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Degrees of Control #1.5
James and The Giant Dilemma
James Hunter couldn't be more in love with Charlotte. His relationship with the hippie yoga teacher is the happiest of his life. Yet, despite buying a ring months ago, he can't seem to bring himself to propose. As he and Charlie head to Minneapolis to see family and friends, he's hoping against hope he'll find the strength to solve his dilemma. Or at the very least, talk her into proposing to him.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 29, 2021
40 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
Eve Dangerfield
31 books1,495 followersEve Dangerfield has loved romance novels ever since she first swiped her grandmother’s paperbacks. Now she writes her own stories about complicated women and gorgeous-but-slightly-tortured men. Her work has been described as 'genre-defying,' and ‘the defibrillator contemporary romance needs right now'. And not just by those who might one day need bone marrow! She lives in Melbourne with her beautiful family and can generally be found making a mess.
www.instagram.com/evedangerfield/
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 7, 2020
3.5 stars.⭐⭐⭐
This was a short story ...really more like an extended epilogue to Ms. Dangerfield's wonderful book "Degrees of Control".... and I lapped it up.
Not a standalone....you have to read "Degrees of Control" first.
This was a short story ...really more like an extended epilogue to Ms. Dangerfield's wonderful book "Degrees of Control".... and I lapped it up.
Not a standalone....you have to read "Degrees of Control" first.
July 2, 2021
*** Book Q & A***
* How did the book make you feel?: I was rather frustrated by this book.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: The whole book revolves around James’s inability to propose. 3 years is a long time to be together before proposing, anyway (imo). He’s carrying around this huge rock and acting weird, so weird that Charlotte becomes convinced he wants to break up with her. Then he does just that because he feels inadequate. There were also some typos, which annoyed me because this book, despite being a novella and essentially an extended epilogue, was full price! We only got one sex scene and it was not a fulfilling one because the MC’s were so at odds.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I was so frustrated with James. By this point they’d been together 3 years and he was still using alcohol as a coping mechanism and taking out his insecurities on Charlie. First of all, I feel especially if your partner is sober it’s disrespectful to act like a drunk ass in public and in front of family and friends. James still hasn’t matured very much despite therapy and a lot of supposed self-reflection. Charlotte does all of the groveling and soothing even though he publicly humiliated her. He was willing to throw 4 years away because of a pity party man tantrum. Charlie literally had to write him a book to convince him he was worthy of love so he could finally man up and put a ring on it. Also, the secondary characters were really inconsiderate of the MC’s, all except for Kelsey. I thought Sophia was rather self-absorbed by forcing her jet-lagged company to suffer through an alcohol-laden party that nearly led to their relationship’s demise. Sober people don’t generally enjoy being around a bunch of drunks and Charlie even expresses that but no one cares.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I liked Charlie’s introspection.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: cold feet, proposal dilemma, huge man tantrum, self-sabotage
* What did you think about the ending?: We got a wedding, but all of the feelings that resurfaced to make James act like an ass never got resolved. We didn’t get any babies, which was a disappointment to me.
* What is your impression of the author?: Will definitely read more.
* How did the book make you feel?: I was rather frustrated by this book.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: The whole book revolves around James’s inability to propose. 3 years is a long time to be together before proposing, anyway (imo). He’s carrying around this huge rock and acting weird, so weird that Charlotte becomes convinced he wants to break up with her. Then he does just that because he feels inadequate. There were also some typos, which annoyed me because this book, despite being a novella and essentially an extended epilogue, was full price! We only got one sex scene and it was not a fulfilling one because the MC’s were so at odds.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I was so frustrated with James. By this point they’d been together 3 years and he was still using alcohol as a coping mechanism and taking out his insecurities on Charlie. First of all, I feel especially if your partner is sober it’s disrespectful to act like a drunk ass in public and in front of family and friends. James still hasn’t matured very much despite therapy and a lot of supposed self-reflection. Charlotte does all of the groveling and soothing even though he publicly humiliated her. He was willing to throw 4 years away because of a pity party man tantrum. Charlie literally had to write him a book to convince him he was worthy of love so he could finally man up and put a ring on it. Also, the secondary characters were really inconsiderate of the MC’s, all except for Kelsey. I thought Sophia was rather self-absorbed by forcing her jet-lagged company to suffer through an alcohol-laden party that nearly led to their relationship’s demise. Sober people don’t generally enjoy being around a bunch of drunks and Charlie even expresses that but no one cares.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: I liked Charlie’s introspection.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: cold feet, proposal dilemma, huge man tantrum, self-sabotage
* What did you think about the ending?: We got a wedding, but all of the feelings that resurfaced to make James act like an ass never got resolved. We didn’t get any babies, which was a disappointment to me.
* What is your impression of the author?: Will definitely read more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2024
3 Sastifying Ending Stars
The original book is almost always better than the extended epilogue sequel. However, it was nice to see them stick the HEA.
