Reviews

Undertow by Sam Mariano

belle_north's review against another edition

3.0

An easy to read bridge between Undertow and Contempt, which I am SUPER excited for.

kaylakrystek's review

3.5

I enjoyed Gemma and Hayden’s relationship, but most of the second half of this book just felt like it was setting up the next book about their kids.

nlt's review

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

pri_k's review

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

phoeberuth's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

kfriend's review against another edition

5.0

(review from Bully God antho, prior to Even if It Hurts being released) Oh my goodness, that was DELICIOUS! Sam Mariano knows just how to hit the spot, and while this one felt more contemporary in nature, we still have the chemistry dynamic that I adore in the possessive, manipulative alpha hero in lawyer Hayden and the pliable and gentle heroine Gemma. Hayden is a force, pulling Gemma under into his desires quickly- this is a classic, but a bit gentler, Sam Mariano leading man. He decides what he wants- and he relentlessly gets it. This is one of the longer novellas in the batch, and Sam really builds some insane emotional and physical chemistry in this short novella. These characters are really vividly realized. Expect a bit of questionable consent, but nothing as dark as we’ve seen in her other shorts, and the bully is not who you expect. This is a complete story, but Sam has announced the secondary characters will be getting a story- which is brilliant given who they are. Sam has given us a perspective/insight in this story of the archetypal characters we often judge in bully romances, and I found it super clever that we’re getting their story BEFORE we get the one to come.

eli731's review

emotional fast-paced

3.25

yeriwithaj_'s review against another edition

4.0

Phew, a different delivery from Sam Mariano, I’m here for it

I think this is the tamest Sam Mariano book I have EVER read. And it was completely unexpected. I mean, right until the very end I was waiting for the full blown psycho to pop out of Hayden.

Don’t get me wrong, Hayden was still not a good guy by any standard but, he wasn’t a monster, he was…human. I’m telling you, unexpected.

I loved this story and I cannot wait for Parker and Landon’s story. I can already tell,Landon is gonna be everything his father is and more…

hannas_heas47's review against another edition

5.0

loved it

I loved the story! It was not as dark as the first one but the forced tendencies were just as good! Phenomenal writer, I’m definitely buying this is paperback!

renee_lewis81's review against another edition

4.0

What can I say about Sam Mariano other than she is freaking awesome.

This book isn’t as dark as her others and Hayden isn’t the typical bully like her other MMC’s, but I still loved him. He bulldozed his way into Gemma’s life, who was trying to keep her distance because his son and her daughter were having issues at school (ie, Landon bullies Parker).

This quote here I think sums up every Sam Mariano book:

“I’ve told you no a thousand times. I shouldn’t have to say it again.” “Why don’t you try a different answer? One I’ll like better.”