to make sense of it all. It’s too hard. Why can’t you understand? I don’t want to be here anymore.”
*blows nose and wipes eyes*
Then came the melodrama I could have done without, but ...oh Daniel, and poor poor Ryuu.
I think I felt more for Ryuu, because when Daniel was in his own world, he was fine there, he didn't quite know what was happening, but Ryuu..“Ryuu would take on the world for Daniel. But he couldn’t fight this.”
*sniffle*
So, like I said, I shouldn't have liked this, it was irreverent in some cases and sometimes a little OTT and had plot devices I don't go for...but..but..I felt so much while reading it, that I have to say it was a good story. It caught me and didn't let me go until I was finished, and I think it's going to stay with me a long while to come.
Wow. That was a ride. I had to take a deep breath and honestly wipe a few tears away at the end of this one.
This review might be a bit spoilerish, but not much, just a few quotes to help me explain what this book did to me.
In theory I shouldn't have liked this story. It starts out light and silly, with lots of banter and crazy behavior, there is a plot twist I'm not a fan of and tons of drama and melodrama - but I did like it. A LOT.
Ryuu is a cocky, arrogant guy, sees Daniel and wants him. Sexually yes, but he will take friendship or anything he can get. I'm not sure why, besides finding him beautiful, but that ceased to matter to me.
After the first few chapters of silliness and a bit of stalkerish and pushy behavior on his part I fell for Ryuu. And I felt for him.
He had fallen in love with a very complicated and sick man.
It got serious and my heart broke a little along with Ryuu's, broke for Daniel: “Ryuu’s heart was breaking as he realized, for the first time, what crazy really was. It wasn’t cute. It wasn’t funny. It wasn’t something to joke about. It was scary as hell, and he was losing Daniel to it.”
Poor Daniel, like Ryuu, I was never really sure how far or deep his illness went. But god, I just cried for him : “I don’t understand any of it! Everything sounds different and…and the air smells wrong and nothing…nothing tastes like it’s supposed to or feels the way I think it does. It…it’s all wrong. Everything is wrong, and they wouldn’t listen. They were destroying it. They were burning the only…places I understand. Where I don’t have to be confused all the time. It makes sense there. I understand it. I was…happy there, and I want to go back. I want…I want to go back. ” Daniel sat back on his heels. “I’m tired, Ryuu. I’m tired…of being confused all the time. I’m tired of trying to make sense of it all. It’s too hard. Why can’t you understand? I don’t want to be here anymore.”
*blows nose and wipes eyes*
Then came the melodrama I could have done without, but ...oh Daniel, and poor poor Ryuu.
I think I felt more for Ryuu, because when Daniel was in his own world, he was fine there, he didn't quite know what was happening, but Ryuu..“Ryuu would take on the world for Daniel. But he couldn’t fight this.”
*sniffle*
So, like I said, I shouldn't have liked this, it was irreverent in some cases and sometimes a little OTT and had plot devices I don't go for...but..but..I felt so much while reading it, that I have to say it was a good story. It caught me and didn't let me go until I was finished, and I think it's going to stay with me a long while to come.
May 26, 2013
Ryuu Tanaka is a popular, confident, even cocky, College professor. He spies a reserved and beautiful young man in a park and his encounter leads him to act completely out of character in his pursuit of the enigmatic Daniel.
Most of the novel is Ryuu and Daniel getting to know one another. Their conversations are quite teasing and the attraction between them, even though Daniel claims to be straight, is electric. The sex scenes are great and they really feel right and fun as a couple. Gradually however, Ryuu learns more about Daniel's condition and things start to fall apart.
I really fell for this couple and even though their love happened too quickly and the events of the story played out in too short a time period, I totally believed it. I was even a bit teary at the well-earned HEA.
Most of the novel is Ryuu and Daniel getting to know one another. Their conversations are quite teasing and the attraction between them, even though Daniel claims to be straight, is electric. The sex scenes are great and they really feel right and fun as a couple. Gradually however, Ryuu learns more about Daniel's condition and things start to fall apart.
I really fell for this couple and even though their love happened too quickly and the events of the story played out in too short a time period, I totally believed it. I was even a bit teary at the well-earned HEA.
September 11, 2013
This is another story that I have no idea how to review.
From the start I was interested in Daniel. His character was a mystery I really wanted to see unfold.
Ryuu I wasn't so sure about, at times he seemed just a little to cocky and maybe arrogant. But watching them together was fun, and I grew to like him too.
Mark was certainly a twist. Not what I was expecting and to be honest not a very believable part of the story. Without any background to him, Mark felt more like a throw away character, more a means to an end kind of thing.
Kay was again not my favorite type of female lead. She was certainly a strong character, but I'm afraid her “I know best” attitude at the end put me off her. OK I wanted to lock her in a cupboard out of the way lol.
The build up in this story was strong but I admit the ending of this book is what pushes it just that little higher than most. I can't claim to understand any of Daniels illness, but I can believe in it and in Daniel.
The scene on the beach will stay with me a long time. *happy sigh*
From the start I was interested in Daniel. His character was a mystery I really wanted to see unfold.
Ryuu I wasn't so sure about, at times he seemed just a little to cocky and maybe arrogant. But watching them together was fun, and I grew to like him too.
Mark was certainly a twist. Not what I was expecting and to be honest not a very believable part of the story. Without any background to him, Mark felt more like a throw away character, more a means to an end kind of thing.
Kay was again not my favorite type of female lead. She was certainly a strong character, but I'm afraid her “I know best” attitude at the end put me off her. OK I wanted to lock her in a cupboard out of the way lol.
The build up in this story was strong but I admit the ending of this book is what pushes it just that little higher than most. I can't claim to understand any of Daniels illness, but I can believe in it and in Daniel.
The scene on the beach will stay with me a long time. *happy sigh*
June 10, 2013
3.7 There is some fantastic dialog in this story. There are so many great moments between Ryuu and Daniel that will remind you of a championship ping pong game where the spectators heads are just whipping back and forth. I found Daniel's ability to read people very cool - very RDJ in Sherlock Holmes. Throughout the story you will be asking yourself, how much can one person take and Daniel's state of mind makes perfect sense.
Here is where most readers are going to have issue: There was not enough time. Time to really fall in love with the two MCs love story. There was not enough time for their love to marinate and for me to feel as deep in love as they were feeling. The main part of the story took place over 5 days. When one of the MCs is certifiable, I want more time with that person and the connection. The next thing that folks are not going to like, the secondary plot. I understand that Daniel's story needed a stressful catalyst and maybe if I had had more time with their relationship and watch the flavors mix more, I would not have resented its intrusion as much. With that said, it was a consistent secondary plot. The author did not spring it on us nor drop it, it was always there running along side us, which I appreciated. One last niggle - the often brought up Seme and Uke talk. It got old-actually I just did a search and it is used 14 times. Interesting that it felt more - that is probably because it was the least interesting part of the story!
I really appreciated where the story ended. I do not think I could have taken a pure HEA. I would have thrown the book to the wolves if that had happened. This also was the first time the readers had access to what was going on in Daniel's head. I can see the reason why and I can probably pick it all a part and theorize on it (and also maybe talk about why now and not earlier), but instead I will just say it worked for me. I think watching him from outside while he deteriorated helped me when we did get access to the inner workings.
It will be interesting to see what others think. I can honestly say I could straddle the fence and depending could land on either side of the 3 stars.
Here is where most readers are going to have issue: There was not enough time. Time to really fall in love with the two MCs love story. There was not enough time for their love to marinate and for me to feel as deep in love as they were feeling. The main part of the story took place over 5 days. When one of the MCs is certifiable, I want more time with that person and the connection. The next thing that folks are not going to like, the secondary plot. I understand that Daniel's story needed a stressful catalyst and maybe if I had had more time with their relationship and watch the flavors mix more, I would not have resented its intrusion as much. With that said, it was a consistent secondary plot. The author did not spring it on us nor drop it, it was always there running along side us, which I appreciated. One last niggle - the often brought up Seme and Uke talk. It got old-actually I just did a search and it is used 14 times. Interesting that it felt more - that is probably because it was the least interesting part of the story!
I really appreciated where the story ended. I do not think I could have taken a pure HEA. I would have thrown the book to the wolves if that had happened. This also was the first time the readers had access to what was going on in Daniel's head. I can see the reason why and I can probably pick it all a part and theorize on it (and also maybe talk about why now and not earlier), but instead I will just say it worked for me. I think watching him from outside while he deteriorated helped me when we did get access to the inner workings.
It will be interesting to see what others think. I can honestly say I could straddle the fence and depending could land on either side of the 3 stars.
May 27, 2013
This is a touching love story. Yes, there was the love ASAP stuff, but it's fiction. I don't mind a bit of absurd stuff in fiction. This is fluffy, MM romance. Not much sex at all. An HEA.
Want to read
September 9, 2013This sounds bananas.
June 4, 2013
Reviewed on Hearts on Fire
4.5 Stars Before I ramble on over the next few paragraphs about why this isn’t a perfect book, I should start off by saying that that didn’t stop me from falling a little in love with this story.
It’s one of those books loaded with sharp dialogue and witty repartee that got me from the start. Ryuu Tanaka is a professor at the University of Oregon. He spots a young man with long hair while jogging and is immediately captivated. When he finally gets through to him he finds out that he’s charming & funny and yes, might have some mental issues.
What this author does well through the dialogue is for us to get to know Daniel at the same time as Ryuu. And we can see why he’s so attracted. Daniel is very smart and observant & just odd in a fascinating kind of way. At one point in the story Ryuu has a big smile as he watches Daniel & I found myself mirroring that smile. It’s so infectious that you know it’s inevitable that Ryan falls hopelessly in love with him & conversely, that Daniel sees Ryan as the anchor he’s always needed. .
You can see the problems ahead as well as Ryuu gets himself involved deeper and comes to a realization about the reality of Daniel’s illness in this passage: “Ryuu’s heart was breaking as he realized, for the first time, what crazy really was. It wasn’t cute. It wasn’t funny. It wasn’t something to joke about. It was scary as hell, and he was losing Daniel to it.” And the tone of the book turns and becomes darker as Ryuu starts to see the demons inside of Daniel.