The original book is almost always better than the extended epilogue sequel. However, it was nice to see them stick the HEA.
June 7, 2019
Nice follow up for Charlotte & James. Just enough sex and angst, I liked it.
** This isn't a good standalone, you should read Degrees of Control first.
** This isn't a good standalone, you should read Degrees of Control first.
November 2, 2019
Well that was short if you skim the naughty pretend bits. No resolution on James traumatic past but we get our wedding!
June 19, 2019
So good. I read the main book with Charlie and James a while ago, and had forgotten their story. Didn’t matter, it all came rushing back to me. I cannot believe how much story Ms. Dangerfield packed into this novella - there is kinky sex, angst galore, big feelings, a proposal and a wedding. Whew. I was alternately weeping or turned in reading it, maybe both at the same time?... Also? Best title that reminds me of an excellent children’s book.
Bought from kindle.
Bought from kindle.
January 21, 2022
Contemporary Romance Novella: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nice to see James’ growth and humanity.
Nice to see James’ growth and humanity.
January 20, 2026
James and The Giant Dilemma is book two in the Beyond Bondage series.
I really enjoyed this book. When a reformed playboy is having trouble proposing to the love of his life he starts to spiral, leaving everyone wondering what's going on with him. I think this book is written well and enjoyable. I loved that the MMC has real life issues, and insecurities making it have a more realistic feel.
I really enjoyed this book. When a reformed playboy is having trouble proposing to the love of his life he starts to spiral, leaving everyone wondering what's going on with him. I think this book is written well and enjoyable. I loved that the MMC has real life issues, and insecurities making it have a more realistic feel.
January 9, 2022
look, i really liked charlie and james in the previous book but i loved them here, they were everything in all their angsty and swoony glory
June 24, 2019
Love the wedding scene, James and Charlie remained as one of my most loved book couples.
January 30, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
This novella served more like an extended epilogue for the ‘Degrees of Control’ novel. I really enjoyed this short story, it had plenty of angst, and more kinkiness. The only reason for the rating would be because I found it not to have really resolved any of James’ trauma, which I would have liked.
James and Charlie have happily been together for 3 years, but he’s been carrying around an engagement ring for months unable to pop the question. The novella explores James’ own insecurities of how he feels like he’s not a good person and not good enough for Charlie.
We see him battle with his inner demons and try to put space between himself and Charlie in order to protect her. But that’s not what she wants. Charlie knows there is something wrong with James—no matter how many times he denies that there isn’t anything—but she also doesn’t want to push him, hoping that he’ll talk to her when he’s ready.
Instead they find themselves in Sophia’s guest bathroom, where James in getting ready to leave…
Even though the bathroom scene was a mix of spice and angst, leaving me wondering where things will go from here. I loved how it all turned out. James’ conversation with Kelsey was something he really needed in order to find peace, but he wasn’t expecting Charlie to turn up with a journal either. That was probably the sweetest thing she could have done for him. She knew just how much he questioned himself and knew that no matter what she says he probably wouldn’t believe her so she gave him something to look at.
James’ growth at the end—although it came across as somewhat rushed—was wholesome, he showed vulnerability to Charlie for what might’ve been the first time; and he came to realise that he was enough for her. This which lead to the stables scene with the horses was perfection.
…and then we finally got their wedding!!!
This novella served more like an extended epilogue for the ‘Degrees of Control’ novel. I really enjoyed this short story, it had plenty of angst, and more kinkiness. The only reason for the rating would be because I found it not to have really resolved any of James’ trauma, which I would have liked.
James and Charlie have happily been together for 3 years, but he’s been carrying around an engagement ring for months unable to pop the question. The novella explores James’ own insecurities of how he feels like he’s not a good person and not good enough for Charlie.
We see him battle with his inner demons and try to put space between himself and Charlie in order to protect her. But that’s not what she wants. Charlie knows there is something wrong with James—no matter how many times he denies that there isn’t anything—but she also doesn’t want to push him, hoping that he’ll talk to her when he’s ready.
Instead they find themselves in Sophia’s guest bathroom, where James in getting ready to leave…
Even though the bathroom scene was a mix of spice and angst, leaving me wondering where things will go from here. I loved how it all turned out. James’ conversation with Kelsey was something he really needed in order to find peace, but he wasn’t expecting Charlie to turn up with a journal either. That was probably the sweetest thing she could have done for him. She knew just how much he questioned himself and knew that no matter what she says he probably wouldn’t believe her so she gave him something to look at.
James’ growth at the end—although it came across as somewhat rushed—was wholesome, he showed vulnerability to Charlie for what might’ve been the first time; and he came to realise that he was enough for her. This which lead to the stables scene with the horses was perfection.
…and then we finally got their wedding!!!
December 23, 2023
Getting to see these two a bit further down the road and seeing how James is still struggling was very bittersweet however by the end if this these two definitely have their HEA which was lovely to see
4/5 stars
4/5 stars
July 3, 2019
It was a cute short read that added some to Charlie and James story. They both have insecurities but ultimately they love each other and are will8ng to talk and work through them.
January 21, 2023
Oh the angst in this one! 🤌 So so good! I love James so much with his insecurities and our zen goddess Charlie is just perfect 😍
August 29, 2023
i liked the update on them but idk it also wasnt the best. there wasnt alot of angst or sex scenes
November 18, 2023
very angsty epilogue book for james and charlie, and i ate it UP!
July 9, 2022
Do not read this book as a stand alone. It is basically a 90 page extended epilogue set 3 years after the end of book 1.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
At the end of book 1, the hero changed his entire life for her. He moved to Australia where heroine is from and where her family is.
He got a job as an apprentice mechanic at a garage. Heroine is teaching yoga.
Hero wants to propose and bought a ring. But he is constantly unable to ask her. He is freaking out all the time. Heroine knows something is wrong.
They have a very hot dubious consent role play scene in the bathroom of her sister's home during a party. Hero pretends to be a random guy who saw her with her boyfriend and he wants to be with her. Heroine knows they both liked it but hero gets very drunk and sleeps at his sister's house.
Finally hero talks to his sister about how his brother's girlfriend (now wife) snuck into his room when he was 14 and she was 19 and raped him while he was sleeping and then he woke up and it was already happening. It was his first sexual experience. Heroine already knows about that issue from book 1.
Hero proposed finally and she agrees and they have the wedding at the end.
SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER
At the end of book 1, the hero changed his entire life for her. He moved to Australia where heroine is from and where her family is.
He got a job as an apprentice mechanic at a garage. Heroine is teaching yoga.
Hero wants to propose and bought a ring. But he is constantly unable to ask her. He is freaking out all the time. Heroine knows something is wrong.
They have a very hot dubious consent role play scene in the bathroom of her sister's home during a party. Hero pretends to be a random guy who saw her with her boyfriend and he wants to be with her. Heroine knows they both liked it but hero gets very drunk and sleeps at his sister's house.
Finally hero talks to his sister about how his brother's girlfriend (now wife) snuck into his room when he was 14 and she was 19 and raped him while he was sleeping and then he woke up and it was already happening. It was his first sexual experience. Heroine already knows about that issue from book 1.
Hero proposed finally and she agrees and they have the wedding at the end.
December 14, 2022
This was ok, a bit angsty for a follow up novella for me. I was really just looking for a continuation of the epilogue and it was a lot more than that. I skimmed through a lot as I just wanted to get to the happy ending. I have mixed feelings on this book and Degrees of Control. I really like the characters and they feel so real, maybe too real and the angst really stresses me out!
Maybe it’s just a personal timing thing.
Maybe it’s just a personal timing thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2024
Darn it.
Sigh. My least favorite trope is the “I’m not good enough for you” trope.
First of all, I can only take so much bad communication between lovers.
Second of all, I’m not a big fan of grovel scenes either, and this trope is one long grovel scene.
And finally, strong guys should always have some vulnerability but with this trope it’s like he’s whining all the time.
I’m disappointed because I loved the first book so much, but this is a DNF.
Sigh. My least favorite trope is the “I’m not good enough for you” trope.
First of all, I can only take so much bad communication between lovers.
Second of all, I’m not a big fan of grovel scenes either, and this trope is one long grovel scene.
And finally, strong guys should always have some vulnerability but with this trope it’s like he’s whining all the time.
I’m disappointed because I loved the first book so much, but this is a DNF.
July 13, 2025
You must read Degrees of Control first. This is a novella following Charlie and James. It won't make sense if you pick this up without knowing their full back story.
I have mixed feelings about follow up novellas, especially if they are fluff and designed only to pander to fans. I love spending more time with characters, but is it worth it?
I have mixed feelings about follow up novellas, especially if they are fluff and designed only to pander to fans. I love spending more time with characters, but is it worth it?
November 5, 2023
James’ issues got tiresome with all of the narrated introspection. And I just don’t find emotionally stunted alcoholics that interesting. Especially because it was once again Charlie’s job to fix his issues
August 14, 2024
Eve Dangerfield writes such amazing books, easily among my all time favourites. I loved Degrees of Control, yet I felt there was something left for James. This book had so much tension, I had to keep reminding myself that it’s a romance and it WILL have a HEA. So, so good.
April 16, 2019
Good to find out where Eve's original characters are up to in there relationship.
February 23, 2021
what is with the grammar in this book?? omg, canny cope.
March 25, 2022
Jamess😭
October 11, 2023
Not only disappointing but seriously unenjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews