I just finished reading the novel for desire me if you can and as much as I love Chase and Joshua, Dane and Grayson pretty much became my new favorite couple in the 'If You Can' series. Those two are just freaking hilarious. I was actually surprised that their story is not a dark romance as I have previously expected knowing Grayson's personality. And it was also surprising on how sweet Grayson's view on love is and Dane being the exact opposite lol.
Their lovestory is pretty much a comedy with a little sprinkle of angst. But above all, it is in their story where Grayson finally broke the cycle that Dominic started (especially since he was the one among the millers who took after Dominic's personality the most). Also, the author didn't make an excuse for Grayson's craziness that led to him hurting a lot of people including Chase. Joshua and Dane's friendship was also one of the best highlights in the novel, I freakin love their interactions.
Same, they are my favorite crazy, chaotic couple. I think that going comedy direction made this pair work, since both are strong and actually dangerous characters. It really fits Grayson, I was only surprised that he dragged Dane along with his crazyness.lol I like their dynamics and their characters are pretty interesting. It's slowburn, which was for many frustrating while reading it live when it neared the end, but I think it was actually good that way. Both character needed time.
Grayson had a really good character development, probably became the author's best alpha, since he really reached a point where he put Dane's happiness first.
And he went apologizing, something most dominant alphas seem to have problems with.
Dane and Josh...I think they are closely watched by Grayson and Chase.lol
The epilogue was hilarious.^^











Every time I come back to read this, I always wonder how the fck it still has an above 8 star rating while other stories with similar trope gets trashed so much lol.
as someone who recently read a different story that exhibits similar tropes (pitiful mc being helpless against an awful, despicable rapey ml), this one is more grounded rather than overdramatic which makes it feel more like a tragedy. firstly, the rape scenes arent eroticized here; they're disgusting and disturbing (unlike the other story) and the way ml fucks mc to relieve his lust then discards him is consistent with his character. secondly, the story early on explains the ml's motivations, and given this context, it's realistic and believable for someone of his status in this time period to callously use and discard people with no regard to the fallout the victims face since it efficiently gets him one step closer to his ultimate goal; it's doesnt justify him at all but it's better than being excessively cruel for no reason (unlike the other story, where the ml's backstory were only explained much later when he's in love with mc to paint him as some sort of anti-hero martyr for whom we're supposed to feel sympathy. no, fuck him). thirdly, the mc isnt in love with him. ngl that's doing the heavy lifting here as it removes a lot of the frustration i feel for other stories where the mc like a dumbass keeps being swayed by his feelings for some goddamn reason. ml's actions have terrible consequences, so it's clear the author isnt trying to make some kind of rapeporn-to-love story with a side of angst (unlike the other story) but a story with angst/regret as the central emotional core. at least, this is the impression i have currently with 22 chapters, so i hope the author doesn't disappoint my expectations
The reason is that rape here is not romanticized. The portrayal of rape is quite realistic and horrific as it should be ...unlike the other manhwas where the uke shown to blush or moan and then fall in love with his rapist...