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Heartless
Dance instructor and studio owner Meadow Maxwell was raised to understand that anything worth having has to be earned. Married to the man of her dreams, she only has one to become a mother. Meadow’s seemingly carefree and perfect life is upended when a stranger walks into her studio and assaults her, setting the stage for the beginning of her downfall.
Onyx Maxwell was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’s never been denied anything that his heart desires. The one thing that he and his wife both want seems to have been denied him, and he doesn’t understand why. Incapable of handling the senseless attack on his wife or her ensuing depression as she pushes Onyx away, he finds comfort in the arms of his first love.
As the thermostat creeps into three digits this summer, their marital tension mounts, causing Meadow to take desperate measures to escape her pain. When a devastating decision lands Meadow in the hospital, Onyx faces the consequences of his actions.
He has to turn away from the only woman who’s ever understood him and stand by the only woman he pledged his life to. Will his love be strong enough to save his marriage, or will their shattered hearts be too far apart to reconcile?
This story includes several triggers, including but not limited assault, cheating, suicide attempt.
Onyx Maxwell was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’s never been denied anything that his heart desires. The one thing that he and his wife both want seems to have been denied him, and he doesn’t understand why. Incapable of handling the senseless attack on his wife or her ensuing depression as she pushes Onyx away, he finds comfort in the arms of his first love.
As the thermostat creeps into three digits this summer, their marital tension mounts, causing Meadow to take desperate measures to escape her pain. When a devastating decision lands Meadow in the hospital, Onyx faces the consequences of his actions.
He has to turn away from the only woman who’s ever understood him and stand by the only woman he pledged his life to. Will his love be strong enough to save his marriage, or will their shattered hearts be too far apart to reconcile?
This story includes several triggers, including but not limited assault, cheating, suicide attempt.
- GenresSecond Chance
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2024
232 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Cassie Verano
60 books132 followersCassie Verano pens romance for readers of all cultures and backgrounds. Her love of romance is borne from the beauty and joy she sees in the relationships around her. She enjoys creating works of fiction about women discovering true love, and women who aren’t afraid to explore their sexuality. Sometimes her writing gets a bit intense, but she loves cranking up the heat level.
As a professional administrator, she dreamed of the day she could toss her paperwork aside and craft stories that inspired love and romance in the hearts of women around the world. As a wife and mother, she enjoys playing quirky games and singing with her family.
This southern belle is a native Georgia peach, who enjoys reading, writing, and trying different cuisines from around the world. On rainy days she can be found cuddling under a blanket with a good mystery book in her hands or watching a romance movie on Hallmark or LMN.
Connecting with her readers is the highlight of her day. She invites you to connect with her at: cassiepensromance@gmail.com, or join her for intense conversations about her characters, love, and more at Cassie Verano's Wickedness!
As a professional administrator, she dreamed of the day she could toss her paperwork aside and craft stories that inspired love and romance in the hearts of women around the world. As a wife and mother, she enjoys playing quirky games and singing with her family.
This southern belle is a native Georgia peach, who enjoys reading, writing, and trying different cuisines from around the world. On rainy days she can be found cuddling under a blanket with a good mystery book in her hands or watching a romance movie on Hallmark or LMN.
Connecting with her readers is the highlight of her day. She invites you to connect with her at: cassiepensromance@gmail.com, or join her for intense conversations about her characters, love, and more at Cassie Verano's Wickedness!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 4, 2024
I love a cheating book if it’s written right but this is NOT it. What a sh!t show! Hero cheats with his first love. He knows he’s working up to it and doesn’t do a thing to stop it. Thinks about how hot she is all the time. Has unprotected s€x with her. It’s never acknowledged and STD testing is never mentioned. Nasty! The ex is a disgusting and vile woman. She talks about how she divorced her ex husband because she didn’t want him having sex with anyone else yet she went after another woman’s husband HARD and more than once. Like she physically went to his motel room unannounced and put her hands on him and kissed him and tried to get him to screw her. Then the next night she couldn’t keep her hands or mouth or a$$ off him, trying to get him to give in, when he had already sent her away and told her he couldn’t because he was married. So of course he falls into her bed. She acts like a skank because that’s what she is. In the end the wife takes blame for the hero employing his ex and screwing her, telling the ex she’ll always have a place in his heart while she’s spilling her declarations of love to him. He NEVER accepts responsibility for what he did and basically accepts his wife’s apology when she blames herself for “pushing” him away during her deep depression after being attacked. Please don’t waste your time or money on this garbage. The hero is utter trash! The writing is lacking we are told and not shown. There is no dimension or character growth for anyone.
June 23, 2024
Onyx and Meadow/MJ
2 stars because I did finish it. Onyx is one of those flirty men who needs all the female attention. When he’s out with his wife and friends he’s flirting with other women to the point his wife has to step up and show he’s hers. He’s a guy who needs his ego stroked constantly.
MJ puts up with it because that’s the way he is. MJ gets assaulted and goes through a mental breakdown caused by the fear. She becomes a shell of herself. She pushes Onyx away because of her fear and misery. He does try to encourage her to get help but she’s in a downward spiral. She’s pushing him away to protect him from her darkness. Meanwhile his first live ex gf ends up coming to work for him. Of course there’s a constant flirt fest, lunches and late night working together… dude knows he concocting a recipe for disaster but he stays the course. He and ow Sharla go to Vegas on business—- how convenient—- they are both definitely in to each other and they have a wild night of anything goes sex. Of course he regrets it AFTER…supposedly… the best part of this was that when MJ found out she totally destroyed all his stuff, collectible, high dollar scotch etc. she knifed the furniture, burned his suits, took a bat to his booze etc. then she left him for a good long time. The rest of the book was like a counseling session. The lameo H gets a second chance and they live hea. Even though I like a good angst cheating trope, something about this book was annoying. I just can’t buy that he was so in love with his wife when he’s constantly flirting with and buying other women drinks— oh and also marking their numbers. I think he would have cheated sooner or later anyway…. He was on the slippery slope before all the other drama.
2 stars because I did finish it. Onyx is one of those flirty men who needs all the female attention. When he’s out with his wife and friends he’s flirting with other women to the point his wife has to step up and show he’s hers. He’s a guy who needs his ego stroked constantly.
MJ puts up with it because that’s the way he is. MJ gets assaulted and goes through a mental breakdown caused by the fear. She becomes a shell of herself. She pushes Onyx away because of her fear and misery. He does try to encourage her to get help but she’s in a downward spiral. She’s pushing him away to protect him from her darkness. Meanwhile his first live ex gf ends up coming to work for him. Of course there’s a constant flirt fest, lunches and late night working together… dude knows he concocting a recipe for disaster but he stays the course. He and ow Sharla go to Vegas on business—- how convenient—- they are both definitely in to each other and they have a wild night of anything goes sex. Of course he regrets it AFTER…supposedly… the best part of this was that when MJ found out she totally destroyed all his stuff, collectible, high dollar scotch etc. she knifed the furniture, burned his suits, took a bat to his booze etc. then she left him for a good long time. The rest of the book was like a counseling session. The lameo H gets a second chance and they live hea. Even though I like a good angst cheating trope, something about this book was annoying. I just can’t buy that he was so in love with his wife when he’s constantly flirting with and buying other women drinks— oh and also marking their numbers. I think he would have cheated sooner or later anyway…. He was on the slippery slope before all the other drama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
So this one is more of a quick read, and it’s a cheating book. The story is about Onyx (the MMC) and Meadow (the FMC). They’ve been together about five years, married for three.
Onyx is the kind of guy who constantly needs his ego stroked. He openly flirts with other women, both in front of Meadow and behind her back. He hadn’t actually cheated before, but then his ex-girlfriend (who’s also his co-worker) comes back into the picture, and that’s when things cross a line.
At the same time, Meadow is going through something significant (not going to spoil what), and she doesn’t deal with it well. She starts pushing Onyx away, even makes him move out of their bedroom, and the distance between them just grows. That’s when Onyx slips into an emotional affair with his ex.
Now, Meadow had actually met this woman before, but Onyx never admitted that she was his ex. That already rubbed me the wrong way. Anyway, the emotional affair escalates, and eventually they do sleep together once. That scene was written in detail, and you can tell there were still feelings between them. Afterward, Onyx decides it’s over, but by then the damage is done.
Meadow eventually finds out. She suspects something, and then she finds the proof—texts and all that. She writes him a letter, leaves him, and goes away for a while without telling him where she’s gone. Onyx is shocked, though honestly I don’t know why—he was playing with fire the whole time.
The other woman eventually removes herself from the situation and leaves the job, so that drama fizzles out. Meadow eventually comes back, and somehow they patch things up.
Now, here’s where I struggled: I didn’t like Onyx. At all. The way he constantly flirted with other women? Gross. The way he spoke to his ex, saying stuff like “you’ll always be in my heart”? Nope. And honestly, I couldn’t understand why Meadow stayed. But at the same time, I can’t put all the blame on him—she allowed a lot of his behaviour to slide for years without ever really standing up to it. So in a way, I wasn’t surprised he eventually cheated.
By the end, they’re still together. Meadow ends up pregnant, and then in the epilogue two years later, they’ve got another kid and Onyx is painted as this super happy, content family man. But for me? I just didn’t buy it. There’s something about him that doesn’t sit right with me. He’s just not a very nice guy, and honestly, I don’t think these two should be together.
Overall, it was a quick read. Not my favourite, not terrible, but I don’t think I’ll be revisiting this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
MMC is a joke and a terrible human being, in all aspects not only in his marriage. Even around 80% of the book that he has realised oh how much he loves his wife etc he still flirts with the woman he cheated and mention how hard it is to work together (?) WTF is this. Where’s his remorse and pain? 😂 we should congratulate him that he didn’t keep cheating ?
Her mother is even worse, cause lady.. how can you say “I know that you love my daughter”, when he treated her terribly, he kept gaslighting her, she was having a terrible time and he was working with his ex and then he cheated on her.
And don’t let me start about her sister. Like, with all due respect, I don’t have to say to my significant other that I don’t like him flirting with other people. And my significant other can, of course, change his mind about wanting children BUT since we have discussed it BEFORE marriage and I got into this marriage with expectations that we are on the same page if we are not anymore, my significant other MUST tell me.
He deserved to be empty and alone for the rest of his life and keep living his single guy persona that he loved so much and every night to cry himself to sleep missing what he had with his wife 🤷🏻
FMC is a weak woman for not moving on. She forgave him and she didn’t even own all the bad things that he did to her. 😂
The whole book is a rage read and everyone was just giving terrible advices and were defending the zero.
Grovelling was 0/5. He just sends letters 🤷🏻
Her mother is even worse, cause lady.. how can you say “I know that you love my daughter”, when he treated her terribly, he kept gaslighting her, she was having a terrible time and he was working with his ex and then he cheated on her.
And don’t let me start about her sister. Like, with all due respect, I don’t have to say to my significant other that I don’t like him flirting with other people. And my significant other can, of course, change his mind about wanting children BUT since we have discussed it BEFORE marriage and I got into this marriage with expectations that we are on the same page if we are not anymore, my significant other MUST tell me.
He deserved to be empty and alone for the rest of his life and keep living his single guy persona that he loved so much and every night to cry himself to sleep missing what he had with his wife 🤷🏻
FMC is a weak woman for not moving on. She forgave him and she didn’t even own all the bad things that he did to her. 😂
The whole book is a rage read and everyone was just giving terrible advices and were defending the zero.
Grovelling was 0/5. He just sends letters 🤷🏻
June 22, 2024
This was a ARC read….📚✨😍
I really loved the dynamics in this story I believe Onyx and MJ really did love each other but they were still new and then the situation that MJ had to go through is devastating for sure. Onyx tried to be there for her and I looked at MJ sideways because she really did push him away while not dealing with her insecurities because she had them. But it did not make what Onyx did right. I don’t see why Sharla thought he was going to pick her because that man always said he loved his wife 🤷🏾♀️ she was delusional for sure. They really loved each other and I definitely enjoyed reading their story and seeing their HEA!
I really loved the dynamics in this story I believe Onyx and MJ really did love each other but they were still new and then the situation that MJ had to go through is devastating for sure. Onyx tried to be there for her and I looked at MJ sideways because she really did push him away while not dealing with her insecurities because she had them. But it did not make what Onyx did right. I don’t see why Sharla thought he was going to pick her because that man always said he loved his wife 🤷🏾♀️ she was delusional for sure. They really loved each other and I definitely enjoyed reading their story and seeing their HEA!
June 18, 2024
***This is an ARC review***
Whew! This book took me THROUGH it. I haven’t had a book put me through the wringer in a good, long while. It was an emotional journey as well as a rollercoaster, and I mean that in the best way. Meadow and Onyx’s story was refreshing, in that it was a realistic reminder that we often fixate on & glorify the “happily-ever-after”. You meet the person of your dreams, marry them and…then what? This book focuses on the “then what”. The work that goes into it after all the joy and bliss of the wedding day and honeymoon phase wears off. Cassie’s ability to depict turmoil, emotional highs and lows, so viscerally made my jaw drop; and I felt all those emotions right along with the characters. Even the side characters were well thought out and memorable, each impacting the plot. Her attention to detail from character nuances to scene description is second to none. I highly recommend this book. 10/10 😌
Whew! This book took me THROUGH it. I haven’t had a book put me through the wringer in a good, long while. It was an emotional journey as well as a rollercoaster, and I mean that in the best way. Meadow and Onyx’s story was refreshing, in that it was a realistic reminder that we often fixate on & glorify the “happily-ever-after”. You meet the person of your dreams, marry them and…then what? This book focuses on the “then what”. The work that goes into it after all the joy and bliss of the wedding day and honeymoon phase wears off. Cassie’s ability to depict turmoil, emotional highs and lows, so viscerally made my jaw drop; and I felt all those emotions right along with the characters. Even the side characters were well thought out and memorable, each impacting the plot. Her attention to detail from character nuances to scene description is second to none. I highly recommend this book. 10/10 😌
June 21, 2024
I have so many thoughts about this book. Where should I begin? First, let me say this book impacted me in ways that surprised, shocked, and humbled me. I've never been bothered by warning triggers whenever I read a book. Movies, yes. Books, no. But I guess there's always a first. And Heartless is my first.
I know marriages have there good days and bad days. Ups and downs. But it's during those down days, weeks, and or even months that a darkness will overshadow and test the ties that bind and keep a husband and wife together as one. Onyx and Meadow, the hero and heroine of this story found themselves going from being a happy loving couple struggling with the idea of having children to why this, why now and being on a precipice of a irreversible outcomes.
The horrific event that takes place shatters Meadow's confidence, faith, security, and happiness. In it's place it creates a spark that starts to fan the already glowing and growing embers that were starting to burn within their marriage. Onyx tries and fails to hold on to the rope that keeps him rooted to the sanctity of his vows in his marriage to Meadow.
I had a lot of mixed feelings with parts of this book. I was extremely surprised to find myself disgusted with both characters. I wanted to slap each of them like Cher did to Nicholas Cage in Moonstruck and tell them to SNAP OUT OF IT! The frustration and anger I was feeling towards both Meadow and Onyx had me pause reading. They were so stubborn and hardheaded. But I had to find out where this couples' future was going. And to my surprise, I could not put the book back down. It grabbed me by the throat and locked my wrist to my Kindle until I read the last page. I very rarely am left speechless (in a good way), humbled and tearful all at the same time. HEARTLESS did that to me. I loved how this couple came back from the precipice to find each other through the darkness that surrounded and tried to destroy their bond and marriage. They each had to have that come to Jesus' meeting and fight for what they wanted. And God blessed them tenfold in the end. Sometimes, you have to go through something to appreciate, celebrate, and treasure what you have. Onyx and Meadow definitely learned that lesson the hard way. And a big shout out to Claire! She was there at the right time for Meadow. God always puts ppl in our paths for a reason. In the end, Meadow helped Claire as well.
Cassie The Verano, you are an amazing writer! This book got me in my feelings in such a way that I had to pause, think, be still, and come back to finish it. And I truly loved this book. Ezra is still my favorite Maxwell. But there's always room for more. 😉
I know marriages have there good days and bad days. Ups and downs. But it's during those down days, weeks, and or even months that a darkness will overshadow and test the ties that bind and keep a husband and wife together as one. Onyx and Meadow, the hero and heroine of this story found themselves going from being a happy loving couple struggling with the idea of having children to why this, why now and being on a precipice of a irreversible outcomes.
The horrific event that takes place shatters Meadow's confidence, faith, security, and happiness. In it's place it creates a spark that starts to fan the already glowing and growing embers that were starting to burn within their marriage. Onyx tries and fails to hold on to the rope that keeps him rooted to the sanctity of his vows in his marriage to Meadow.
I had a lot of mixed feelings with parts of this book. I was extremely surprised to find myself disgusted with both characters. I wanted to slap each of them like Cher did to Nicholas Cage in Moonstruck and tell them to SNAP OUT OF IT! The frustration and anger I was feeling towards both Meadow and Onyx had me pause reading. They were so stubborn and hardheaded. But I had to find out where this couples' future was going. And to my surprise, I could not put the book back down. It grabbed me by the throat and locked my wrist to my Kindle until I read the last page. I very rarely am left speechless (in a good way), humbled and tearful all at the same time. HEARTLESS did that to me. I loved how this couple came back from the precipice to find each other through the darkness that surrounded and tried to destroy their bond and marriage. They each had to have that come to Jesus' meeting and fight for what they wanted. And God blessed them tenfold in the end. Sometimes, you have to go through something to appreciate, celebrate, and treasure what you have. Onyx and Meadow definitely learned that lesson the hard way. And a big shout out to Claire! She was there at the right time for Meadow. God always puts ppl in our paths for a reason. In the end, Meadow helped Claire as well.
Cassie The Verano, you are an amazing writer! This book got me in my feelings in such a way that I had to pause, think, be still, and come back to finish it. And I truly loved this book. Ezra is still my favorite Maxwell. But there's always room for more. 😉
June 22, 2024
Emotional Roller-Coaster!!!
Onyx and Meadow (MJ) had a somewhat happy marriage until tragedy strikes MJ. As Meadow goes through the anxiety and terror of what happened, she pushes Onyx away and suffers in silence. I know MJ was going through a lot of issues, but Onyx should have stood by her instead of doing what he did. I couldn't stand Sharla. She came back into Onyx's life at a time when his defenses were down and took advantage of the situation. Onyx and MJ finding their way back to each other and the way that they did is how a good second chance book is supposed to be written. They put in the work and were able to reconnect to each other and their marriage. This book took me on an emotional roller-coaster and I just loved it. This author did an awesome job with this storyline and characters. Great book that you definitely need to pick up!!!
Onyx and Meadow (MJ) had a somewhat happy marriage until tragedy strikes MJ. As Meadow goes through the anxiety and terror of what happened, she pushes Onyx away and suffers in silence. I know MJ was going through a lot of issues, but Onyx should have stood by her instead of doing what he did. I couldn't stand Sharla. She came back into Onyx's life at a time when his defenses were down and took advantage of the situation. Onyx and MJ finding their way back to each other and the way that they did is how a good second chance book is supposed to be written. They put in the work and were able to reconnect to each other and their marriage. This book took me on an emotional roller-coaster and I just loved it. This author did an awesome job with this storyline and characters. Great book that you definitely need to pick up!!!
June 21, 2024
This is not your typical marriage/relationship, but I think it is a fairer assessment of love and relationships which need honesty, love, hard work, space and sometimes therapy. I love the happy ending but some of the bad times were truly heartbreaking and hard but understandable.
August 17, 2024
Wow!
This was a rollercoaster ride, the storyline was good and I loved the main and secondary characters. I don't want to give the story away so I want say anymore, all I will say is I felt MJ pain.
This was a rollercoaster ride, the storyline was good and I loved the main and secondary characters. I don't want to give the story away so I want say anymore, all I will say is I felt MJ pain.
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January 16, 2025So as usual I'm in the minority. I'm not rating cuz I really should've just stopped reading at like 26%. I disliked both MCs, especially her, but I kept reading cuz apparently I'm a glutton for punishment. This review is going to be totally insensitive, but I just don't care.
MJ and Onyx had been married for 2 years and trying to have a baby for one (we find out near the end that she has irregular periods, but no one thought there might be an issue there, and that could be causing issues for her getting pregnant?!). Anyway, MJ just cannot stop nagging about getting pregnant. It's called adoption. I totally understand that some ppl just can't live without being parents, but why does it have to biologically be your child? There are a lot of children in foster care that are looking for homes. Onyx was a d!ck when she asked about getting tested because of course that meant she was questioning his manhood. Onyx tries talking to MJ about slowing down and stop stressing, it'll happen when it's supposed to happen, and if it doesn't, then it wasn't meant to be. But she just can't stop because all she's ever wanted in her life is to have a family. OK, so as a woman who has never wanted children, and who gets judged for this, I'm annoyed by women who act like they'll die if they don't have children. I get wanting things and having dreams, and if having kids is yours, then great. If you can't get pregnant, there are other options, ya know like adoption. If you don't want to adopt, and you can't get pregnant, why is that like the end of your life? I'm not saying don't be upset about it but FFS you're deliberately choosing to not have kids just cuz they aren't biologically yours. It's like cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Anyway, Onyx has his own set of issues. He's forever flirting with women, even if he never actually cheats, it's called being respectful to your wife/gf/SO. MJ catches him at a BDSM club that she thinks he doesn't go to anymore, and he's being inappropriate and getting really close to crossing that line, accepting a phone number and telling the woman he'll be in touch. I don't judge kinks, but if you're into BDSM and your partner is not, why are you together? If the BDSM stuff is that important to you, then your partner is not the one for you. Or if your partner is more important, then you don't keep going to the club without them. I do get Onyx wanting peace although I don't think going to a club is the way to go about it, but he's told MJ multiple times that he's tired of talking about having kids and all it does is cause arguments, but MJ just can't stop herself, which is funny because later in she talks to him about everything being about him and what he wants. Thank you Mak for calling her out on her BS. MJ kept making it about her and what she wanted, including wanting to have a baby while she was depressed and all kinds of messed up from being attacked at her dance studio. Yeah, that's how you should bring a baby into the world, while you've got all kinds of mental health issues, and your marriage is on the rocks.
So yes, MJ is attacked, and she's obviously afraid, which I totally get, but she's depressed and afraid to be alone, and Onyx is asking her to talk to him, to get out of bed, to leave the house, to do anything at all, but she won't do anything. He talks to her about going to therapy, but she refuses. At one point, she says I don't need anyone fiddling around in my head. I don't trust doctors and never have. OK well psychologists aren't actually doctors, but I digress. So at this point, I no longer feel badly for you. You're constantly yelling at your husband and telling him you want a divorce one day and the next not wanting him to ever leave the house again cuz you're afraid to be alone. He's trying, but you don't want to listen, and you don't want to help yourself. You don't want a doctor fiddling in your brain, but you think you can magically fix it yourself if you just have time. I seriously just can't.
Onyx hires his first love who broke his heart, and they get close, of course. They end up on a business trip in Vegas and sleep together. No, I don't ever excuse cheating, but his wife has been messed up for months and does nothing but fight with him, so while I don't condone it, I think these two need to call it a day and the cheating shouldn't even matter at this point. He regrets it the next morning, and when he gets home, MJ finally talks to him. She knows she needs therapy but she can't go yet. What exactly is she waiting for?! She reads texts from the first love, waits for him to go to work and she destroys their home. She takes off, leaving him a letter, and she has him served. He refuses to sign, and they end up exchanging letters while she's hiding out. She's mad at him for looking for her because he's controlling and manipulative. Ummmm... he was just trying to make sure you were ok because he cares about you. How exactly is that controlling? And how is that manipulative? What did he get you to do by finding out where you are? So in the letters she goes off again about the f'ing babies. Good lord lady. You are in absolutely no place to be considering having children. That doesn't make him awful, and that doesn't mean he no longer wants to have kids. He never said he didn't want kids. He said he was tired of the stress and pressure and nagging, then he recognized you two should not be having kids with the state of your mental health and marriage. Not excuses, TRUTH! He start therapy himself at some point, and he finally shows up where she's living, and she's angry, but magically she's pregnant, and they live happily ever after. Like what?!
MJ and Onyx had been married for 2 years and trying to have a baby for one (we find out near the end that she has irregular periods, but no one thought there might be an issue there, and that could be causing issues for her getting pregnant?!). Anyway, MJ just cannot stop nagging about getting pregnant. It's called adoption. I totally understand that some ppl just can't live without being parents, but why does it have to biologically be your child? There are a lot of children in foster care that are looking for homes. Onyx was a d!ck when she asked about getting tested because of course that meant she was questioning his manhood. Onyx tries talking to MJ about slowing down and stop stressing, it'll happen when it's supposed to happen, and if it doesn't, then it wasn't meant to be. But she just can't stop because all she's ever wanted in her life is to have a family. OK, so as a woman who has never wanted children, and who gets judged for this, I'm annoyed by women who act like they'll die if they don't have children. I get wanting things and having dreams, and if having kids is yours, then great. If you can't get pregnant, there are other options, ya know like adoption. If you don't want to adopt, and you can't get pregnant, why is that like the end of your life? I'm not saying don't be upset about it but FFS you're deliberately choosing to not have kids just cuz they aren't biologically yours. It's like cutting off your nose to spite your face.
Anyway, Onyx has his own set of issues. He's forever flirting with women, even if he never actually cheats, it's called being respectful to your wife/gf/SO. MJ catches him at a BDSM club that she thinks he doesn't go to anymore, and he's being inappropriate and getting really close to crossing that line, accepting a phone number and telling the woman he'll be in touch. I don't judge kinks, but if you're into BDSM and your partner is not, why are you together? If the BDSM stuff is that important to you, then your partner is not the one for you. Or if your partner is more important, then you don't keep going to the club without them. I do get Onyx wanting peace although I don't think going to a club is the way to go about it, but he's told MJ multiple times that he's tired of talking about having kids and all it does is cause arguments, but MJ just can't stop herself, which is funny because later in she talks to him about everything being about him and what he wants. Thank you Mak for calling her out on her BS. MJ kept making it about her and what she wanted, including wanting to have a baby while she was depressed and all kinds of messed up from being attacked at her dance studio. Yeah, that's how you should bring a baby into the world, while you've got all kinds of mental health issues, and your marriage is on the rocks.
So yes, MJ is attacked, and she's obviously afraid, which I totally get, but she's depressed and afraid to be alone, and Onyx is asking her to talk to him, to get out of bed, to leave the house, to do anything at all, but she won't do anything. He talks to her about going to therapy, but she refuses. At one point, she says I don't need anyone fiddling around in my head. I don't trust doctors and never have. OK well psychologists aren't actually doctors, but I digress. So at this point, I no longer feel badly for you. You're constantly yelling at your husband and telling him you want a divorce one day and the next not wanting him to ever leave the house again cuz you're afraid to be alone. He's trying, but you don't want to listen, and you don't want to help yourself. You don't want a doctor fiddling in your brain, but you think you can magically fix it yourself if you just have time. I seriously just can't.
Onyx hires his first love who broke his heart, and they get close, of course. They end up on a business trip in Vegas and sleep together. No, I don't ever excuse cheating, but his wife has been messed up for months and does nothing but fight with him, so while I don't condone it, I think these two need to call it a day and the cheating shouldn't even matter at this point. He regrets it the next morning, and when he gets home, MJ finally talks to him. She knows she needs therapy but she can't go yet. What exactly is she waiting for?! She reads texts from the first love, waits for him to go to work and she destroys their home. She takes off, leaving him a letter, and she has him served. He refuses to sign, and they end up exchanging letters while she's hiding out. She's mad at him for looking for her because he's controlling and manipulative. Ummmm... he was just trying to make sure you were ok because he cares about you. How exactly is that controlling? And how is that manipulative? What did he get you to do by finding out where you are? So in the letters she goes off again about the f'ing babies. Good lord lady. You are in absolutely no place to be considering having children. That doesn't make him awful, and that doesn't mean he no longer wants to have kids. He never said he didn't want kids. He said he was tired of the stress and pressure and nagging, then he recognized you two should not be having kids with the state of your mental health and marriage. Not excuses, TRUTH! He start therapy himself at some point, and he finally shows up where she's living, and she's angry, but magically she's pregnant, and they live happily ever after. Like what?!
November 9, 2024
Well, wasn’t that a toxic hot mess.
September 21, 2025
⭐️: 2.5
Summary: This is a second chance romance. Spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below.
This story follows Meadow and Onyx. They’ve been married for a couple of years and have been happy but things begin to change with they are trying to start a family and experience difficulty. Meadow, realizing her and Onyx are not on the same page with what they want, begins to pull away which strains the relationship.
When Meadow is robbed one night at work, the trauma of the experience worsens her depression. Onyx, not sure how to deal with Meadow, pulls away and seeks comfort with a co-worker/former girlfriend. When Meadow finds out what happened, she leaves the MMC with the intent of ending their marriage. As time passes, both characters begin to reflect and
decide to recommit to one another.
⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️
*On page and descriptive, emotional and physical cheating.
🌶️: 1.5/5
Final thoughts: I am straight down the middle with this one. The writing had potential. I won’t deny that. There were just some things I really struggled with.
There was a lot of side conversations that felt extra. There were also things written that just didn’t add to the story. Like the random dropping of Bible verses. I was like why??
The FMC was hit or miss for me as well. The way she martyred herself after the attack didn’t sit well with me. I felt for her but the pity party just made me frustrated.
And don’t get me started on Onyx. He was ridiculous with his gaslighting and manipulation. Not loving or supporting her the way he should have after the attack. It had only been a few weeks. What did he expect. I just didn’t like him as a character.
The book is chaotic. It goes from good to bad in a nanosecond. Ex. One min they were intimate and coming off the high of an orgasm then the next literal second they were fighting.
I think the author has potential, but she needs to figure out how to construct the story that it is both sensible and fulfilling for the reader. There was just too much chaos here and disorganization.
Summary: This is a second chance romance. Spoilers/trigger warnings (if any) and final thoughts can be found below.
This story follows Meadow and Onyx. They’ve been married for a couple of years and have been happy but things begin to change with they are trying to start a family and experience difficulty. Meadow, realizing her and Onyx are not on the same page with what they want, begins to pull away which strains the relationship.
When Meadow is robbed one night at work, the trauma of the experience worsens her depression. Onyx, not sure how to deal with Meadow, pulls away and seeks comfort with a co-worker/former girlfriend. When Meadow finds out what happened, she leaves the MMC with the intent of ending their marriage. As time passes, both characters begin to reflect and
decide to recommit to one another.
⚠️SPOILERS/SPICE/DETAILED TRIGGERS⚠️
*On page and descriptive, emotional and physical cheating.
🌶️: 1.5/5
Final thoughts: I am straight down the middle with this one. The writing had potential. I won’t deny that. There were just some things I really struggled with.
There was a lot of side conversations that felt extra. There were also things written that just didn’t add to the story. Like the random dropping of Bible verses. I was like why??
The FMC was hit or miss for me as well. The way she martyred herself after the attack didn’t sit well with me. I felt for her but the pity party just made me frustrated.
And don’t get me started on Onyx. He was ridiculous with his gaslighting and manipulation. Not loving or supporting her the way he should have after the attack. It had only been a few weeks. What did he expect. I just didn’t like him as a character.
The book is chaotic. It goes from good to bad in a nanosecond. Ex. One min they were intimate and coming off the high of an orgasm then the next literal second they were fighting.
I think the author has potential, but she needs to figure out how to construct the story that it is both sensible and fulfilling for the reader. There was just too much chaos here and disorganization.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2024
This is the 1st book in the “Carolina Heat Series.” This is an entertaining read that was emotional, tension filled, insecurities, depression, characters were great with a plot that is definitely page turning adventure. Meadow is a dance instructor who owns and operates her own dance studio. Onyx is a sexy alpha male. Onyx and Meadow are married and go thru a series events that pull the couple apart. An event happens to Meadow while she is at her studio that turns her world upside down. She does not deal with it well as she pushes her husband Onyx away. Onyx does his best to pull Meadow back in to reality and Meadow has to deal with her demons in her own way. As the couple continues to maneuver their way around each other it seems as if the romance has fizzled away. With all marriages it takes work and Meadow has to get things together in her life before she can actually work on her marriage. In time things seems being working out for the couple.
Will there be an HEA? For answers you will have read for yourself. This is definitely a true to life read that you will not want to miss out on. Cassie Verano did an awesome job with the continuation of the Maxwell family. I surely am looking forward to reading more about this family.
I received an ARC via the author Cassie Verano and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Will there be an HEA? For answers you will have read for yourself. This is definitely a true to life read that you will not want to miss out on. Cassie Verano did an awesome job with the continuation of the Maxwell family. I surely am looking forward to reading more about this family.
I received an ARC via the author Cassie Verano and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 24, 2024
This book put me through the wringer. From start to finish, I found myself pausing, reflecting, and deeply engaged in the emotional journey of Meadow and Onyx.
Meadow and Onyx's story isn't your typical romance—it's a refreshingly realistic depiction of what happens after the "I Do" and the initial bliss wears off. Heartless, delves into the complexities of marriage, exploring the highs and lows that come after the honeymoon phase fades away. The turmoil, emotional highs, and lows are depicted with such vividness that I became completely absorbed in the book. It doesn't shy away from the challenges that test the bonds of marriage—the dark days when everything feels like it's falling apart. It's during these times that the strength of Meadow and Onyx's relationship is truly tested, and Cassie's ability to depict this with authenticity made a profound impact on me. I felt every emotion alongside the characters, from heartache to hope, from frustration to joy.
