At some point, you'll have to eventually let your guard down.
I feel for Valerie. Perhaps it's because I've known people with insecurity issues like her, or maybe it's because you write her so well. Either way, I understand how hard it is for someone to just "get over" their problems, especially when the issues are so deep-seated and she sees part of the root of her problems almost every day.
What a fabulous gift! I love that we now have a name for this mysterious protector. I also love the insight into George and his and Valerie's relationship. I always wondered exactly what he was like because when dissecting the little details, he'd seem like a horrible monster and then not so much. That conversation clarifies things; he really was a mind-fuck. Amazing, as always, and I'm going to be checking obsessively for the next update! That sweet, sweet Henry...
Reviewer: Giro Signed Short, but very sweet. Love the raw moments, and adorable cameos from Apples and Peaches (the felines). Henry really is a lot more tortured than he ever lets on.
Impatiently awaiting the next update.
Reviewer: Giro Signed SO amazing, as always. I don't really feel like Valerie has regressed. It seems to me she's still wrestling with her demons, which for some is a lengthy battle. And, as great as Henry is being right now, he hasn't always had the most reliable track record. Valerie is a snail - moving at a slow pace and retreating if someone pokes too aggressively. She's made progress though, and I can't wait to see her turning point when she realizes that she will truly be okay.
Sad that this is ending, but so wonderfully happy that you're back. Please update soon!
Reviewer: Giro Signed Loved the line in the original update about how low self-esteem can sometimes lead to one being self-centered. So absolutely true, and such a profound recognition. Definitely not exhibited in the traditional sense, but it's very present.
Also, MAJOR kudos for the O-Town inclusion.
Interested in where you go with the revamp.
Reviewer: Giro SignedSequel to "Love, God & Ultimatums"
Let me start by saying you are a wordsmith. I don’t know that I’ve read better - your command and application is poetic. I’ve probably committed myself to an all but certain future of some level of macular degeneration or some other disorder, not to mention adding to my insomnia, reading through this entire story in a week or so, but it is worth it.
Brandon, however, is not. Like my girl Diya, I feel bad even saying so because he’s been through so much, but his treatment of her, purposeful or not, is too much for me. Cpt. Save-a-Ho Warner can make every excuse in the world for the selfish, terminally helpless love of his life, but continues to disrespect Diya who is trying to look out for the both of them. For someone so prone to self-blame and remorse, he sure knows how to turn the table and throw things in her face. To have the audacity to swell up about Mannie while believing he’s justified in carrying on with Marisol is more than I can bare. Especially since he’s so hurt Diya won’t trust him, and sees no reason she shouldn’t trust little miss manipulator, but actually accuses her of impropriety with Mannie. He’d never allow Mannie to be to her what he is to Marisol. Although Diya herself doesn’t help the situation with her constant need to mollycoddle. Even when she starts to challenge him, he gets in his feelings, and she regrets it. Diya doesn’t always say what she needs to, but I understand why. I really hope the line about Marisol and them being haunted isn’t a foreboding of the kind I think it is because I really have no desire to feel sympathy for her. She’s a narcissistic masochist who has no real concern for Brandon. Her past and present treatment is proof of that. And he’s too addicted to playing hero to see it. However, Diya actually needs his heroism now. I just hope she gets out of her own way soon. I can’t help but go back to the line from a previous chapter -
Men don’t bother trying to rescue women who insist on saving themselves.
To say I’m eager for the next update is an understatement.
Thank you, Giro, for this wonderful review!!! It really did make my entire day.
Yeah, you're not alone in being over Brandon's bullsh*t. He has a medley of issues triggered by the women in his life. You've summarized the situation perfectly. Diya needs but denies herself what Marisol takes for granted. Because Diya's primary concern is protecting Brandon, not her access to him, even if that means letting him go.
More to come on that and Marisol's fate, hopefully within the next week or so. Muse permitting.
Reviewer: Giro Signed Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.