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Imperfect Madness
Before Almost Perfect, there was Imperfect Madness.
Carter Stevens wasn’t always the calculating psychologist who guided his patients to their ultimate “peace.” Once, he was a boy haunted by a past he couldn’t escape—a life shaped by tragedy, manipulation, and darkness.
From the trauma of his mother’s death to the shadow of his father’s cruelty, Carter’s journey is a twisted path of survival and transformation. Guided by his mentor, Dr. Kim Wong, he rises to prominence in psychology, but at what cost? As his methods blur the line between help and harm, Carter must confront the demons that drive him—and the ones he creates.
This gripping psychological thriller dives into the making of a man whose past is as chilling as his present. Discover the origins of the twisted mind that left readers breathless in Almost Perfect.
Carter Stevens wasn’t always the calculating psychologist who guided his patients to their ultimate “peace.” Once, he was a boy haunted by a past he couldn’t escape—a life shaped by tragedy, manipulation, and darkness.
From the trauma of his mother’s death to the shadow of his father’s cruelty, Carter’s journey is a twisted path of survival and transformation. Guided by his mentor, Dr. Kim Wong, he rises to prominence in psychology, but at what cost? As his methods blur the line between help and harm, Carter must confront the demons that drive him—and the ones he creates.
This gripping psychological thriller dives into the making of a man whose past is as chilling as his present. Discover the origins of the twisted mind that left readers breathless in Almost Perfect.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2024
2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 27, 2024
LOVED this book! This is the prequel to Almost Perfect and it definitely answers some of the questions as to why the MMC is the way he is in Almost Perfect! I highly recommend this book and this Author is definitely an auto buy Author for me!
December 23, 2024
I absolutely love that this books brings it all together. It makes you look at Almost Perfect so differently now. Carter’s childhood was something awful. His stepfather was a menace. I love that although he went through so much he had real friends that had his back through it all. Latoya was a real one
Meeting Dr Wong changed his life; literally. Though Dr. Wong was calculated, Carter was something so much better. The way his mind worked was fascinating. Dr. Wong thought she was stronger than she was but over time that façade was broken. And that changed things as we knew them
Anthony…
Meeting Dr Wong changed his life; literally. Though Dr. Wong was calculated, Carter was something so much better. The way his mind worked was fascinating. Dr. Wong thought she was stronger than she was but over time that façade was broken. And that changed things as we knew them
Anthony…
December 27, 2024
Deandre has done it again! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
What happens when who molded you into what are becoming shifts and you become the molder? But on your own terms, making your craft your own. You’re the one with the last laugh.
This book had me gasping, shocked, laughing at the zingers and even got me teary eyed reading some scenes between Carter & his Mom. As, always check your trigger warnings!
This prequeal provided answers and more of a back story from Carter’s upbringing and past, his childhood. It also provided connections to his friendships he formed. How he masterminds his friendships, use people and their abilities to his advantage.
You understand where he got his inspiration from for his job. But also how in a way he takes what he’s been molded into and taught and takes his power back to make it his own craft. It truly pieces together Almost Perfect beautifully. I understand Carter on a whole other level. I understand his masterminding skills, manipulation skills, all of it.
Carter is a mastermind genius, literally.
What happens when who molded you into what are becoming shifts and you become the molder? But on your own terms, making your craft your own. You’re the one with the last laugh.
This book had me gasping, shocked, laughing at the zingers and even got me teary eyed reading some scenes between Carter & his Mom. As, always check your trigger warnings!
This prequeal provided answers and more of a back story from Carter’s upbringing and past, his childhood. It also provided connections to his friendships he formed. How he masterminds his friendships, use people and their abilities to his advantage.
You understand where he got his inspiration from for his job. But also how in a way he takes what he’s been molded into and taught and takes his power back to make it his own craft. It truly pieces together Almost Perfect beautifully. I understand Carter on a whole other level. I understand his masterminding skills, manipulation skills, all of it.
Carter is a mastermind genius, literally.
January 1, 2025
Wow!
I absolutely LOVED this prequel and it explains a lot but I have questions and if I ask them it would contain spoilers and I don’t want to do that as this book was released just yesterday! I will be thinking of his other book and this prequel to it. It will definitely be on my forever reread books. I read the kindle but now I’ll have to buy the physical book! AMAZING!
I absolutely LOVED this prequel and it explains a lot but I have questions and if I ask them it would contain spoilers and I don’t want to do that as this book was released just yesterday! I will be thinking of his other book and this prequel to it. It will definitely be on my forever reread books. I read the kindle but now I’ll have to buy the physical book! AMAZING!
January 24, 2025
Another literary masterpiece
DeAndre has knocked it so far out of the park with this one, a homerun is no longer on the radar. He has mastered perfection with this novel! As Carter said, "A world was waiting to be shaped by his own hands." Well, Mr. Karelavic shapes Imperfect Madness beyond perfection for his readers!
DeAndre has knocked it so far out of the park with this one, a homerun is no longer on the radar. He has mastered perfection with this novel! As Carter said, "A world was waiting to be shaped by his own hands." Well, Mr. Karelavic shapes Imperfect Madness beyond perfection for his readers!
December 26, 2024
Another 5 star read from my auto-purchase author, Deandre Kralevic!
Imperfect Madness answers so many questions that Almost Perfect left unanswered or unestablished. This book takes you back to when Carter was a child; when his mother was still alive and their bond was unbreakable. It helps you understand why Carter is the way he is, how he became that way, the hardships he had to endure, and his inspiration behind his career and how he handles business.
It examples his friendships, relationships, how he was molded and used for someone else’s business and pleasure. How he broke the mold and became his own person while keeping his friendships intact and used what he needed for success and his own advantages.
“Now that you’re out, perfection can begin.”
Imperfect Madness answers so many questions that Almost Perfect left unanswered or unestablished. This book takes you back to when Carter was a child; when his mother was still alive and their bond was unbreakable. It helps you understand why Carter is the way he is, how he became that way, the hardships he had to endure, and his inspiration behind his career and how he handles business.
It examples his friendships, relationships, how he was molded and used for someone else’s business and pleasure. How he broke the mold and became his own person while keeping his friendships intact and used what he needed for success and his own advantages.
“Now that you’re out, perfection can begin.”
June 19, 2025
I read Imperfect Madness before starting the rest of the series—and wow, what an introduction. Deandre Kralevic dives into Carter’s past with raw emotion and intensity, and I was hooked from page one.
Carter is one of the most complex characters I’ve read. Watching his childhood unravel—through trauma, grief, and manipulation—was both heartbreaking and fascinating. You really see how he’s shaped into who he becomes.
The psychological tension keeps building, and every character leaves a mark. Even without reading Almost Perfect first, I was fully invested. This book stands strong on its own and sets the stage for what’s clearly going to be a dark, wild ride. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Carter is one of the most complex characters I’ve read. Watching his childhood unravel—through trauma, grief, and manipulation—was both heartbreaking and fascinating. You really see how he’s shaped into who he becomes.
The psychological tension keeps building, and every character leaves a mark. Even without reading Almost Perfect first, I was fully invested. This book stands strong on its own and sets the stage for what’s clearly going to be a dark, wild ride. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
July 26, 2025
Didn’t realize my full review didn’t copy over guess I got to re-read the three and make new reviews
March 17, 2025
I devoured this book. Am I starting my thriller era??
December 31, 2024
Deandre did it again with series. This book gives a little backstory about Dr. Marcus Saint Claude (Carter). I immersed myself in this book from the first page ; feeling every emotion younger Carter was going through. From how the side and main character shape him into the man he is now. After reading this I see why he acts the way he acts. But I’m definitely excited and nervous to read the next book, especially when it comes to Carter’s. Relationship with women. The women can’t be like his mom and they can’t be possessive; and he’s also a blend of his stepfather Kim and his mom .So how will his relationship begin with Alison? I guess we will see in the next book.
February 5, 2025
AMAZING!!!! I really understand Carter soooo much more now! I get why he turned out to be a smart, intelligent psychopath.
The first part of the book had me in all my feelings. I felt it all. The hurt, the anger, the fear, the love and hatred. As you read you understand that Carter grew to be the way he is on his own but it was also shaped.
The author killed this book just like he did the first one!! I am obsessed with his writing and promise to continue to read every one of his books!!!
The first part of the book had me in all my feelings. I felt it all. The hurt, the anger, the fear, the love and hatred. As you read you understand that Carter grew to be the way he is on his own but it was also shaped.
The author killed this book just like he did the first one!! I am obsessed with his writing and promise to continue to read every one of his books!!!
May 7, 2025
Holyy.. this was addictive and tense! I devoured this in a day.
It starts off following the MMC Carter at 6 years old going through his POV of life with a physically, verbally and emotionally abusive stepfather and his mother who takes the brunt of his stepfathers wrath until one day she can’t take it anymore. Carter witnesses his mother’s death at the age of 7 while continuing to live with his stepfather and eventually new girlfriend, who moves in and the vicious cycle continues. We follow Carters life until he’s in his late 20’s and see how his childhood has brought him to where he is now, who he is now, and who he’s met along the way.
One of those people is his childhood psychologist, Kimberly Wong, who ends up being his first true sexual experience which.. there’s a lot to unpack there alone. I can see why, from Carters perspective, he was intrigued and excited to be involved with Kim. But from her?! Hell no! She’s all types of fucked up for that, it’s grooming at the very least and emotional and sexual coercion amongst other things at worst.
But Carter is a smart guy, excelled above all students throughout grade school and secondary education.. but he definitely has some unpacked emotions in which he uses that and his intelligence, along with “mentoring” from Kim to evolve to the man he is today.
There’s a lot to note from this story but the fun has just begun. It took a turn that I was NOT expecting towards the end and now I’m really interested to see where he goes from here. Carter is a beast to the psyche of people.. but where will he take it? I’m excited to read more..!
It starts off following the MMC Carter at 6 years old going through his POV of life with a physically, verbally and emotionally abusive stepfather and his mother who takes the brunt of his stepfathers wrath until one day she can’t take it anymore. Carter witnesses his mother’s death at the age of 7 while continuing to live with his stepfather and eventually new girlfriend, who moves in and the vicious cycle continues. We follow Carters life until he’s in his late 20’s and see how his childhood has brought him to where he is now, who he is now, and who he’s met along the way.
One of those people is his childhood psychologist, Kimberly Wong, who ends up being his first true sexual experience which.. there’s a lot to unpack there alone. I can see why, from Carters perspective, he was intrigued and excited to be involved with Kim. But from her?! Hell no! She’s all types of fucked up for that, it’s grooming at the very least and emotional and sexual coercion amongst other things at worst.
But Carter is a smart guy, excelled above all students throughout grade school and secondary education.. but he definitely has some unpacked emotions in which he uses that and his intelligence, along with “mentoring” from Kim to evolve to the man he is today.
There’s a lot to note from this story but the fun has just begun. It took a turn that I was NOT expecting towards the end and now I’m really interested to see where he goes from here. Carter is a beast to the psyche of people.. but where will he take it? I’m excited to read more..!
December 29, 2024
Imperfect Madness explains the childhood of Carter and his life growing up in an abusive home. The events that occur while Carter grows up makes him into the man he is in Book I of the series, Almost Perfect. This prequel will answer many questions left unanswered. This is another page turner by Deandre that will have you wincing, holding your breath, and eager to learn what is going to happen next. Bravo, Deandre! I cannot wait for the next chapter!!
March 13, 2025
This is exactly what we needed after reading, Almost Perfect. It takes a dive into what makes Carter ,well “Carter”. I like how Deandre incorporated how Carter gets away with what he does (Latoya,Farid,and John) who play a huge role in Carters “Success”. This is messed up in so many thrilling ways. The only thing that got me is the grooming he received from Kim. I am definitely looking forward to book 3 hopefully Carter can find peace of his own, but not in the way he helps his clients find peace. It’s definitely worth the read. Deandre has a way with words that leave you waiting for more. 10/10 would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2025
oh my gosh!!!!
Do you want a book that keeps you wondering and on your toes, then definitely check out this book I finished it in 2 days, that's good for me considering mom of 3 😂 but go check out his books. Follow him on tiktok they are for sure my top favorites of 2025
Do you want a book that keeps you wondering and on your toes, then definitely check out this book I finished it in 2 days, that's good for me considering mom of 3 😂 but go check out his books. Follow him on tiktok they are for sure my top favorites of 2025
February 27, 2025
This is such a perfect prequel to Almost Perfect. It gives you background info on a main character in the form of a compelling story. Just like in Almost Perfect, there’s nonstop action and you’re often wondering what will happen next. It goes by fast and can be hard to set aside. I personally recommend reading Almost Perfect first, but either can be read before the other.
February 24, 2025
WOW, Imperfect Madness has you all up in your feels. You have sad, empathy, heartbreak, angry, baffled, wtf, mind blowing. As soon as you start reading the book it's a page turner, keeps you guessing, pulls your heart strings type of read. I give Imperfect Madness 5 stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 I would so read this again and recommend this book to everyone I know and come acrossed. Great writing DeAndre keep up the Amazing work.
January 13, 2025
I HAD to know more about the illusive Dr. Marcus St. Claude aka Carter Stevens! I ate this book up!! Again Deandre.. the writing style is perfect! The speed and details are just the right about to keep you turning the pages. Also, please read the triggers for this one. The things that came together about Carter is just mind blowing. Can’t wait for the next!
August 1, 2025
Story was over all great. You see the hardships he has had to go through. Only reason it’s a four star is because of certain material in story I wasn’t comfortable reading. If you don’t have much for triggers then this story is for you. It has some spice, and a revenge story. All I’ll say without spoilers.
April 9, 2025
I started reading this book and couldn't stop. It's intriguing to the last page. I thoroughly enjoyed getting the backstory of who Carter really Is and why. I highly recommend this book to all dark romance lovers .this book
November 20, 2025
once again great read. in the mind of a killer amazing!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews