Persephone Abbot is in my debt. Exactly the way I want it. The sins of the father should not be inherited by the daughter. It’s unfair, I know, but since when has life been fair? The events that brought us here began on Halloween night more than five years ago in that chapel ruin. I saved her that night. Carried her home through the storm that was the omen warning of what would come.I didn’t know … what would come.
I didn’t know it then, but I do now.
Her father destroyed something precious. Someone innocent.
I don’t believe in an eye for an eye. I won’t just balance the scales of justice, I’ll tip them so far in my favor his legacy will topple.
I’ll take that which is most precious. His daughter.
But I’m not the only monster lurking in the dark corners of her world. She’ll sleep in the bed of the beast, but I’ll keep her safe. Protect her fiercely.
And maybe I’ll keep her.
Set in the Benedetti Mafia World, Descent is a brand new Standalone Enemies-to-Lovers Romance.
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DESCENT by Natasha Knight is the second instalment in the author’s adult, contemporary, dark, erotic romance series set in the Benedetti Brothers Mafia World. This is businessman Hayden Montgomery, and Persephone Abbot’s story line. DESCENT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. You do not have to have read the previous series to follow the story or timeline.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line content, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Hayden and Persephone) DESCENT follows in the aftermath of an accident that left Persephone’s father clinging to life. With the family business and empire crumbling and nearing foreclosure Persephone’s only option to sign over control to the enemy, a man who is hoping to destroy what’s left of the Abbot empire. Enter businessman Hayden Montgomery, and the man with whom Persephone will fall in love. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Persephone and Hayden, and the potential fall-out as sins of the past threaten to destroy them all.
Persephone Abbot never knew to what extent her father had failed but a vendetta against her family finds our heroine facing a life of indentured servitude to a man who is seeking revenge- a debt owed with her life and her self-esteem; a humiliation that would continue for as long as Hayden wanted. Childhood friends with the Montgomery siblings, Persephone would be destroyed when death would take one of their own.
Hayden Montgomery not only wants vengeance but he will take everything including our story line heroine in an effort to get what he wants, and done. Believing Persephone’s father betrayed the family, Hayden seeks revenge by destroying the one person that mattered –Persephone herself.
The relationship between Hayden and Persephone is a contemptuous at best; a forced enemies to lovers relationship in an effort to take control of what was, and what will never be. Every aspect of Persephone’s life will be controlled by a man determined to get revenge, control that pushes the boundaries of questionable consent, and forcible $ex. The $ex scenes are aggressive and rough but I struggled with the use of a certain four-letter word in my ‘romance’ story lines.
We are introduced to Persephone’s younger sister Lizzie and their father Quincy Abbot and their step-mother Irina; Hayden’s twin brother Ares, and their brother Jonas, as well as their father Jeremiah Montgomery. There is a cameo appearance by Dominic Benedetti, his wife Gia, and mobster Angus Scave.
DESCENT is a story of fracture family dynamics; of secrets and lies; unforgiveable sins and retribution. The premise is dark and gritty; the characters are edgy, tragic and broken; the romance is questionable but passionate.
It was to short! Or maybe I just wanted to stay in the story forever?
You ever get to 50% and begin to wonder if you can somehow make the journey a bit longer? Maybe read slower? I actually did that… or tried to.
I read this or should say consumed this in one sitting
From the moment a broken Hayden comforted a frightened Persephone I willingly handed over my heart and any hope of breaking free before the final scene played out
Hades went about his conquest of Persephone all wrong. He was using revenge as an excuse to manipulate the situation and acquire his heart’s desire- the oldest ploy in the book – and to make matters worse??
He admits his possession of Percy truly has nothing to do with his hatred of her father. He just wanted his Percy. What he fails to admit is that she is his everything. Always has been.
Yeah, these two had it bad.
One of the many reasons their story stole my heart.
Percy knew from the moment she locked eyes with Hades she would bend to his will, but a girl has to front a little hard to get.
The story line…
Twisted
Deadly
And hot as he ll!!
As the veil is lifted and the plot is exposed listen carefully to what happened. The devil is always in the details. There is a *deep inhale * revelation that explains soooo much, or it did for me. Seems Hades had a taste of Persephone long before now.
