Descent to Cuckold

Descent to Cuckold follows the story of Dan and Susie, a married couple whose lives change dramatically after a home renovation disaster forces them to move into temporary accommodation. When their cottage collapses due to Dan's overly ambitious DIY project, they end up renting an apartment from Seth, a charismatic and successful builder with a larger-than-life personality. At first, Seth's presence feels like a blessing: he offers expert advice on their renovation, helps them secure better deals, and even opens new professional opportunities for Susie, who is stuck in an unfulfilling corporate accounting role.
What begins as gratitude quickly develops into deeper entanglement, as Susie and Seth form a strong professional and personal bond. Dan, meanwhile, struggles with feelings of inadequacy and intimidation, watching his wife thrive in Seth's orbit while questioning his own role in their marriage. The narrative is presented partly as Dan's personal reflections, partly as Susie's evolving perspective, and later with insights from their daughter, Mia.
Through these shifting viewpoints, the book explores themes of ambition, trust, identity, and the complicated dynamics that arise when personal and professional lives collide. At its core, Descent to Cuckold is about a couple navigating change-change in their home, their careers, and their relationship. The story examines how fragile or resilient marriage can be when challenged by outside influences, temptation, and shifting power balances.
Blending domestic drama with psychological tension, the novel asks: how far can a marriage bend before it breaks, and what does it take to rediscover-or redefine-intimacy and commitment?