It’s an interesting story although not everything worked for me. Ryuu is half Japanese which comes into play in a couple of ways. There’s a running gag about penis size and how that’s affected by being Japanese. It’s more of a joke but I still cringed a little on that bit of racial stereotyping.
There’s also some jokes made about being a seme and a uke which is apparently some anime & Yaoi term for top/dom and bottom/sub. Ryuu kept insisting that Daniel would have to be the uke (the bottom) because of his smaller size which is again some more stereotyping. What saves this is that Daniel and Ryuu don’t actually have that type of relationship and Ryuu is really just joking around about this and doing a little macho posturing.
Lastly the book’s plots all eventually converge at the same time and the book changes from its prior leisurely pace to having everything resolved at breakneck speed. It felt like we were cheated on some of the storyline and we needed more elaboration of it. And while there’s this wonderful kind of ending, this is one book crying out for an epilogue.
On the positive side, I do think this book offers something fresh & a little different. It was one of the better debut novels I’ve read this year and one of my favorites as well. Obviously some kinks in the storyline needs to be worked out but this is a writer showing a lot of promise. I think this story will appeal to those who like hurt comfort stories with struggling characters and are looking to see what it’s like to fall in love with crazy.
4.5 Stars Before I ramble on over the next few paragraphs about why this isn’t a perfect book, I should start off by saying that that didn’t stop me from falling a little in love with this story.
It’s one of those books loaded with sharp dialogue and witty repartee that got me from the start. Ryuu Tanaka is a professor at the University of Oregon. He spots a young man with long hair while jogging and is immediately captivated. When he finally gets through to him he finds out that he’s charming & funny and yes, might have some mental issues.
What this author does well through the dialogue is for us to get to know Daniel at the same time as Ryuu. And we can see why he’s so attracted. Daniel is very smart and observant & just odd in a fascinating kind of way. At one point in the story Ryuu has a big smile as he watches Daniel & I found myself mirroring that smile. It’s so infectious that you know it’s inevitable that Ryan falls hopelessly in love with him & conversely, that Daniel sees Ryan as the anchor he’s always needed. .
You can see the problems ahead as well as Ryuu gets himself involved deeper and comes to a realization about the reality of Daniel’s illness in this passage: “Ryuu’s heart was breaking as he realized, for the first time, what crazy really was. It wasn’t cute. It wasn’t funny. It wasn’t something to joke about. It was scary as hell, and he was losing Daniel to it.” And the tone of the book turns and becomes darker as Ryuu starts to see the demons inside of Daniel.
It’s an interesting story although not everything worked for me. Ryuu is half Japanese which comes into play in a couple of ways. There’s a running gag about penis size and how that’s affected by being Japanese. It’s more of a joke but I still cringed a little on that bit of racial stereotyping.
There’s also some jokes made about being a seme and a uke which is apparently some anime & Yaoi term for top/dom and bottom/sub. Ryuu kept insisting that Daniel would have to be the uke (the bottom) because of his smaller size which is again some more stereotyping. What saves this is that Daniel and Ryuu don’t actually have that type of relationship and Ryuu is really just joking around about this and doing a little macho posturing.
Lastly the book’s plots all eventually converge at the same time and the book changes from its prior leisurely pace to having everything resolved at breakneck speed. It felt like we were cheated on some of the storyline and we needed more elaboration of it. And while there’s this wonderful kind of ending, this is one book crying out for an epilogue.
On the positive side, I do think this book offers something fresh & a little different. It was one of the better debut novels I’ve read this year and one of my favorites as well. Obviously some kinks in the storyline needs to be worked out but this is a writer showing a lot of promise. I think this story will appeal to those who like hurt comfort stories with struggling characters and are looking to see what it’s like to fall in love with crazy.
July 8, 2013
At the time of writing this review, only 48 people have read this book. What a shame! This book was honestly a breath of fresh air. The characters were especially refreshing, not to mention endearing, funny, witty. The dialogues were sharp and I burst out laughing more than once. You also got to know both characters through the dialogues, even though it was only written from Ryuu's point of view. The ending was, I must admit, a little bit Hollywood-esc, but you know what? it still touched me and got me all choked up. I was honestly this close to crying. I'm glad it didn't end with a HAE after because it would've ruined the book in my opinion, but the careful HFN was perfect. Now all you people who haven't read this, go and do it!!
August 28, 2014
3.25 Read Mz Tina's review.
Great witty dialogue with fascinating characters which demanded a longer story, a deeper character relationship and a solid resolution.
Great witty dialogue with fascinating characters which demanded a longer story, a deeper character relationship and a solid resolution.
March 16, 2015
This book had me feeling all kinds of strange things. Mental illness is one of those plot points which should NOT be treated in a lighthearted or smutty matter for jollies. On the other hand, it shouldn't be off-limits or taboo either. There's a fine line between telling an engrossing story with characters who live and breathe, and what I call "trauma porn".
I admit that I purchased Falling in Love with Crazy because it's that rarity in M/M romance--it's an interracial romance, though like any good IR, race doesn't become some heavy-handed "OMG they're never going to accept us" bully pulpit kind of story. There are few M/M romances featuring PoC (completely unacceptable in this day and age). And within that rarity, Asian male heroes are even rarer still, especially those who aren't automatically stereotyped as weak, frail and overly-feminized in an insulting manner (Lotus in the Wild is the book that committed epic racefail on that score).
