Sam Mariano is known for writing dark and emotional romance novels, and Even If It Hurts is no exception. This book has captivated readers with its intense characters, morally gray themes, and heart-wrenching storyline.
Even If It Hurts tells a story that challenges conventional romance narratives, pushing boundaries and exploring themes of love, manipulation, obsession, and redemption. Some readers praise it for its raw intensity, while others find it deeply unsettling.
What makes this book stand out? Let’s take a closer look at its plot, characters, themes, and why it continues to spark debate among readers.
The Plot of Even If It Hurts
The novel follows Aubrey, a young woman whose life takes a dark turn when she becomes entangled with Carter Mahoney, a dangerously charismatic and unpredictable love interest.
Carter is not your typical romantic hero—he is manipulative, controlling, and unapologetically possessive. Yet, despite his flaws, Aubrey finds herself drawn to him in ways she can’t fully understand. Their relationship is toxic, passionate, and emotionally consuming, leaving Aubrey struggling to navigate her emotions and make sense of what she truly wants.
Unlike traditional romance stories, Even If It Hurts does not offer a clear-cut love story. Instead, it delves into the complexities of attraction, the blurred lines between love and control, and the emotional turmoil of being in a destructive relationship.
Main Characters
Aubrey – The Innocent but Conflicted Heroine
Aubrey starts as a relatable, kind-hearted character with a strong sense of self. However, her involvement with Carter changes her in ways she never expected. Throughout the novel, readers watch as she struggles to maintain her identity while being consumed by an obsessive relationship.
Aubrey’s internal conflict is what makes her character compelling—she knows Carter is dangerous, yet she can’t resist his magnetic pull.
Carter Mahoney – The Ultimate Anti-Hero
Carter is charming yet ruthless, making him one of the most controversial male leads in dark romance. He doesn’t follow the usual hero arc—instead, he is domineering, possessive, and sometimes cruel.
Despite his flaws, Carter is written in a way that keeps readers engaged. He is unpredictable, and his interactions with Aubrey are filled with tension, passion, and emotional highs and lows.
While some readers find him deeply toxic and irredeemable, others see him as a complicated character shaped by his past experiences.
Themes in Even If It Hurts
1. The Fine Line Between Love and Obsession
One of the strongest themes in the book is the blurry distinction between love, obsession, and control. Carter’s love for Aubrey is intense and overpowering, but is it truly love, or is it just a need to dominate?
Aubrey’s struggle reflects a realistic portrayal of toxic relationships, where emotions can be so overwhelming that it becomes difficult to separate passion from manipulation.
2. Power and Manipulation in Relationships
Carter holds a significant amount of power over Aubrey, both emotionally and psychologically. This dynamic makes the story both compelling and uncomfortable, forcing readers to question the nature of control in relationships.
Unlike traditional romances where the hero eventually redeems himself through love, Even If It Hurts challenges the idea of a perfect transformation. Instead, it shows how power imbalances can shape relationships in both dangerous and emotional ways.
3. Morally Gray Characters
One of the reasons Even If It Hurts is so polarizing is its morally ambiguous characters. There is no clear hero or villain—just people making flawed decisions based on their emotions, desires, and past experiences.
Carter is not a typical “bad boy” who changes for love. He is deeply flawed, and while he has moments of vulnerability, he never completely loses his manipulative tendencies.
Aubrey, on the other hand, is not just a helpless victim. She makes choices, struggles with guilt, and sometimes even enjoys the chaos Carter brings into her life. This complexity makes the characters feel raw and realistic.
Why Even If It Hurts is So Controversial
The novel has sparked debates in the romance community. Some readers love the raw and unfiltered storytelling, while others criticize it for romanticizing toxic relationships.
Arguments in Favor of the Book:
- Bold storytelling that doesn’t shy away from difficult topics.
- Complex characters that feel real, even when they make bad choices.
- Emotional depth that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
Criticism Against the Book:
- Some feel that Carter’s manipulative behavior is too extreme to be considered romantic.
- The lack of redemption in Carter’s character arc leaves some readers dissatisfied.
- The story might be triggering for readers sensitive to themes of emotional abuse.
Who Should Read Even If It Hurts?
This book is for readers who:
- Enjoy dark romance with intense emotional depth.
- Appreciate flawed and morally ambiguous characters.
- Want a story that pushes the boundaries of traditional romance.
However, if you prefer wholesome love stories with clear happy endings, this book may not be for you. Even If It Hurts is emotionally heavy, thought-provoking, and sometimes disturbing—but that’s what makes it unique.
Sam Mariano’s Even If It Hurts is a bold and unforgettable dark romance that leaves a lasting impact. With its controversial themes, intense characters, and emotionally charged narrative, it is a book that challenges readers’ perceptions of love, obsession, and morality.
While not for the faint of heart, this novel is a must-read for those who enjoy deep, complex, and emotionally raw storytelling. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing is certain—Even If It Hurts will make you feel something.