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An alternate cover edition can be found here.

Where other girls had childhoods full of Girl scouts, parties and sleepovers.
Charlie’s was full of hospitals, surgeries and the fight to survive.
Forced to grow up quickly, she learned not to let anyone in.
What was the point? People always let her down.
Then Sam Greyson walked into her life.
He broke down the walls she’d built around herself and forced his way into her heart.
She finally let someone see the real, bruised, damaged girl inside.
Then everything came crashing down.
The man she’s opened up to…
The man she’s let see her darkness…
The man she’s fallen for… is off limits.
He’s her new Creative Writing Teacher.
Will Charlie deny her own happiness to protect everything he had worked for?
If giving him up meant he could have a normal life… She would do it in a broken heartbeat.

This Book is Rated 18+ for Strong MATURE content and Language.

472 pages, ebook

First published April 14, 2014

38 people are currently reading
1053 people want to read

About the author

Vanessa Marie

21 books141 followers
Always dancing to the beat of her own drum, Vanessa is a heavily tattooed, sarcastic, motorcycle enthusiast who started her career as a ASE Certified Jeep technician at the age of sixteen. Her obsessions of watching Turkish dizi TV shows, or yelling at an NHL game (GO VGK) while reading simultaneously often battle her family. At the age of 26 and becoming a pacemaker recipient—she decided the over 60 crowd was more her scene and learned to knit. She lives in Kentucky (by way of Las Vegas) with her family and crazy cats.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
Profile Image for Sandra Love.
Author 11 books276 followers
April 13, 2014
***Received a copy, to review exchange for my honest thoughts***

Wow… O.M.G. This book is AMAzing!!!!! The author took me on a wild ride. She had me laughing one minute and bawling my eyes out the next.

Charlie’s (Charlotte) mother had died when she gave birth to her. Her father was in the Army so they traveled around a lot, she had moved so many times. Right before her 19th birthday they had moved one last time back to her home town. She was also back with her best friend Jules. Oh my Charlie and Jules had me cracking up. Their friendship was believable and hilarious. Then Sarah joins in, and she was even funnier.

When Charlie moved back to her town she met Sam, and boy things get interested. (I will not give this away). There is a little twist in this book that had my jaw drop.

WOW I think I will have a serious book hangover, this is one of my favorite books EVER!!! Vanessa is a talented author and Heartless is one of those books that will stick with you for a long time. It really tugged at my heart!!! CAN NOT WAIT for more books from one of my new favorite authors!!!
Profile Image for Alyssa.
797 reviews42 followers
March 19, 2015
Dnf at 9%

Maybe it's unfair but to rating this book after not finishing it so early in, but I don't normally give up so easily on books to begin with. This book was juvenile and very poorly written. It just made me cringe with each page I turned. The entire first chapter is completely unnecessary. There's a lot of random scenes and detail that don't really add to the story. I'm not sure how old Jules is yet but he acts like he's in kindergarten from the way he treats Charlie (he calls her ugly multiple times). Ugh everything I read just gives me a headache because it's so bad. I don't even know how this book got a 4+ star rating.
Profile Image for Bookworm Betties.
254 reviews16 followers
May 8, 2014








*****5- knock me on my ass -Stars*****
~this review may contain minor spoilers~


“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives you the test first and the lesson afterward.”

I friggin loved this book! To read the blurb I was expecting a shit ton of angst and tears-which there was, more than I was prepared for-what I was not expecting was the amount of laughing I would do. Charlie was Hi-Friggin-Larious, seriously-this girl was amazing. What's not to love about a motorcycle riding, Chuck wearing, tattooed smartass who is admittedly stubborn as hell, but a fighter through and through. Not to mention her banter with best friend Jules and then later, Sarah. And her relationship with her Dad?! Awesome. All of this helped to keep you from drowning under the weight of all the issues Charlie was facing day to day. The end result was a fabulous debut by author Vanessa Marie, one that sucked me under and held me there til the bitter end.

As they pulled away from Fort Sill, Oklahoma for hopefully the last time, Charlie didn't feel anything leaving, she'd never let herself get attached to anything enough to care.

Charlie has spent her entire life moving around from place to place with her Marine Dad. Due to constantly being on the move with no real roots and health issues that have had her in and out of the hospital since birth, she has developed a wall around herself to keep people out. With the exception of her best friend Jules and his mom Callie, who she has know all of her life and are more like family, she doesn't allow herself to get close to anyone. But when she moves back to her hometown of Beaufort SC, hopefully for the last time, and she meets Sam Greyson, she just knows shes in trouble.

She knew better than to let anyone new in, especially someone she'd just met, but there was something different about Sam.

From the start, Sam forces her to feel things shes never experienced before and it scares the hell outta her. She doesn't want to let him in, but he pushes his way past her barriers anyway. When circumstances conspire to keep them apart and Charlies health issues flare up once again, she comes to realize that Sam may just be better off without her. Letting him go would be the hardest choice she has to make and it will break her heart in the process, but she doesn't see any other option.

It was killing her to watch the pain she was causing him, but he deserved more, and that's why she had to end it. She took a deep breath.
“I don't do love. I'm better off alone. I don't want this, any of it.”


This book had me a conflicted mess of emotions. The things Charlie has had t go through in life was unbearable, it broke my heart, but at the same time, her stubbornness Drove. Me. Insane. Sam was the sweetest and cutest guy ever, but some of his reactions pissed me way the hell off, he definitely had his asshat moments. I laughed, swooned, lusted, screamed, and cried... it was amazing. I still can't believe this was a debut novel. If this is how Ms. Vanessa enters the scene, I'm more than ready to see what she comes up with next. Insta-fan right here and you will be too once you finish this book.
Until next time.....

“Promise me you won't push me away anymore.”
“I can't make promises.”
“Promise me.”
“I can't promise you forever.”
She hoped he could accept that.
“I didn't ask for forever.”
“I don't make promises I can't keep.”
“Make me one that you can.”






Happy Reading xo Jenn
Profile Image for Julie Reveles (Juls ~ ILST BLOG).
852 reviews11 followers
April 14, 2014
*******I would like to say thank you to Vanessa Marie for offering I Love Story Time an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*******


"For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed but my soul."
- Judy Garland


Charlie's life has not been easy. While growing up she was always struggling to survive and still is. Charlie's dad is in the military so she is constantly moving. At some point,Charlie is finally able to stay in one place and reconnect with her best friend, Jules. Charlie and Jules relationship is hilarious! I love the back and forth banter between the two of them. At first, I was thinking that their relationship would head into a different direction but boy was I wrong! I would love to have a friend like Jules. Their comebacks at each other are too funny ..........


"Hey do you still have my underwear here?"

"Why in the hell would I have your underwear here?" "Do I look like your mother?"

"No, she has an angelic face, you....you're more like the spawn of Satan."



That is just an example of one of their conversations. There are plenty more where that came from!! Like I said, I loved their relationship. Jules has been Charlie's closest friend her entire life because she is afraid to let anyone else get close to her. That is until she meets Sam.

Sam can't stop thinking about Charlie since their first encounter. He wants to know everything about her. However, after they meet and start talking, he can tell that she is closed off. He does everything he can to help break down her walls to show her that she doesn't have to be afraid of letting him in her life. Sam wants nothing more then to make her happy.....


"Life isn't always what we want it to be. It sounds like you've had the short end of the stick for most of yours, but it doesn't mean you don't have the right to be happy. If you give me the chance, I'd like to be the one to show you what that's like."


Eventually, Sam does find out why Charlie is so closed off and why she doesn't allow anyone other then family to get close. I felt so bad for Sam and can't imagine how scared he was when it all came out. After everything that happens, you can tell how much Same loves Charlie and what he is willing to sacrifice to be by her side regardless of the outcome.

Another reason I enjoyed this book was because of the poems. At one point, Charlie and Sam use poetry as a way to communicate how they feel towards each other. I think that using poems is definitely a great way to show your love.

I believe that this is a good start to a great series. This book made me laugh and cry. I would love to see where Sam and Charlie's story goes from here so I am hoping that book 2 will continue with their relationship! Looking forward to reading more from Vanessa Marie. This was a great debut novel by a very talented author:)

~Juls
Profile Image for Dawn Nicole Costiera.
686 reviews23 followers
July 7, 2014
This is an inspirational story about survival and will to live. Fighting even when all the odds are against you. Charlie is a beautiful tom boy with very sarcastic foul mouth. She rides a motorcycle and is feisty! She has been through things in her life that most people can never imagine... her life has never been normal. SInce birth, she hasn't had it easy. She lives day to day. Never daring to look to the future until him! When she meets Sam, sparks fly. Slowly, she lowers her guard and let's him in. They fall hard and fast. I love these two together. Things seem to be going perfect until bam.... they find out something monumental about each other. It changes the course of their romance forever. Can they get past it???