Ryuu Tanaka is Japanese and British, an economics professor in Oregon and yes, gay. The man who turns his entire ordered life around is a young man with long hair and a haunted look in his eyes named Daniel. Daniel is all kinds of mysterious, lacks any sort of filters and a very troubled past and present. Ryuu gives Daniel five days to fall in love with him, and it's a five days that makes a rollercoaster seem like a carousel.
I have to say my favourite character was Daniel's well-meaning and very protective sister Kay. Unlike far too many female characters in M/M who are written as one-dimensional bitches who get in the way of TWU WUV, Kay is going to make damn sure no one--including the man who claims to be head-over-heels in love with her extremely vulnerable brother--doesn't screw with his head any further or harm him in any way.
This is not a book with a traditional ride off into the sunset type ending. In fact, there's definitely room for a sequel because Daniel's condition is far from "cured". I like that sense of realism.
I admit that I purchased Falling in Love with Crazy because it's that rarity in M/M romance--it's an interracial romance, though like any good IR, race doesn't become some heavy-handed "OMG they're never going to accept us" bully pulpit kind of story. There are few M/M romances featuring PoC (completely unacceptable in this day and age). And within that rarity, Asian male heroes are even rarer still, especially those who aren't automatically stereotyped as weak, frail and overly-feminized in an insulting manner (Lotus in the Wild is the book that committed epic racefail on that score).
Ryuu Tanaka is Japanese and British, an economics professor in Oregon and yes, gay. The man who turns his entire ordered life around is a young man with long hair and a haunted look in his eyes named Daniel. Daniel is all kinds of mysterious, lacks any sort of filters and a very troubled past and present. Ryuu gives Daniel five days to fall in love with him, and it's a five days that makes a rollercoaster seem like a carousel.
I have to say my favourite character was Daniel's well-meaning and very protective sister Kay. Unlike far too many female characters in M/M who are written as one-dimensional bitches who get in the way of TWU WUV, Kay is going to make damn sure no one--including the man who claims to be head-over-heels in love with her extremely vulnerable brother--doesn't screw with his head any further or harm him in any way.
This is not a book with a traditional ride off into the sunset type ending. In fact, there's definitely room for a sequel because Daniel's condition is far from "cured". I like that sense of realism.
May 27, 2013
This story is simply beautiful, but damn, did I miss an epilogue at the end. I really wish we would get one from the author. Maybe there will be a sequel, even better in my mind! Hope never dies, I can only state that fact. I love both MC's, Ryuu was fully human, in his emotions, his behaviour, his quirks. Ryuu was great guy and I liked him, a LOT. Ryuu was the only one for whom Daniel was prepared to leave his imaginary world. World in his head, his created characters and stories. Sure ending makes an emotional impact, but I still wish we had an epilogue, then it would feel completed. But now it doesn't give that impression. Even so I loved this story and will gladly re-read it many, many times!!
November 7, 2014
3.5 stars
This is a very tough book to review and rate. First, you have to suspend reality a bit in my opinion. I'm sorry, but can't see how Ryuu and Daniel got past their initial meeting, it just wouldn't happen like that in real life. That aside, I enjoyed this story, even understanding how some of Daniel's "crazy" could be endearing. Well, until the end when he went way off track. I would have liked just a little more of Ryuu and Daniel fighting back the crazy to be together, but sadly the story stopped a little earlier than I would have Liked.
This is a very tough book to review and rate. First, you have to suspend reality a bit in my opinion. I'm sorry, but can't see how Ryuu and Daniel got past their initial meeting, it just wouldn't happen like that in real life. That aside, I enjoyed this story, even understanding how some of Daniel's "crazy" could be endearing. Well, until the end when he went way off track. I would have liked just a little more of Ryuu and Daniel fighting back the crazy to be together, but sadly the story stopped a little earlier than I would have Liked.
May 21, 2013
I can't with how much this book surprised me and touched me. With weaker characters this story wouldn't have worked. I honestly can't describe the characters without swooning. I loved how the story was lighthearted however Daniel's mental instability is always in the background and never forgotten. It kept me on edge. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop and when it did I was just as devastated as Ryuu. I wish I could write a better review but I'm still a bit shaken up.
Highly recommended. It's refreshing and so not your typical MM romance.
Highly recommended. It's refreshing and so not your typical MM romance.
May 17, 2013
4 1/2 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Ryuu goes to great lengths to meet the beautiful man in the park, plays softball with his students, follows him, and hangs around a coffee shop until he final gets a date with the man. Ryuu finds Daniel fascinating and interesting even though Daniel says he isn’t gay, isn’t interested in coffee or conversation and has just a slight problem with reality. Ryuu is put through his paces as he tries to get Daniel to fall in love with him in five days, but Ryuu believes Daniel is worth every second, but as Daniel’s mental stability fails Ryuu has to dig into his past and makes several discoveries. And that isn’t Ryuu’s only problem when a student who has a crush on him shows his true colours.
