We were strangers, as far as I knew.
He saw me once, but didn’t introduce himself like he could have.
Calvin Cutler. Nice to meet you.
But there’s nothing nice about Calvin Cutler.
He’s ruthless and single-minded, and he zeroed in on me—a hapless target for his dark and twisted appetites.
In the depths of Hell, I first looked into his sinful brown eyes, felt the greedy touch of his demanding hands for the first time.
Not the last time, though.
He wanted more. So much more.
He wanted me, whether I wanted him or not.
WARNING: Descent is a standalone dark romance with an unrepentant bad guy hero. This book is intended for an adult audience only and contains subject matter (such as non-consent) some may find triggering.
REVIEW: MUST READ for those that like ruthless anti-heroes....with a twist: a heart.
I think it's only fair that I say this book is serious non-con/dub-con and that truth doesn't need to be taken lightly. There are some scenes that can and will make some readers feel uncomfortable, however - I am always here for that when it's written to make me (recklessly) understand the attempt and emotion behind the event. I can appreciate that, once again, Sam Mariano has struck a chord with this one. I will also sit here and question (head in my hands even) how in the world was I sitting here, cheering him on?? I seriously need to have a talk with Mariano, because she has ME questioning my morals now. HA!
Sam Mariano has me reusing my new word to describe her men - and it's still fitting:
WRON(G)OOD.
CALVIN belongs in his own category for many reasons. He's the very definition of INSANE. I am sure there are a whole host of other adjectives to spew at him, but I'm also sure they can be argued as well. Ruthless insinuates mean, but he did everything with purpose. There should be a distinction between evil and brutal. I don't think he was evil, because again - he wasn't really mean to her as a whole, but he was brutal in the sense that he was getting it his way. There was no "my way or the highway." Nope. It's his way. Period. However, he's the kind of guy that we all technically want: the irrevocable love, the undeniable need to be around your lover at all possible times. You know the kind. The kind that will burn the world down to take care of us, right? Well, nothing stands in Calvin's way. Not one thing and he lets that be known. I feel like he toes the line on morals: he's morally grey in some aspects, but he knows that his woman is his one and only and will make sure she is taken care of - which includes past, present, and future. No one messes with her. And I'm gonna tell ya, I kinda got excited when he went incendiary for her. #LUNATIC
"The man may be the devil, but he sure knows how to give a compliment."
You know what threw me for a loop? The fact that his complete over the top, psychotic reasoning for every single thing he did - made. me. smile. He was a walking contradiction! So, why was I rooting for him to get his point across?? Why was I hoping Hallie would finally give in and just go with it? I'm serious. I think I need my head (and heart) examined.
I will admit that this is my kind of palate cleanser. Hear me out. I realize this is heavy. This is dark. This is non/dub con and it isn't easy on the moral side. BUT. It starts out with a bang (quite literally) and ends on a soft high. I love heavy, emotional reads and this one was very heavy and emotionally taxing in a weighted way - as in, it sat heavy on my mind but not necessarily in my heart. I can't really do romantic comedy very much (ie: very, very rare), so this one definitely fit that bill. So upon learning of the real Calvin and what makes him tick, or rather WHO - the story gave me all I needed and completed it with a smile.
As for the story in full, I was completely caught up in this man who had a singular focus and this woman who was headstrong and felt tested on every aspect of this "relationship" she had. But as much as I was caught up in it, it flowed well and Mariano ended it perfectly as to not leave me wanting for more. I'm really rather shocked that I didn't get a book hangover from this one. I'm not saying it wasn't intense or it didn't draw me in - quite the opposite, actually. She does a really good job bringing me deep into the crux of the story but she releases me easily as well. It's heavy when she dives in, even heavier when this bulldozer makes his way into her world, but she wrapped it up with ease. Calvin will stick with me. Because in the end, the fact that Mariano gave me something to think about, gave me someone to root for that would not normally be the ideal outcome for a healthy relationship - I mean, can I use the saying "Everything is relative" here? Probably not, because there is no excusing what he did....but, but but. *shakes my head*
I really liked this one...
Sam Mariano is brilliant in laying the groundwork for CrAZy and she does it well. Discovery is key, so learning his backstory in tandem with hers gave me a foundation for who he was and how he handled things, but I think it sort of defined him as he tried to "break free" from that mindset. Having said all that, from the very first taste of him, Calvin gave me those Carter vibes but he was wholly himself on every level. I really do blame Mariano. She set the bar high - and just like Calvin implies, you'll never get a first taste ever again. Carter was my introduction to Mariano's bully/dark side and I crave it, but she just gave me another crazy man to daydream about. I mean, how can these guys be redeemed?? I don't know how she does it, but I can't get enough of her men. And Calvin was no exception.
"My pleasure grows as I watch her surrender unfold.
~BEE
~MEET SAM MARIANO~
Sam Mariano has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. She lives in Ohio and has a sweet and wonderful daughter.
Because of You was her first finished story (she started writing it when she was 18) and due to a full-time work and college schedule, it took her years to finish. She has also been telling people for years that there would never be a sequel (sorry, guys!)…which turned out to be a lie.
Sam Mariano is currently working on Dante’s book (if you’re a Morelli reader) and some other WIP.
Feel free to find her on Facebook, Goodreads, or her blog—she loves hearing from readers!
~CONNECT WITH SAM~
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Great review!
ReplyDeleteDub con/non con is my poison! 🔥🔥🔥😘
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