Besides being a total hotty, Sam is loving, compassionate and understanding. He is every thing Charlie needs. He is beyond patient with her. Never pushing too hard. But he takes charge when needed and doesn't take bullshit. Just what the doctor ordered!!!

All the characters bring something special to this book. All an intricate piece in the puzzle. Charlie and her dad, Joe have an amazing relationship. They are extremely close. It was refreshing to see such a wonderful display of love and understanding. Joe is just as much of a wise ass as Charlie! Their snarky remarks kept me smiling throughout.
In comes the absolutely BEST.... best friend, Julian aka Jules. Every girl should have a Jules in her life! Besides their hysterical banter, the love and support between them is remarkable. Jules is always their for Charlie no matter what. Along the way, they also befriend, Sarah. She is a trip and a great addition. Then there is Jule's mom Callie. She is also a pillar of strength and a wonderful mother. You can feel how much she loves the kids.

As serious as this book can be, the humor balances it. I found myself smiling, laughing and crying. I Iove a book that evokes emotion. My heart hurt for Charlie. But her strength is an inspiration. This love story isn't butterflies and rainbows, it's hard but so worth it! For a debut book it is excellent. I look forward to reading more about Charlie and Sam in the next book. Bravo Vanessa.
Profile Image for Theresa Alberts.
838 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2014
Vanessa Marie writes a story that is heart wrenching but completely full of hope that grabs you from the opening paragraph and holds your attention until the very end. Charlotte or Charlie as her friends call her, has moved more times then she cares to admit being the daughter of a marine. When she finally settles back down in her hometown close to her best friend Jules and his mother Callie, she is finally putting down roots like she always wanted...but the question is for how long. On winter break from school she begins to settle into life in Beaumont when she meets Sam, an older guy who intrigues her like no one else ever has and she has a sense of opening up to show her real self, scars and all to this gorgeous guy. Becoming close at an intense speed that both scares her but also makes her feel alive, she let's down her walls and trusts a guy for the first time. That is until the unthinkable happens, she walks into Mr Greyson's English class on her first day second semester senior year to discover that her Sam, the guy she loves is also her teacher. The chain of events that follow will have you frowning at times, smiling at others, all the while hoping beyond what you should that these two find their happily ever after! This is a must read series for all and so far from your typical student/teacher romance.
Profile Image for Bev Sten.
277 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2014
When Charlie Evans finally gets to move back to her hometown after being dragged around the country by her military dad she hoping that her life would be different. Charlie never allowed anyone to get close to her because people always had let her down. She is happy to reunite with her brother from another mother that she had known all her life. Will life back home be Charlies turn for real happiness???
The Debut novel by Vanessa Marie is funny, heartwarming, sexy, tense and awesome. I feel honored to have been a Beta reader for her book. It's very well written and heartfelt. I enjoyed the book tremendously. I've also read it three times first as a Beta, second for me because it was so awesome and third just in case I missed anything. I highly recommend this book to all my contemporary romance reading friends. I'm already waiting for book #2. Vanessa your awesome.
Profile Image for Jamie  Zishka.
803 reviews12 followers
November 18, 2014
This book was another great student teacher romance, but with a huge twist. I fell in love with these characters from the get go. This is the first book in the series and I can't wait to read Breathless and Fearless! I would give this book a soul shattering 5 stars! It will pull you in and you will devour this story. But be aware there is some sensitive matters in this book also and you will shed some serious tears. I have to commend this author because everything she wrote in medical terms was spot on. I haven't read anything from this author before but I will be following her from this point forward! Thanks for a great story and look out for my review of Breathless because I am diving in ASAP!
Profile Image for L.J. Baker.
Author 21 books208 followers
March 2, 2014
Not your typical romance.
From start to finish, I was on this journey with Charlie and Sam, from laughs, to tears, to wanting to yell at the author (in a good way lol), this was an awesome read. It's one of those stories that leaves you feeling satisfied but still wanting more.
Profile Image for BriaKnits & Reads.
448 reviews2 followers
March 14, 2021
If you like reading about best friends to lovers type of romance, this book series is for you.

Filled with heartfelt moments and sadness, this book will have your emotions tied in knots.

Happy reading!
Profile Image for Jenn Green.
515 reviews23 followers
May 8, 2014








*****5- knock me on my ass -Stars*****
~this review may contain minor spoilers~


“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives you the test first and the lesson afterward.”

I friggin loved this book! To read the blurb I was expecting a shit ton of angst and tears-which there was, more than I was prepared for-what I was not expecting was the amount of laughing I would do. Charlie was Hi-Friggin-Larious, seriously-this girl was amazing. What's not to love about a motorcycle riding, Chuck wearing, tattooed smartass who is admittedly stubborn as hell, but a fighter through and through. Not to mention her banter with best friend Jules and then later, Sarah. And her relationship with her Dad?! Awesome. All of this helped to keep you from drowning under the weight of all the issues Charlie was facing day to day. The end result was a fabulous debut by author Vanessa Marie, one that sucked me under and held me there til the bitter end.

As they pulled away from Fort Sill, Oklahoma for hopefully the last time, Charlie didn't feel anything leaving, she'd never let herself get attached to anything enough to care.

Charlie has spent her entire life moving around from place to place with her Marine Dad. Due to constantly being on the move with no real roots and health issues that have had her in and out of the hospital since birth, she has developed a wall around herself to keep people out. With the exception of her best friend Jules and his mom Callie, who she has know all of her life and are more like family, she doesn't allow herself to get close to anyone. But when she moves back to her hometown of Beaufort SC, hopefully for the last time, and she meets Sam Greyson, she just knows shes in trouble.

She knew better than to let anyone new in, especially someone she'd just met, but there was something different about Sam.

From the start, Sam forces her to feel things shes never experienced before and it scares the hell outta her. She doesn't want to let him in, but he pushes his way past her barriers anyway. When circumstances conspire to keep them apart and Charlies health issues flare up once again, she comes to realize that Sam may just be better off without her. Letting him go would be the hardest choice she has to make and it will break her heart in the process, but she doesn't see any other option.

It was killing her to watch the pain she was causing him, but he deserved more, and that's why she had to end it. She took a deep breath.
“I don't do love. I'm better off alone. I don't want this, any of it.”


This book had me a conflicted mess of emotions. The things Charlie has had t go through in life was unbearable, it broke my heart, but at the same time, her stubbornness Drove. Me. Insane. Sam was the sweetest and cutest guy ever, but some of his reactions pissed me way the hell off, he definitely had his asshat moments. I laughed, swooned, lusted, screamed, and cried... it was amazing. I still can't believe this was a debut novel. If this is how Ms. Vanessa enters the scene, I'm more than ready to see what she comes up with next. Insta-fan right here and you will be too once you finish this book.
Until next time.....

“Promise me you won't push me away anymore.”
“I can't make promises.”
“Promise me.”
“I can't promise you forever.”
She hoped he could accept that.
“I didn't ask for forever.”
“I don't make promises I can't keep.”
“Make me one that you can.”






Profile Image for Aoibheann.
183 reviews7 followers
December 26, 2015
SPOILER-FREE

Review originally posted on Aoibh Reads




Charlie has lived her life moving from place to place as her father moves with the military. She is finally excited to move when she discovers she will be returning to her original home town and will be reunited with her best friend Julian.
Not having any interest in boys, Charlie can't help but give into the attraction she has for Sam - a cool, light-hearted 25 year old she meets in a cafe. But Charlie doesn't like letting people in and is always expecting to be let down. Sam manages to break down her walls and discover glimpses of her harsh youth and loves her for it.
But just as they seem to be on the same page, Charlie starts back at school. And Sam walks into her Creative Writing class... as her teacher.




Writing: At the beginning I couldn't help but cringe at the writing in this. The forced wit and banter among the characters seemed juvenile and childish. I'd really suggest re-writing the first 1 or 2 chapters as they just are such a turn off. However, as the story progressed the writing did also. The torment of life that plagued Charlie was described so emotively and I could really sense her suffering throughout.


Characters:

Charlie: I loved her fight to begin with. She seemed so strong and sure of herself. But I got a little tired of the whole "selfless" act she tries to pull towards the end. Just feels a tad over done in so many novels where characters push people away for their protection.

Julian: He was awesome! Totally could see the twist involving him from the get go, but he's a best friend anyone would want. He was so good at giving Charlie the kick up the ass she needed but also he still had his breaking point, like every human

Sam: Ooh la la! I'd say everyone reading this wished they were Charlie in the coffee shop! He had a great personality and charm that wooed the reader, but he wasn't perfect either. Charlie really got under his skin and seeing his anger and frustration play out, made him so authentic and realistic. He wasn't some glorified man who had no flaws, and this made him even more attractive.


"Experience is a hard teacher because she gives you the test first and the lesson afterward"


"Life is bullshit. It's not sunshine and fucking rainbows, it's dark clouds and acid rain"


Story: Regardless of any drawbacks, this story drew me in and kept me up late in order to finish it. I immediately bought book 2 to continue their story. Sam and Charlie had such a rich relationship in the first half, and it was painful to read their pain when they realised their new situation. Throw in the drama of Charlie's health and it's just a rollercoaster of emotion! This also really went beyond the usual teacher-student romance. I liked how it developed between them two initially and the chemistry that pervaded the novel.

Overall:

I loved this a lot. I'm so glad I stuck with it even though my first impressions were quite negative. There is such a beautiful, heartwrenching love story that unravels in the pages of this. It is a little heavy dealing with difficult topics and the struggles of life - but an amazing read. Definitely recommend!



See more of my reviews here


133 reviews9 followers
July 25, 2014
This is a review for Fallen For Books.
Heartless is a heartfelt story about losing love and finding love…..
It’s about throwing caution to the wind, putting your guard down, living in the moment, hoping for a future, and letting love in.
It’s about a young woman named Charlie (Charlotte) whom was robbed of her childhood from birth. Since then, she feels damaged and broken and has scars on her body as proof. What she went through in her life scarred her not only physically, but emotionally too. She thinks and feels she doesn’t deserve to be loved by anyone, especially a man. She feels that she is a burden on people, especially to her father Joe, best friend Julian, and mother figure Callie. She is afraid to let people in, because she doesn’t believe she can trust anyone. She has never let anyone in long enough to get to know the real her…..
The real Charlie is amazing!! You can’t help but fall in love with her. She brings light to everyone’s life with her smart mouth, funny, and contagious personality. She is beautiful inside and out and very smart and doesn’t even know it.
She had no choice but to let go, feel free, and enjoy her life with him in it……her HEART wanted it ALL with HIM….
She puts up a guard….until one day he broke her walls and found his way into her life and into her heart. She never lets herself enjoy anything good or give it a real chance because deep down inside she is afraid to get hurt. Her past is holding her back from enjoying the best thing that has ever happened to her….HIM. The intense and passionate feelings they share for one another were so impossible to deny. I couldn’t help but feel their emotions in my HEART. I feel in love when they did. I cried and gotten heart broken when they did. You will too, so get ready because it is so worth it!
“For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed but my soul.” ~ Quote from Judy Garland ~
Meet Sam Gregory, a handsome, smart, and young man that every lady would love to get her hands on. From the minute he sees Charlie, his whole entire world changes. He wants to get to know her. He is instantly attracted to Charlie and feels the need to protect her. He wants to be her knight in shining armor, her prince, the one to save her and make her happy.
Instantly, they fell for each other….and then it happens. The unforeseen, unimaginable factor came between them and blindsided them both, threatening their relationship and tearing them apart. They tried to stay away from each other, but the force and pull they had toward each other could not be denied.
Eventually, her HEART got ripped and shattered into a million pieces. She felt it would never fit back together again. Was she at fault? Was he at fault? Who is to blame?
You will have to read and find out!!
Have you ever felt that nothing has ever been easy or fallen into place the way it was/is supposed to? Has your HEART ever wanted more to fill complete because you felt empty? Have you ever felt that you thought you didn’t want or need more, but you do? If you answered YES, then HEARTLESS by Vanessa Marie is the book for you. I am so happy I was introduced to this new author and can’t wait to read more of her books.
Profile Image for Krissy loves to read.
372 reviews10 followers
July 7, 2014
Just finished Heartless today and I gotta give this story a big 5 stars! This is Vanessa Marie's debut and I was blown away! This story has such a gripping meaning, makes me appreciate everything I have and enjoy each and everyday cause you never know how long you have.
There was a lot of things I loved about this book, one being the characters. I can't say I've read a book that I loved each and every character in a story like I did in Heartless! Vanessa Marie brings such amazing characters to life, I couldn't stop smiling and laughing. I fell in love with the main character Charlie, she is such a different character for me, so young and already experienced so much in life. Being a daughter of a military man, moving a bunch of times and not making a place a home. She's tough, quirky, girly and then punky all at the same time. She is a motor cycle loving, body of Victoria Secret model, boot wearing smart with the lip nineteen year old.
She may not of had a permanent home for many years but she did have loving permanent friends. Her dad Joe, her best friend Jules and Callie, which are others I loved so much in this story! Her dad's job made it a little hard sometimes.

"I wouldn't have to drag my feet if you'd let us stay in one place. It's just getting old having to move all the time. I want to put down roots somewhere and stay there long enough to try to have a life."~ Charlie

But Joe, being the wonderful loving father that he is has one big awesome surprise ... pst.. you'll have to find out for yourself.

So with this wonderful surprise we truly get to know Joe and Charlie's relationship and how they truly love each other.

" You shouldn't underestimate my daughter. She can out ride, out shoot, and out eat any guy I know."~ Joe

With Charlie's outer tough shell, she has some uncertainties one about love and how she has no time or need for any of it! Just ask her best pal Jules, he knows her all to well... This uncertainty stems from her all to hard experiences she had. Will her dad Joe's major change and surprise change this for Charlie? Hmmmm....

I have one name for you!

Sam...

You'll have to meet this tall, dark tousled hair.....Mr. GQ..

"You have no idea what you do to me. I've never met anyone like you, you have this air of confidence that surrounds you and you don't try to be anything that you aren't. That is a rarity in this world. I've drawn to you and I have no logical explanation for the way I already feel about you."~ Sam

Again this story had so many things that I loved! I just love when a story takes you in and gives you a hard time on coming back! Giggles, smiles and omg'ing at twists and turns. Coving your mouth and oh no'ing! This was one great ride for me, I'm so glad I took it! I will definitely be reading more of Vanessa Marie's writing!


Profile Image for Jennifer Juers.
419 reviews
November 9, 2014
Breathless is a bit of an emotional roller coaster. I fell in love
with the characters right off the bat. The banter between Charlie and Jules is just perfect. They are downright hilarious and will have you rolling with laughter. They are two best friends of the opposite sex that have known each other since birth. An unbreakable bond. I believe that every girl needs to have a Jules in her life. He is an amazing best friend. Jules is her "brother from another mother".

Charlie Evans is a nineteen year old, feisty girl that drives a Ducati, "The hottie with the body on the Ducati", who is fighting the odds to stay alive,living day to day. Her whole life has been hospital visits due to a heart defect that she was born with and moving because her dad is in the military. She never really allows herself to become too close to anyone except Jules because he is like family. She has endured more than one person can truly handle and because of the that she has walls built around her.

"I don't like to plan ahead. Life is too unpredictable. I've learned over the years it's easier to take it one day at a time. You're less disappointed when you watch everything you've planned crumble at your feet." -Charlie

One day, while driving her Ducati she pulls up to the local coffee shop where she meets Sam. The tall, dark and handsome guy that catches her eye. She takes a chance and trusts him, opens herself up. She feels like she can finally be herself for once, jokes aside. Until the first day back her Senior year when it all comes crashing down.

"I've never been this person before. I don't usually let people in. I learned the hard way that trust is something you can't give freely. But with you, I don't know... You make me want to let you in and know the real me." - Charlie


"Life isn't always what we want it to be. It sounds like you've had the short end of the stick for most of yours, but it doesn't mean you don't have the right to be happy. If you give me the chance, I'd like to be the one to show you what that's like." - Sam



I highly recommend Breathless and cannot wait to read Heartless
to see how their journeys continues.


4 FANTASTIC STARS!
Profile Image for Tiffany Readz.
2,020 reviews52 followers
June 1, 2014
Although billed as a student/teacher romance, Heartless would be just as good if Sam wasn't a teacher. The story around the relationship is strong enough to carry the book without the taboo tag line.

Charlie is a great character. She's a spitfire, not taking crap from anyone and she will zap you with her quick wit in a second. The lines were good, not cheesy like Vanessa Marie was trying too hard. Charlie and her dad move around a lot, he is in the Marines and has to relocate often. This last move is the best for Charlie, she is back in her hometown with her best friend Jules and his mother Callie.

Jules and Charlie were just about born at the same time so they consider each other family. He is another strong character and is a close second to my favorite, Charlie. Jules is a bit of the protector of his "cousin" knowing that she hasn't had the easiest life and sometimes reacts to quickly. He has problems of his own, which we explore right along side of Charlies.

Sam was also a great character. He is on winter break from teaching his creative writing class at the high school. Sam sees Charlie at the coffee shop and is instantly intrigued in the girl that hops off of a Ducati. I liked that Sam wasn't a cocky ass with how good looking he sounds. He was nervous to talk to Charlie and didn't think she would give him the time of day. Sam was also a patient guy and dealt well with Charlie when things got tough.

Charlie is a sick girl and that is why she keeps people at bay. She has no idea what is going to happen to her day by day and doesn't want that life for anybody else, so she shuts Sam out. With the help of Jules and Sarah, another strong character, Charlie learns to live and love.

This book is well written and has great character development. It also seems like the story has more too it, Charlie's grandparents left her a trust we don't hear much more about and Julian's got something juicy going on as well. I am looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for MzLane.
425 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2014
OMG this book is AWESOME!!! Once I started it, I could not put it down till I was finished!!

Charlie's life has been anything but easy. Because her dad is in the military she has been moved around over and over so many times its not funny. Since birth she has struggled with her health issues that have had her close to death many times landing her in the "Zipper Club" Because of this, she does not allow herself to become close to anyone except her dad, her best friend Jules and his family....that is until they finally move back home to Beaufort SC and she meets Sam Greyson. Will she finally open up and try to make a relationship work with Sam? Will her health issues cause her to close herself off yet again?

O...M...G...Sam Greyson, HOLLLYYY SWWOOON!! I loved Sam!! When Sam first lays eyes on Charlie he is hooked. He wants to know more about the beautiful girl on the motorcycle. I loved the relationship Sam and Charlie had together!! I was so glad Charlie was finally allowing herself to be loved by Sam. When you learn who Sam really is....HOLY CRAP I sooooo did not see that one coming!!! Will Charlie and Sam ever be able to be together?

WOW..I had so many emotions running thru me while I read this book!! I was happy, sad, laughing and crying. I loved the secondary characters in this book. Jules was so freaking funny!! I loved the relationship between him and Charlie. I loved the back and forth banter between the two but when it comes down to it you can also tell how genuine their love is. While this book does not have a cliffhanger it is also not the end of Sam and Charlie's story and I am so glad about that!! I finished this book 2 weeks ago and I am still on a HUGE book hangover!!

Great Job Vanessa!! I will try to patiently wait for book 2!!
Profile Image for Vanessa.
Author 21 books141 followers
November 29, 2016
Heartless is not only a forbidden romance, it's so much more. If you love reading books about love and loss. That have not only a good balance between heavy and laughter. It has a strong foul mouthed, motorcycle riding female lead that doesn't take shit from anyone... Then Heartless is for you!



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Profile Image for Medeia Sharif.
Author 19 books458 followers
June 1, 2014
After heart surgeries, living without a mother, and moving around so many times because of her father being in the military, Charlie has a tough exterior. Her exterior is going to be challenged, possibly chipped away, when she moves back home. Not only does she reunite with her best friend, but there’s Sam. He can’t stop thinking about her and wants to get closer to her, but she has a big barrier put up. Wow, great dynamics and characters in this story. Kudos to the author and I hope to see more from her.
5 reviews
August 10, 2014
Such a beautiful story

OMG!!! (as I said in my native language: Espectacular!!!) love this story sooooooo much!!!!! No era lo que me esperaba y fue mucho mejor, lo leí de una sentada, saber que tengo que esperar para conocer cómo continúa esta hermosa historia me pone histérica, jajaja Me encantó todo!!! Es una hermosa y diferente historia de amor, para mi ha sido refrescante leerla porque no es la típica historia de amor a la que estamos acostumbrados...Can't wait for the next book!!!
Profile Image for Sharon Mariampillai.
2,265 reviews94 followers
March 12, 2016
I loved this book! This is a really nice story. I was laughing throughout most of it. The characters were great. I loved the friendship between Charlie (Charlotte) and Jules (Julian). They are hilarious. Then, you add Sarah, and you got the funniest three musketeers. Haha.