This is an absolutely brilliant story that has huge doses of humour, light hearted teasing and then crashing reality. Ryuu is a very confident man, he knows he is attractive and appeals to many men so when he sees a man he likes nothing will stop him from at least talking to him once. Daniel has a past that is shrouded in mystery, with mental health difficulties and preferring to be alone, Daniel isn’t really ready for a man like Ryuu to burst into his life, but as the two get to know each other Daniel needs Ryuu to help to keep him tethered to reality.
Oh these characters are fantastic, they had me chuckling throughout the book. Ryuu and Daniel are brilliant they strike sparks off each other and when they finally come together physically they are perfect and sexy. Ryuu is a man who won’t give up on Daniel, no matter what obstacles are thrown in his path even those that are put there by Daniel. Daniel is a much more complex character, he is honest and pretty open but some things he just won’t talk about, and he has a nasty habit of getting lost in his head. Daniel has plenty of ghosts in his past, many of them terrible and each one has left its invisible mark on him, God you just want to smother him in love and protect him from the world and his own mind.
Although much of the book is written with humour towards the end of the book it becomes more sombre as someone who wants Ryuu for himself gets nasty and Ryuu sees the reality of Daniel’s mental health problems. This book is wonderfully written, it draws you in with its great characters, it keeps you entertained with its humour and keeps you reading with the mystery of Daniel’s past, oh and the ending, it was so wonderful that I am hoping for an update of Daniel and Ryuu in the future.
I have to recommend that this story be put on everyone’s must read list, especially if you love confused young men, finding a way for love, humour, great sex, a touch of mystery, a touch of danger, determination never to give up, great characters and a brilliant storyline with a wonderful ending.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Ryuu goes to great lengths to meet the beautiful man in the park, plays softball with his students, follows him, and hangs around a coffee shop until he final gets a date with the man. Ryuu finds Daniel fascinating and interesting even though Daniel says he isn’t gay, isn’t interested in coffee or conversation and has just a slight problem with reality. Ryuu is put through his paces as he tries to get Daniel to fall in love with him in five days, but Ryuu believes Daniel is worth every second, but as Daniel’s mental stability fails Ryuu has to dig into his past and makes several discoveries. And that isn’t Ryuu’s only problem when a student who has a crush on him shows his true colours.
This is an absolutely brilliant story that has huge doses of humour, light hearted teasing and then crashing reality. Ryuu is a very confident man, he knows he is attractive and appeals to many men so when he sees a man he likes nothing will stop him from at least talking to him once. Daniel has a past that is shrouded in mystery, with mental health difficulties and preferring to be alone, Daniel isn’t really ready for a man like Ryuu to burst into his life, but as the two get to know each other Daniel needs Ryuu to help to keep him tethered to reality.
Oh these characters are fantastic, they had me chuckling throughout the book. Ryuu and Daniel are brilliant they strike sparks off each other and when they finally come together physically they are perfect and sexy. Ryuu is a man who won’t give up on Daniel, no matter what obstacles are thrown in his path even those that are put there by Daniel. Daniel is a much more complex character, he is honest and pretty open but some things he just won’t talk about, and he has a nasty habit of getting lost in his head. Daniel has plenty of ghosts in his past, many of them terrible and each one has left its invisible mark on him, God you just want to smother him in love and protect him from the world and his own mind.
Although much of the book is written with humour towards the end of the book it becomes more sombre as someone who wants Ryuu for himself gets nasty and Ryuu sees the reality of Daniel’s mental health problems. This book is wonderfully written, it draws you in with its great characters, it keeps you entertained with its humour and keeps you reading with the mystery of Daniel’s past, oh and the ending, it was so wonderful that I am hoping for an update of Daniel and Ryuu in the future.
I have to recommend that this story be put on everyone’s must read list, especially if you love confused young men, finding a way for love, humour, great sex, a touch of mystery, a touch of danger, determination never to give up, great characters and a brilliant storyline with a wonderful ending.
July 10, 2013
Falling In Love With Crazy is the heartbreaking but also uplifting story by Dane Waters that shines a bright, uncompromising light into the murky world of a mentally ill man and the man who falls in love with him despite all of the quirks, obstacles, and delusions that threaten to pull him away forever.
Ryuu Tanaka is a college professor who, while jogging, sees a gorgeous man sitting under a tree in the park. Despite Daniel's blunt manner and reluctance to engage with him, Ryuu finds himself so fascinated by Daniel that he spends days cruising around various places looking for him. When Ryuu finally locates Daniel, he persuades Daniel to come to Ryuu's house and give him five days to make him fall in love with him. Ryuu finds himself falling deeper and deeper in love wirh Daniel, but he sees himm slowly slipping away into the worlds inside his head. The final straw is when a homicidal student, obsessed with Ryuu, attacks both of them, severing Daniel's last tenuous grip on reality.
This story has a gripping character driven tale with a plot that flows smoothly and seamlessly from the first page until the last. The backstory gives you a taut, no-holds-barred look at what past tragedies drove Daniel to retreat from reality. The sex in this story is passionate, wild, and tender without being overly graphic. The author's style of writing is simple,to the point, and makes no apologies for its clear, concise look into the inner world of a mentally ill man, and the love, devotion, and loyalty he inspires in the man who loves him. The heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful HEA ending makes this a book I absolutely LOVED, and would wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone!!
