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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-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
Wow is what I can say about this book. Just, wow.
Its a bully romance reminiscent of "A Walk to Remember" but with a NC-17 parental rating. There is a good Christian girl and a bad boy footballer who wants her and so takes her, whether she likes it or not. While this is extremely problematic in the real world, Sam Mariano does an excellent job of allowing you to connect with the characters and see their story through their eyes. There is sexy banter and a lot of psychological exploration in the plot and character development, although it does get a little rushed and time jumpy towards the last few chapters. I would have liked to get a little more wind down time; it was a bit abrupt after all the development in Act 2.
*There is such cute married life talk its a little ridiculous to smile so hard with the reality of how they got there. But I loved it. And there is a comedic girl fantasy moment:
"Usually, Carter and I share a dessert, but he knows when it comes to this cake, I want my own. He orders a slice for both of us, but only takes a few bites of his and then has it boxed up so I can have it tomorrow. He’s the best."
The overall comedic vibes amongst such dark deep content is a badge of how strongly emotive Sam Mariano writes.
The heroine Zoey is very strong despite not being a "strong" woman externally. She stands by what she believes in and tries to rationally deal with the issue, all within an empathetic concern; this is also what catches the main lead Carter's attention. While she is not like him, she doesn't flinch in the face of the truth, his truth, and slowly her own truth. Her internal dialogue really takes you on the journey of rationalizing her experience with Carter.
Coming from Descent, this felt like the high school version of that book's main male lead. He was so possessive and totally depraved. But despite his unhinged tendencies, he's very forthright and assertive in his beliefs as well; its hard not to be swept away by such [well written] direct agency (if you excuse the specifics of what exactly he's exerting his belief about)
He's the epitome of an alpha male, if a little toxic at times...
"It’s appealing, his ability to subtly shift the world and take what he wants from whomever he wants. I know I’m one of those things he subtly shifts from time to time, and I know it would be extremely unpleasant to fall from Carter’s good graces and suddenly be on the outside looking in, but that’s just who Carter is. High risk, high reward. I can’t pick and choose the pieces and parts of him I like and leave the rest. He is who he is."
@BookBaron is correct that this is the high school version of the main hero in a later publication "Descent". Give that a read as well, if you agree and find this enjoyable.
Its a bully romance reminiscent of "A Walk to Remember" but with a NC-17 parental rating. There is a good Christian girl and a bad boy footballer who wants her and so takes her, whether she likes it or not. While this is extremely problematic in the real world, Sam Mariano does an excellent job of allowing you to connect with the characters and see their story through their eyes. There is sexy banter and a lot of psychological exploration in the plot and character development, although it does get a little rushed and time jumpy towards the last few chapters. I would have liked to get a little more wind down time; it was a bit abrupt after all the development in Act 2.
*There is such cute married life talk its a little ridiculous to smile so hard with the reality of how they got there. But I loved it. And there is a comedic girl fantasy moment:
"Usually, Carter and I share a dessert, but he knows when it comes to this cake, I want my own. He orders a slice for both of us, but only takes a few bites of his and then has it boxed up so I can have it tomorrow. He’s the best."
The overall comedic vibes amongst such dark deep content is a badge of how strongly emotive Sam Mariano writes.
The heroine Zoey is very strong despite not being a "strong" woman externally. She stands by what she believes in and tries to rationally deal with the issue, all within an empathetic concern; this is also what catches the main lead Carter's attention. While she is not like him, she doesn't flinch in the face of the truth, his truth, and slowly her own truth. Her internal dialogue really takes you on the journey of rationalizing her experience with Carter.
Coming from Descent, this felt like the high school version of that book's main male lead. He was so possessive and totally depraved. But despite his unhinged tendencies, he's very forthright and assertive in his beliefs as well; its hard not to be swept away by such [well written] direct agency (if you excuse the specifics of what exactly he's exerting his belief about)
He's the epitome of an alpha male, if a little toxic at times...
"It’s appealing, his ability to subtly shift the world and take what he wants from whomever he wants. I know I’m one of those things he subtly shifts from time to time, and I know it would be extremely unpleasant to fall from Carter’s good graces and suddenly be on the outside looking in, but that’s just who Carter is. High risk, high reward. I can’t pick and choose the pieces and parts of him I like and leave the rest. He is who he is."
@BookBaron is correct that this is the high school version of the main hero in a later publication "Descent". Give that a read as well, if you agree and find this enjoyable.
Did I hate it, or did I love it? I just don't know. This is sick and twisted and is not for the faint-hearted. This book has a serious trigger warning for sexsual assault.
Carter is sick and twisted and is straight up something I would never even look at because of the things he does in this book.
Then we have Zoey, her thinking is so different from other ones I have read.
I still have complicated feeling about this book.
Carter is sick and twisted and is straight up something I would never even look at because of the things he does in this book.
Then we have Zoey, her thinking is so different from other ones I have read.
I still have complicated feeling about this book.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fantastic Read
This is one of my top favorite books now!! Great characters, nice spice. It is dark so definitely make sure to check the trigger warnings.
This is one of my top favorite books now!! Great characters, nice spice. It is dark so definitely make sure to check the trigger warnings.
dark
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Absolutely loved the book, the ending definitely felt a little rushed though or i would be giving 5 stars. The banter and chemistry between the two mcs is amazing had me kicking my feet and giggling like a school girl. And if you're here for the spice let me tell ya Carter Mahoney does not disappoint. This was my first book by Sam Mariano and I'm hooked.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment
Again, if you ever ask me I have read Sam Mariano's books I will say no. They're the most fucked up books I swear.
AND I LOVE THEM ALL.
AND I LOVE THEM ALL.