You know right from the start Percy is going to capitulate to Hades and you know Hades is going to push limits .. he is a male and he is in love and he needs to bang his chest and … well, you get the idea. I think Percy does pretty well holding her own.
I do think that this should have been longer – No, it is not just my greed for more from this couple. There are some events that I felt needed more backstory. Like Hade’s childhood, his dad’s deals, his adopted sister’s actions … IDK maybe I did just want more.
I know I want Ares’s story. He seems a bit more level headed than his brother. Maybe?
I need to remember not to start reading late any book by Natasha Knight, I couldn’t put this down until I finish it at 4 am! Needless to say, it’s absolutely fantastic. You get a mix of mafia and Greek mythology mixed in this story about Persephone and Haden (Hades). It will hook you with all the enemies to lovers action packed angst, with all the dark side of a sexy antihero. It’s a must read definitely and I am sure Natasha Knight will become a one- click author for you as it is for me now. Superb 5 star!
A story conveys to us the idea of the unknown. And that’s how I felt when I read Natasha’s DESCENT story. True, she makes a parallel to the Greek story of Persephone and Hades, but if in the mythological story of Hades’ love of a tragic Persephone, the idea of a god kidnapping another girl is an idea of some domination, the big kidnapping the helpless little one. The blame falls on all humanity for their injustice, and they couldn’t know what was going on there, they hoped there would be something good, something to reward all the good people who worked hard for the good things they did.
But, this story, is so different, so deep. A boy and a girl who knew from childhood that love was still there. But as we know to receive true love, there always have to be difficulties along the way, heartache, and tragedy and consequences.
And that’s what’s in this wonderful book by Natasha. And just as Hades didn’t want to lose Persephone, so Hayden didn’t want to lose Percy and vice versa. Their shared history is led through twists and turns. The consciousness that everyone understands the story differently, the blame and the truth … until the puzzle connects. Then you, as a reader, understand what Natasha puts you through.
A mesmerizing plot, breathtaking heroes. And sweeping writing.
Most importantly I received another batch from the Benedetti family.
I will conclude with a phrase I loved that united me to myrtle, Persephone, Hadden, and Percy; “When he gave her the pomegranate, but she ate it willingly, even knowing the cost because then she would be his. Truly His”
This was fantastic I could not put it down it has everything the intensity, secrets, lies and the characters are raw and so well written I devoured every word.
Hades and Persephone are intense she is feisty and has such a huge heart and he is very complex with so many layers and moods and has that commanding Alpha attitude that I love he gets what he wants and no one can stop him. These two are a hurricane of emotion.
I loved the layers and the realness of the story just brilliant!!
Descent is a standalone enemies-to-lovers romance which is set in the Benedetti Mafia World I fell in love with in some of this author’s other books.
From the moment I started reading Descent, I couldn’t put it down. Hayden (aka Hades) had such a sexy, commanding presence. He makes it known early on that Persephone is much more to him than a business deal. Persephone tries her best to fight the attraction and pull she has toward Hayden. Even a blind person could see it was a losing battle. They have a history and a connection that is stronger than they are. Both are great characters, made even better when they’re together.
I also liked and am interested in Hayden’s twin brother Ares. I have my fingers crossed that we will see more of him in the future. Dominic, whom I adore, made an appearance in this book and I was glad to see that he and Gia are happy.
Descent is filled with family secrets and twists and was a great read. NK is one of my favorite authors and I cannot wait to see what she publishes next.
I was kindly provided an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Are you craving for a dominating, over bearing, arrogant, super possessive and uber delicious alpha man? I have a perfect recommendation for you! Descent by Natasha Knight. This gritty, twisted, deviant and suspenseful story is the answer to your every question!
Persephone Abott’s life is falling apart. Her father is in vegetarian state after a major accident. They are almost broke. And Hayden Montgomery enters her distressed life right then. He offers her a deal of devil. She can stay afloat and keep her loved ones safe if she surrender her body and soul to him unconditionally. The boy from neighbourhood is no longer here. In his place she finds a cruel, vengeful, powerful, richer than god and ruthless man who wants control in every aspect. But is that really true? What demons is he hiding behind his cold facade? The secrets are rattling in closet and they will come out to destroy everything. But after destruction comes a new beginning.