Trish's 5 sweet pea review appears at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Ryuu Tanaka is a college professor who, while jogging, sees a gorgeous man sitting under a tree in the park. Despite Daniel's blunt manner and reluctance to engage with him, Ryuu finds himself so fascinated by Daniel that he spends days cruising around various places looking for him. When Ryuu finally locates Daniel, he persuades Daniel to come to Ryuu's house and give him five days to make him fall in love with him. Ryuu finds himself falling deeper and deeper in love wirh Daniel, but he sees himm slowly slipping away into the worlds inside his head. The final straw is when a homicidal student, obsessed with Ryuu, attacks both of them, severing Daniel's last tenuous grip on reality.
This story has a gripping character driven tale with a plot that flows smoothly and seamlessly from the first page until the last. The backstory gives you a taut, no-holds-barred look at what past tragedies drove Daniel to retreat from reality. The sex in this story is passionate, wild, and tender without being overly graphic. The author's style of writing is simple,to the point, and makes no apologies for its clear, concise look into the inner world of a mentally ill man, and the love, devotion, and loyalty he inspires in the man who loves him. The heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful HEA ending makes this a book I absolutely LOVED, and would wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone!!
Trish's 5 sweet pea review appears at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
June 26, 2013
I really liked this story, but the end was terrible.
I found the depiction of Daniel's rocky sanity to be quite realistic, as was Ryuu's coming to understand that it's a frightening way to live. Even though the romance element happened quickly, it didn't feel rushed. I had a few qualms about how quickly Ryuu fell in love, but overall it still felt like he had deep feelings for Daniel.
The end of the book is what really didn't work.
The huge majority of the story is written from Ryuu's POV, and then suddenly, right at the end, we play happy grasshopper and skip around between different POVs. It was weird and annoying. As much as I understand the author wanting to fully explain the ending, finding a way to keep the POV consistent would have made the ending much stronger.
With the weird POV ending, the glossed over climax, and the sudden cut-off conclusion, the story didn't fully pull together, and what was a great set-up ended with a wimper.
I found the depiction of Daniel's rocky sanity to be quite realistic, as was Ryuu's coming to understand that it's a frightening way to live. Even though the romance element happened quickly, it didn't feel rushed. I had a few qualms about how quickly Ryuu fell in love, but overall it still felt like he had deep feelings for Daniel.
The end of the book is what really didn't work.
The huge majority of the story is written from Ryuu's POV, and then suddenly, right at the end, we play happy grasshopper and skip around between different POVs. It was weird and annoying. As much as I understand the author wanting to fully explain the ending, finding a way to keep the POV consistent would have made the ending much stronger.
With the weird POV ending, the glossed over climax, and the sudden cut-off conclusion, the story didn't fully pull together, and what was a great set-up ended with a wimper.
May 23, 2013
Not sleet, nor snow nor...mental illness...
There are not enough words to express my feelings about this book.
Not long ago I watched my first born nephew suffer through the disease and it IS a disease, NOT a disorder.
I applaud Ryuu's love for Daniel and though he knew what the future would bring by falling in love with and living with someone with mental illness, love conquers all.
The ending was beautifully written and tears are still in my eyes because the realness of it is so terrifying but there is hope if only for a few brief moments of reality.
The disease can be managed, and love is the answer. Love, strength and understanding and patience.
Thank you Dane Waters. Five stars are not enough.
There are not enough words to express my feelings about this book.
Not long ago I watched my first born nephew suffer through the disease and it IS a disease, NOT a disorder.
I applaud Ryuu's love for Daniel and though he knew what the future would bring by falling in love with and living with someone with mental illness, love conquers all.
The ending was beautifully written and tears are still in my eyes because the realness of it is so terrifying but there is hope if only for a few brief moments of reality.
The disease can be managed, and love is the answer. Love, strength and understanding and patience.
Thank you Dane Waters. Five stars are not enough.
October 8, 2013
Probably more like 2.5 stars. Honestly I wish this had been written from Daniel's perspective, because I really didn't like Ryuu all that much. He was too cocky and off. Daniel was a much more intriguing character, but we only get a glimpse from his perspective towards the end of the book, which was in and of itself part of the problem. After following Ryuu through the majority of the story, suddenly the author jumps to a secondary character and then to another. It didn't work for me. The back story had potential, but fell flat in its execution.
May 3, 2016
2.5, maybe a 3 on better days/5
I don't even know where to begin. *sigh* Let's start with the good.
The best thing about this book is definitely the dialogue. They are witty, playful and amusing. Next in line would be the concept. I'm not talking about the insta-stalking-love (tho that was funny) but Daniel condition. It was an intriguing concept that give a wide range of possibilities and twist. Finally, there is Ryuu. The guy was simple. He was ordinary, funny, and caring enough. While there aren't anything remarkably interesting, he's passable as a narrator. That would be the end of the list. While there wasn't a lot to praise the book on, the book was readable. It was entertaining enough to keep the pages flipping.
Then come the bad and the ugly.
