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Cover of Dangerous to Know & Love

Dangerous to Know & Love

by Jane Harvey-Berrick

Fiction New AdultRomanceCollegeContemporaryContemporary RomanceCollege RomanceDisability

Book Description

Beneath the shimmering surface of privilege lies a world fraught with secrets and betrayal. When two damaged souls collide in a whirlwind of desire and danger, every choice holds the power to shatter their lives. Jealousy simmers, trust is tested, and the line between love and obsession blurs. As they navigate the treacherous twists of their explosive relationship, the stakes rise with every heartbeat, leaving them to question what they're willing to sacrifice for love. Can passion truly conquer peril, or will their dark pasts destroy everything they hold dear? In a game where knowledge is power, how deep is too deep?

Quick Summary

Dangerous to Know & Love explores the tumultuous romance between Daniel Colton, a privileged yet troubled college student, and Lisanne Maclaine, a compassionate newcomer with her own burdens. Against the backdrop of university life, their connection is immediate but complicated by Daniel’s secretive past and guarded heart. As their attraction deepens, secrets surface, threatening to unravel their fragile trust. The novel delves into themes of vulnerability, disability, and the lengths one goes to protect love while facing the destructive nature of jealousy and obsession. Ultimately, the story questions whether love can survive when the truth is dangerous, and if redemption is possible for those scarred by their histories.

Summary of Key Ideas

Secrets and Vulnerability

The story begins with Daniel Colton, a wealthy and enigmatic university student notorious for his arrogance and reclusive behavior. Haunted by childhood trauma and burdened by a concealed learning disability—dyslexia—Daniel hides his pain behind sarcasm and an aloof demeanor. When he meets Lisanne Maclaine, a talented musician new to campus, their chemistry is instant but complicated. Lisanne is empathetic and determined to forge her own path, yet she grapples with her own insecurities and the desire to help others.

Love Versus Obsession

As their relationship evolves, Daniel’s walls slowly crumble, revealing his vulnerabilities. Lisanne learns of Daniel’s struggles with dyslexia and his complex family history, prompting her to support him in ways he’s never known. Their romance intensifies, marked by passionate highs and volatile lows, as both push each other to confront uncomfortable truths. The novel highlights the importance of acceptance—not only from others but also from within—as Daniel accepts his limitations and Lisanne learns the power of compassion without enabling self-destruction.

Navigating Disability and Acceptance

Trust becomes a central battleground as Daniel's jealousy and fear of abandonment clash with Lisanne’s attempts to maintain independence. Past betrayals cast long shadows, leading to misunderstandings and emotional outbursts. Jealousies and secrets threaten the foundation they are building, demonstrating how fragile new love can be, especially when honesty is sacrificed for self-protection. Throughout these trials, both characters are challenged to own their mistakes and seek forgiveness, not just from each other but also from themselves.

Trust, Betrayal, and Forgiveness

Lisanne’s experience with Daniel challenges her understanding of disability, privilege, and intimacy. She navigates the complexities of their differences, striving to offer unwavering support without losing herself. Meanwhile, Daniel’s journey is one of confronting inner demons and accepting that his past does not have to define his future. Their bond is tested by external pressures, including judgment from peers and lingering danger linked to Daniel’s secrets, pushing them to reevaluate what they are willing to risk for love.

Redemption Through Connection

In the end, Dangerous to Know & Love is a story of redemption through vulnerability and true connection. Daniel and Lisanne discover that love’s greatest power lies in its ability to heal the deepest wounds when both partners choose openness over fear. The path to happiness is fraught with peril, but embracing errors and seeking redemption together ultimately brings hope and renewal. Their journey affirms that real intimacy is achieved when both are willing to acknowledge pain, share burdens, and forgive, even when the truth feels dangerous.