Two things are really exquisite in this story. First, the chemistry between Persephone and Hayden. I love to read enemies to lover stories where author takes me to that sensual, intense and explosive space between love and hate. And this story nailed it. They have a special bond since early life. But too much regret, heartache and misunderstandings are brewing a vicious storm between them. Hayden hates her for breaking his life into pieces and Persephone hates him for trying to own her. From these bitter and angry emotions they form a strong connection. Their chemistry is sinful, deviant and electrifying. I was just mesmerized by the intensity of this love – hate interaction. My kindle heated up quite a lot by their intimate moments!
Second most important strength of this story was the plot. It is complicated with layers of power play, conspiracies, devastating family secrets, mind games and dangerous twists. Persephone is an amazing character. She has immense will power and resilience. She is strong with a compassionate heart who fights till the end for her independence and rights. And she also fights to protect the monster who is tearing her life apart. Aka Hayden. He also has this hidden gentle and protective side that I adore. Percy tries to hold off her feelings for Hayden as those are not rational. And Hayden doesn’t want to give her so much power over his soul. But their love is inevitable. breathtaking play of light and dark is really precious!
Mystery, emotions, chemistry, feelings and everything fit like an enticing puzzle piece in Descent by Natasha Knight. The writing was sharp and flawless. The characters won my heart. And I am completely stunned by the complexity of story line and intensity of connection between Persephone and Hayden!
Received ARC for Honest review
I love books that incorporate Greek Mythology into them. This one did not closely follow the theme that most books do when they use that as a theme, but this one was a really good book that incorporates it into the story line.
“Hades.
He was my savior once.
Twice.
Now he’s become my tormentor.
And I don’t ever want him to let me go.”
Set in the Benedetti Mafia world, this story has made me interested in read the rest of the series. This book is a spin-off of that series, while it is a stand-alone book, I think it blended really well into that world. A lot of spin-off books don’t go that close to the original story line, I loved that this one did.
“Persephone Abbot belongs to me. She always has. And now, she belongs in my bed, too. And I’ll make sure she stays there no matter what I have to do.”
Descent reminded me while mafia romance is one of my favorite dark romance themes. They are always full of action, passion, and enough angst to keep me happy. There was so many layers to the story in this book, it kept me on the edge of my seat while reading. I devoured the book in one sitting, I just couldn’t put this one down. This is my first book by this author, and I’m excited to go check out her back log of books. I love finding authors like this, it gives me so many books to go binge on when I find them. Even if you don’t end up reading the series this spined-off from, you need to check this one out!
“Hades loved Persephone.
And he’s right.
She loved him, too.
But his love, it condemned her. It could only take. It could only ever make her dark.
She wasn’t the same even in the time she spent in the light.
Because once you let darkness love you, it won’t ever let you go.
And you won’t want it to.”
Wow! Book hangover! I could not put this book down. Hooked from the first page. Fantastic characters, so much happening, a little suspense, a lot of drama, and some oh so sexy times. I just loved Hayden Montgomery, he had the whole angry, alpha male, seeking revenge mojo down to a tee. Hades (even his nickname is hot), is used to getting what he wants, it wasn’t always like that for him though, and what he wants is Persephone Abbot, and he isn’t going to let anything stand in his way. Persephone wants to hate Hades so much, but let’s be honest, he’s very persuasive, and she’s only human after all (even though her name suggests otherwise). Lots of plot twists and turns that kept me on my toes, oh and a little Benedetti cameo that I adored. Excellent writing, an addictive story, and characters, both good and bad, that will stay with me for months to come. I just know that this is going to be one of my favourite reads this year (that’s saying a lot, seeing as we’re only 2 weeks in). I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.
***4,5 “staining” stars***
“I have to remind myself that he’s only human.
A man.
He is no more Hades, God of the Underwold, than I am Persephone, daughter of Demeter.
He’s just a man.
Human.”
I enjoyed this ride so much!!! This story was sooo good!!!
I’m ashamed for that, but this was my first book by Natasha Knight, even though i have set my eyes on many books of hers…
This story was a story about revenge, about second chances, about redemption…
This was a story that i loved very much!!!
“Hades and I, there’s something that binds us. It’a always been like this with us. Like a moth to the flame.
Except that I don’t know which of us is the moth and which the flame that will burn the other.”
Persephone and Hades… You all have heard the myth, right???
Well, in here there were one Persephone and there was her Hades that had come to claim her in a very anorthodox way…
Hayden was seeking revenge…
Persephone was seeking someone to rely on…
He wanted to destroy no matter what and whom…
She just wanted to survive the ugly storm that had swoop up her life lately…
He demanded to give him herself in order to help her…
She accepted in order to win some time…
“She’s desperate.
And I won’t let the opportunity pass me by…Persephone will be sacrificed, but that can’t be helped. It’s fitting, actually. Almost poetic.
An eye for an eye.
A girl for a girl.”
“What if I say no?”
“You won’t… It’s what you’ve always wanted. I’m giving you what you’ve always wanted. What you’re too weak to ask for yourself.”
But between them were always lying something deeper…
Something that was drawing them together, but this time the darkness are swallowing them down…
Will they survive this arrangement??? And what will they have to sacrifice in order to succeed???
“He stole her away simply because he wanted her… Not to save her from anything.
“You forget one thing…”
“What’s that?”
“Hades loved Persephone.”
I can not deny that from the first moment all this dark aura and attraction between these two were pulling me in…
Persephone and Hayden in the same room were like fire and gazoline… It was inevitable that there had to be an explosion…
They were made for each other, even when they were doing nasty things to each other…
The pull between them was making me hot and bothered… and the sexy scenes were putting fire on my pants!!!
“Persephone Abbot belongs to me. She always has. And now, she belongs in my bed, too. And I’ll make sure she stays there no matter what I have to do.”
I loved dark and possessive Hayden…
Yes, he took what he really wanted in a very unorthodox way, but i couldn’t not see from the very beginning that deep down inside he was caring…
Even though he was out for blood, he still cared and he was showing it in every touch and kind gesture…
“I don’t know what it is with her.
No other woman has ever stirred such havoc inside me.
Not a single one.”
Percy was trapped in others mistakes and she was drowning while she was trying to be there for everyone…
She was carrying a big burden and Hayden was making her life difficult more than it was already…
But she couldn’t deny his proposition, even though i think that deep down inside she was craving this result…
Cause Persephony wanted her Hades for a long time before….
“He was a little scary back then.
Well, he’s still a little scary now.
But I’d had this strange fascination for him.
The prodigal son.
The one who I only ever saw shadows of.”
But the whole deal wasn’t only about these two…. they were many more involved in this masquerade and the atmosphere with all these secrets was so suspenseful…
Well, i truly enjoyed this book and even though that i haven’t read the Benedetti mafia books, i want to learn more about this bunch…
No, don’t you worry! This book was a standalone…. And i totally recommend it!!!
“Hades loved Persephone. And he’s right. She loved him, too.
But his love, it condemned her. It could only take. She wasn’t the same even in the time she spent in the light.
Because once you let darkness love you, it won’t ever let you go.
And you won’t want it to.”
Natasha Knight never disappoints when it comes to delivering a great dark romance and Descent is no exception. Hades and Persephone are one of my all time favorite mythical couples and I really enjoyed this modern day retelling of their story. I loved Hayden’s possessive nature and fierce need for Percy from the start. Percy was such a refreshing heroine, much like her namesake bringing a touch of spring into the underworld. As I’ve come to expect from Ms. Knight, the story was scorching hot and the chemistry between Hayden and Percy was off the charts. To top it all off, throw in a dash of mystery and a reunion with some favorites from the Benedetti world. Definitely pick this up if you are a fan of edgy romance with darker undertones!
I loved everything about this book!
The writing is superb.
The characters fascinating.
And the plot is explosive!
From the first sentence of starting this book I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
Hayden “Hades” is an intriguing man.
He’s complex and has so many layers to him.
He is not what you see it what you get type.
Hades has it all.
He’s rich,handsome and successful.
But he’s also out for revenge.
And no one better stand in the way of that revenge.
Persephone is one amazing young lady.
She’s strong.
She’s resilient.
And she tough.
Percy is sweet,kind and so big hearted.
She will take on everything and everyone for the sake of those she loves.
Hades and Percy together are a powerhouse.
With one another they are explosive and combustible.
Their chemistry is undeniable.