The plot, while the plot wasn't down right shit, it was so sappy - in that whole Asian soap opera-ness. There is only so much one can take. Don't even let me start on the arrogant, successful and supposingly-powerful sister. I tolerated them occasionally [after all this is supposed to be fiction right!] but I just don't find them really working out for this book. Imo the book could have been more powerful without all of this bullshit, and Daniel with a more normal background.
Be warned, but this is a gigantic case of insta-love. The book happen over the course of what? 4 weeks? Maybe 5 max! Which include 5 days where the majority of the events happened and 3 weeks of buffer time. With all of that drama toward the end, this might as well be a close cousin of Romeo&Juliet. I can see what the book tried to do, but honestly it didn't work at all with that time-frame. I just wasn't convince with their bond and love (if that can even called love) at all. All of the drama would have had more impact if these guys had spent 5 weeks or more time together rather than 5 bloody days.
Then come the ending. It was as expected. In an odd way, it make sense for the book. These still doesn't justified it. It's one of those bittersweet open-ending. I get what the author was trying to achieve but the ending was too abrupt. Maybe a short epilogue would have given it more credit.
This point is a more personal-preference point, but I hate how they keep usinng seme/uke and how tediously long Daniel's hair is. XD
Overall, this book has potential. It cleaver dialogues were enjoyable. But the book jeopardized its potential with bad plot details.
I don't even know where to begin. *sigh* Let's start with the good.
The best thing about this book is definitely the dialogue. They are witty, playful and amusing. Next in line would be the concept. I'm not talking about the insta-stalking-love (tho that was funny) but Daniel condition. It was an intriguing concept that give a wide range of possibilities and twist. Finally, there is Ryuu. The guy was simple. He was ordinary, funny, and caring enough. While there aren't anything remarkably interesting, he's passable as a narrator. That would be the end of the list. While there wasn't a lot to praise the book on, the book was readable. It was entertaining enough to keep the pages flipping.
Then come the bad and the ugly.
The plot, while the plot wasn't down right shit, it was so sappy - in that whole Asian soap opera-ness. There is only so much one can take. Don't even let me start on the arrogant, successful and supposingly-powerful sister. I tolerated them occasionally [after all this is supposed to be fiction right!] but I just don't find them really working out for this book. Imo the book could have been more powerful without all of this bullshit, and Daniel with a more normal background.
Be warned, but this is a gigantic case of insta-love. The book happen over the course of what? 4 weeks? Maybe 5 max! Which include 5 days where the majority of the events happened and 3 weeks of buffer time. With all of that drama toward the end, this might as well be a close cousin of Romeo&Juliet. I can see what the book tried to do, but honestly it didn't work at all with that time-frame. I just wasn't convince with their bond and love (if that can even called love) at all. All of the drama would have had more impact if these guys had spent 5 weeks or more time together rather than 5 bloody days.
Then come the ending. It was as expected. In an odd way, it make sense for the book. These still doesn't justified it. It's one of those bittersweet open-ending. I get what the author was trying to achieve but the ending was too abrupt. Maybe a short epilogue would have given it more credit.
Overall, this book has potential. It cleaver dialogues were enjoyable. But the book jeopardized its potential with bad plot details.
September 6, 2015
This was a pretty unexpected book. I was unsure at the beginning, I fell in love with the middle but the ending didn't quite sit right with me. Ryuu and Daniel were certainly a unique couple and their story wasn't always comfortable to read but their was definitely a special bond between them. It wasn't clear how things could work out well for them and the ending was not what I was expecting but I didn't dislike it enough to let it completely ruin the story.
May 27, 2013
That was unusually story plot. Both main character Daniel and Ryuu where very pulling individuals and I was pulled into the story right away.
I will give all 5 stars to Dane Waters because it couldn't been easy to write that story. Maybe it would be perfect "with cherry on top" if we would get an epilogue.
Great book.
I will give all 5 stars to Dane Waters because it couldn't been easy to write that story. Maybe it would be perfect "with cherry on top" if we would get an epilogue.
Great book.
August 25, 2013
Loved this book. There was so much emotional ups and downs thru out the book. The writer brought to life the struggle of Daniel's mental illness and the frustration & love Ryuu. This is a book worth the time to read. You'll laugh,cry and possibly rage against the seemly hopelessness.
January 17, 2014
Wow! What a surprise this book turned out to be. This is yet another title I had sitting on my Kindle for far too long before I finally decided to sit down and read it, if only to get it out of my TBR folder. But then, once I had started Ryuu and Daniel's story, I never wanted to leave it. Well actually, that's not strictly true. There were a few moments where I needed to leave the story for a second, just to calm myself down. The emotions in this were so strong that there were times I just had to pause for a second because I could feel my heart breaking. This was such an emotional read - I laughed, I smiled, and I cried like a baby.
Both MCs were very interesting. Ryuu really was a cocky bastard, but he was a loveable cocky bastard. I don't know where to start with Daniel. I loved him and my heart ached for him. Their story was interesting and extremely moving. Although I did notice that things between them developed fairly quickly, that didn't bother me. If anything, it sort of made sense.