Sam was amazing. New book boyfriend. I love him and Charlie. Their love is so genuine and real. They have amazing chemistry. Also, loved Charlie's dad Joe and Jules's mom Callie. This book was also heartbreaking. Can't wait to read the sequel. Overall, a fantastic read.
Profile Image for Nykki.
Author 6 books30 followers
April 15, 2014
This is one of those books that make you stop and think. it stays with you long after you put it down. The characters are completely three dimensional. You will laugh your a$# off and then bawl your eyes out. Vanessa Marie pulls out all the stops in this emotional whirlwind debut. I am now a devoted fan. Because I love Charlie, Sam & Jules and the chemistry between all the characters. I can't wait for the sequel!
Profile Image for Jocelyn Sanchez.
672 reviews56 followers
July 17, 2014
I enjoyed this book very much! The main character was fun to read about and tough to the bone! She's amazing!

The plot of this story was interesting and different from books I usually read, but I loved it all the same! The book is well-written and is very entertaining and keep me reading for hours until I finished the book. So good!

I recommend this book to everyone!
Profile Image for Kristina.
479 reviews35 followers
August 19, 2014
I loved this book right from the beginning, i was hooked. I heard about heartless from an online blog and knew i had to get it as soon as possible.
Profile Image for Krummi í klettagjá.
278 reviews14 followers
September 4, 2017
When I started this book, I just thought it was going to be another mindless, silly romance. And for about a third of the book, it was. Then things happened and characters developed and some tears may have fallen.
This book kept me captivated from start to finish; I don't think I could have been able to put it down. I loved how even though the book dealt a lot with grief, pain and loss, it still had humour throughout the book, as if to tell the reader that you can always try and smile through the tears.

I will admit, there was one thing that is a major pet peeve of mine and bothered me a lot. I, personally, felt that it wasn't handled in the right way,

This doesn't change that the book was incredibly well-written, touching and had a little bit of everything.
There were a lot of things that I loved about the book; Charlie's self-conciousness about her scars, Sarah's valedictorian speech, the little but imporant tidbits about Charlie throughout the book - her favourite tea, her nightly swimming sessions, her knowledge of motorcycles. I loved all of these things, but above all, I loved the ending.

4.65 stars, but the ending was a solid 5+, I recommend reading this book just for that ending.

Note: It becomes a little bit too drama/angsty near the end.

I leave you with this quote:

"Maybe it wasn't trivial to her, she didn't know."
Because some things that are trivial to you, might be extremely important to others.

*Edit*
I just found out that there's a continuation of this story and although I shouldn't let the next book affect my enjoyment of this one, I must admit that it completely ruined the ending for me. I honestly think this book works much better as a stand alone.
- Rating changed to 4.4
Profile Image for Tab.
204 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2019
Decent

Okay, I might be of unpopular opinion here, but the story left me feeling jilted. The book is 80% witty banter and dialogue. It endeared me to the characters, but it left a lot in the air. The small amount of internal thoughts was superficial or didn't seem relevant a lot of the time, it barely enhanced the story. The story is told in third person, but not very well. I would gather a guess it was originally written in first by the way it seemed to change POV's when there is no true POV to change from. That was rather awkward to read at times. There are also a couple slips where it is written in first person. Then there is the glaringly obvious flaw of the military link. That was so unrealistic and her father's absence all the time was just a giant red flag that the author did not know what they were talking about. The proposed situation of their move and their life, it's so outlandish that I already started off not liking the story due to the inaccuracies of it.
It was an okay read, but I wouldn't call it good. Definitely had to force my way through it.
Charlie is a spoiled brat, sure her life sucks, but she shuts down and shuts people down, acts out and is incredibly immature for being so mature for her age. I didn't like her much, I liked her smart mouth most of the time, but that was about it. Honestly, Sam I didn't care for at all. Nothing had me wanting him in the story, even the taboo nature of the student teacher trope wasn't enough to even make me break a tiny sweat. Eh. It is what it is.
87 reviews
September 6, 2017
AMAZING
Their relationship was so great even before the plot twist... something that other teacher-student books fail to do!

I loved every character, and it was so refreshing to have a male best friend who hadn't secretly fallen in love with the protagonist *eye roll* Jules was awesome
1 review
September 11, 2017
This book is interesting and the most wonderful thing about it is that there is a second book, yay. I think that this book was very heartfelt, especially during Charlie's letter to the college.IT MADE ME CRY SOOOO MUCH.
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