And the lust that flows between them is sizzling.
I loved that they had a previous history together.
That just made everything that just more tension filled and more dynamic.
I loved how this story was written.
A mix of mafia,revenge,tragedy and love.
Giving Hayden and Percy their own journey while intertwining the mythical story of Hades and Persephone.
Ms. Knight did an excellent job of giving her readers darkness and tenderness with the perfect balance.
For me this book is deserving of much more than just five stars.
Definitely one of my favorite books by this extremely talented author
Persephone and Hades
Descent is a new story by Natasha Knight and I loved it Set in the Benedetti world….but slightly apart….you will know what I mean once you get a chance to read. Hayden decides to make Persephone pay for the sins of her father but skeletons in the closest keep falling out and secrets keep coming to the surface
Thank you to Natasha for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review
I just love going into Natasha’s world
I devoured this book, l struggled to put it down to sleep.
I know it’s dark but it’s so captivating. Just loved Hayden and Percy, loved the mythical references. There was so much intertwined secret shit in this one it was brilliant. You think you have an idea of where it’s going but nope!
They have so much history, yet are worlds apart, but circumstances are about to throw them together. Secrets are always waiting to blow wide open. This one is like a tsunami.
Getting a link up with the Benedetti’s is always a plus. Nice to see some of their issues put to rest.
Hoping there will be more from this book, I’d love Ares story.
Gahhhhh I’m empty now…..I need more.
Want an offer you can’t refuse? Descent by Natasha Knight is an incredible enemy to lover mafia romance. I absolutely loved Hayden “Hades” Montgomery and Persephone Abbott and the chemistry that they had. Knight has once again brought these characters to life on the pages of her newest release. This is a stand-alone read that I just couldn’t put down, I finished it in a day. 5-stars for Descent by Natasha Knight.
Persephone Abbott is at the mercy of her enemy Hayden Montgomery. She is desperate to keep her house and her father’s company and to be able to take care of her teenage sister. The one thing Hades wants is to ruin the Abbott family and he will start by taking Persephone’s fathers sins out on her. Persephone thinks that Hades is the biggest thing to fear but she is sadly mistaken, and her mistake may just cost her and her sister their lives. It is up to Hades to save the girls and maintain control of what he really wants, Persephone.
Wow, This is definitely a top read of 2020!! I’m in love with Hayden!! If I could give this more than 5 stars I would!! Persephone “Percy” Abbot is on a time limit to be free. Hayden “Hades” Montgomery wants revenge on the Abbot family and he will use Persephone to get it. He wants control of everything…her family business…her estate and everything inside, including her! Can he keep to his plan of destruction or will this one woman change all that he planned? “I don’t know what it is with her. No other woman has ever stirred such havoc inside me.” When secrets and lies are revealed will that change their feelings about everything? I absolutely loved this book and the push/pull between these two. Hayden and Persephone are the perfect mix for this enemies to lovers romantic suspense. Revenge never tasted so sweet! I will never look at butter the same again! 😉 This takes place in the Benedetti world but can be read as a stand-alone. Told in dual POV
This book was a rollercoaster of twists and turns and emotions! I loved Hayden and Persephone and man did it have some super hot parts! I can’t recommend this enough, it is a great read!
I have long been a fan of Natasha Knight. I found her books when I first read Giovanni (the Benedetti Crime Family series), and I’ve consumed almost every book she’s written. I do have a rather short list of my favorite authors, ones whose books I’ll buy immediately, and Natasha is most definitely on that list. She’s simply that good.
In her most recent writing she gives us Hayden, known as Hades, and Persephone, sometimes called Percy. I fell in love with these two characters almost from the start. Hades, angry and seeking revenge for a death that has haunted him for five years. Persephone, innocent of any wrongdoing, is caught up in his vendetta, solely because of her family connections.
This book takes place in the Benedetti world, and it was awesome to catch up with Dominic and Gia again! But more than that, this book was such a pleasure to read. I started it this morning and read it through to the end. I didn’t want to put it down, even getting a little resentful when I had to from time to time. The world created by this author is realistic and engaging. Her characters are distinct and well thought out. The story was very interesting and attention grabbing. I loved every page. If you’re looking for a good mafia story along with being a very well written mystery, this is the book for you. Highly recommended.