The only real thing that was a bit of a downer for me was the part with Mark. I wasn't sure it was completely necessary for the story. It seemed a bit random and a bit over the top. It was kind of like a bit of unnecessary drama in a story that was chocked full of emotion and already dramatic enough. But hey, that's just my opinion. Otherwise, this was a great read. Just... be ready for a little heartache.
Both MCs were very interesting. Ryuu really was a cocky bastard, but he was a loveable cocky bastard. I don't know where to start with Daniel. I loved him and my heart ached for him. Their story was interesting and extremely moving. Although I did notice that things between them developed fairly quickly, that didn't bother me. If anything, it sort of made sense.
The only real thing that was a bit of a downer for me was the part with Mark. I wasn't sure it was completely necessary for the story. It seemed a bit random and a bit over the top. It was kind of like a bit of unnecessary drama in a story that was chocked full of emotion and already dramatic enough. But hey, that's just my opinion. Otherwise, this was a great read. Just... be ready for a little heartache.
April 19, 2016
Dane Waters is a very new author for me. I actually stumbled across her book 'With This Ring, I Thee...Oh, Sh*t!' and thought it sounded like it would be a fun read, then I decided to see what else she had and I found 'Falling In Love With Crazy' which also appealed to me.
I was enchanted with these two men. Their interaction was to say the least interesting and humorous. Ryuu is a university professor. Daniel is a mystery that Ryuu doesn't want to let go of. The journey they go on is filled with twist and turns. Ryuu tries and on occasion succeeds in manoeuvring the minefield that is Daniel.
From start to finish I was rooting for Ryuu and Daniel. They had so many obstacles to overcome at times it seemed like such a daunting task for Ryuu to keep the fragile connection between him and Daniel growing. The humour that the author infused into the story worked for me, the reality of Daniel's constant yet ever changing condition was both intimidating and heartbreaking.
For the most part this book was probably more of a 3.5 star read for me until the last 25% this is where I was grabbed and held in a vice for the rest of the book. The ending wasn't a perfect HEA but it wasn't a gut wrenching heartbreaker either. It did however, have me reaching for a tissue or two and holding my breath in anticipation of what was going to happen. It was subtle and incredibly sweet, it made me more than happy to give this book 4 stars.
I was enchanted with these two men. Their interaction was to say the least interesting and humorous. Ryuu is a university professor. Daniel is a mystery that Ryuu doesn't want to let go of. The journey they go on is filled with twist and turns. Ryuu tries and on occasion succeeds in manoeuvring the minefield that is Daniel.
From start to finish I was rooting for Ryuu and Daniel. They had so many obstacles to overcome at times it seemed like such a daunting task for Ryuu to keep the fragile connection between him and Daniel growing. The humour that the author infused into the story worked for me, the reality of Daniel's constant yet ever changing condition was both intimidating and heartbreaking.
For the most part this book was probably more of a 3.5 star read for me until the last 25% this is where I was grabbed and held in a vice for the rest of the book. The ending wasn't a perfect HEA but it wasn't a gut wrenching heartbreaker either. It did however, have me reaching for a tissue or two and holding my breath in anticipation of what was going to happen. It was subtle and incredibly sweet, it made me more than happy to give this book 4 stars.
September 6, 2013
Not your usual MM romance. It's definitely the first time I've read a romance where one of the MCs has some very serious mental health problem. Daniel processed things in a completely different way, and a lot of times I had no idea what he was thinking. My response to Daniel would have been frustration and confusion, but seeing it through Ryuu's point of view made it much better. Ryuu's reaction and acceptance of Daniel's mental state made it a much more comfortable read for me. It's one I won't be forgetting.
July 1, 2013
I had a hard time puting this one down. I was a really captivating story that started out so sweet. Daniel was smart, funny, charming and a little odd but in a cute way then the whole story took a turn and my stomach was forming a knot. Daniel slipped away and I hated his sister, even when Ryuu was saying that he kind of liked her I just couldn't. And then when the end came, it came too abruptly. I really felt the need for an epilog or one more chapter but it just ended. My stomach hasn't unknotted!
September 8, 2016
Love, love, love it. This is my kind of crazy. The story has a natural flow, the characters are amazingly written. They felt real. They make you curious to know more, they have depth and the more you discover, the more you like them. And because the characters are so amazing, the dialogues are even more so.
Another thing I liked were the love scenes - they were beautifully written and because from the beginning it felt like it truly was love, not sex. I enjoyed every minute and every line of this book.
Another thing I liked were the love scenes - they were beautifully written and because from the beginning it felt like it truly was love, not sex. I enjoyed every minute and every line of this book.
August 20, 2014
This book took my breath away more than once. So many times my heart broke for the characters and I was brought to tears. It's a very touching story and one I never wanted to put down. Until The End of course. I went through so many emotions that it's was insane, but truly one of the great stories in my list of really great books.
November 4, 2013
I felt mentally and emotionally exhausted by the time I finished this book, but it was so worth it. Will I ever read it again? Highly unlikely, however, I do recommend it to anyone looking for something a little bit different.
June 14, 2015
Wah!!! This was beautiful! And so unique! I loved the banter between Ryuu and Daniel. I wish the ending was a little longer though... I wanted more kisses and hugs and love at the end but that's only cuz I liked it so much I didn't want it to end yet.
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