Beyond being a love story, this book is a profound exploration of what it means to navigate the complexities of a committed relationship. Meadow and Onyx's journey is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.
I highly recommend this read because it captures the essence of true relationship dynamics.
Meadow and Onyx's story isn't your typical romance—it's a refreshingly realistic depiction of what happens after the "I Do" and the initial bliss wears off. Heartless, delves into the complexities of marriage, exploring the highs and lows that come after the honeymoon phase fades away. The turmoil, emotional highs, and lows are depicted with such vividness that I became completely absorbed in the book. It doesn't shy away from the challenges that test the bonds of marriage—the dark days when everything feels like it's falling apart. It's during these times that the strength of Meadow and Onyx's relationship is truly tested, and Cassie's ability to depict this with authenticity made a profound impact on me. I felt every emotion alongside the characters, from heartache to hope, from frustration to joy.
Beyond being a love story, this book is a profound exploration of what it means to navigate the complexities of a committed relationship. Meadow and Onyx's journey is both heart-wrenching and heartwarming.
I highly recommend this read because it captures the essence of true relationship dynamics.
October 23, 2025
Woah, Holy Ableist, Sexist Woah. He Cheats On Her For Havinv PTSD And Her Support Network Gaslights Her Into Blaming Herself.
Thinking of counselling before hes confessed...
What an ABUSER!
Yes, abuser.
HE cheated and hes already planning on her taking the blame.
Abuser.
Loser.
STI Excuser.
Holy fucking shit.
The way Onyx and Sharla are just so casual about how they dipped dick on a woman that was just attacked.
Holy shit.
The way his actions were constantly contrasted with her PTSD and him coming out smelling of roses.
Holy fuck.
He got to nuance.
Ewwwww.
Women who think she is to blame, deserve every bit of Trauma they have ever experienced.
What a dirty, emotionally and socially abusive asshole, and thats not counting for physical risks he brought into the relationship from Sharla the homewrecker.
Dirty birch fucking someone elses husband then batting her eyelashes.
Dirty scumbags.
Thinking of counselling before hes confessed...
What an ABUSER!
Yes, abuser.
HE cheated and hes already planning on her taking the blame.
Abuser.
Loser.
STI Excuser.
Holy fucking shit.
The way Onyx and Sharla are just so casual about how they dipped dick on a woman that was just attacked.
Holy shit.
The way his actions were constantly contrasted with her PTSD and him coming out smelling of roses.
Holy fuck.
He got to nuance.
Ewwwww.
Women who think she is to blame, deserve every bit of Trauma they have ever experienced.
What a dirty, emotionally and socially abusive asshole, and thats not counting for physical risks he brought into the relationship from Sharla the homewrecker.
Dirty birch fucking someone elses husband then batting her eyelashes.
Dirty scumbags.
September 17, 2024
Title: Heartless
Author: Cassie Verano
Publisher: C.V.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Heartless" by Cassie Verano
My Perception:
"Heartless" is an exciting story. Meadow and Onyx Maxwell's journey certainly seems to be full of twists and turns, especially with their differing desires and the challenges they face. It's interesting to see how they navigate through their issues and find a way to come together, with the involvement of other characters adding to the complexity of their story. The author did a great job of portraying the inner workings of the characters' minds and how their decisions impact their relationship. It seems like "Heartless" is a compelling read, and I appreciate your insightful commentary on the book's themes and character dynamics.
Author: Cassie Verano
Publisher: C.V.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Heartless" by Cassie Verano
My Perception:
"Heartless" is an exciting story. Meadow and Onyx Maxwell's journey certainly seems to be full of twists and turns, especially with their differing desires and the challenges they face. It's interesting to see how they navigate through their issues and find a way to come together, with the involvement of other characters adding to the complexity of their story. The author did a great job of portraying the inner workings of the characters' minds and how their decisions impact their relationship. It seems like "Heartless" is a compelling read, and I appreciate your insightful commentary on the book's themes and character dynamics.
June 23, 2024
Whew, that was a read, the book packed a punch! Onyx and Meadow have a relationship that can be described as good looking from afar, far from good looking. On the surface their union seems fine, but as the layers get pulled back there are a myriad of issues impacting their happiness and union. The ups and downs of this marriage are fraught with tension, insecurity, volatility, miscommunication and more. Love appears to be not enough as Meadow and Onyx, face an irrevocable outcome, if they can't find a way to grow and heal as individuals. The book delivers a satisfactory HEA and epilogue smoothing over the visceral notes of this story.
August 12, 2024
An emotional and passionate read
I simply could not put my tablet down. This book was a real page turner. Heartless will have you in your feelings searching for kleenex. Oynx and Meadow appeared to be the perfect couple. Appearances can be deceiving because Meadow was not a happy wife. She didn't want to rock her marriage, so she hid her feelings from her husband. Oynx is a rich man used to getting what he wants and very unhappy because his wife wants a baby desperately. Oynx feels pressure that he's not used to from Meadow. When something happens to Meadow, it changes their whole relationship. Now they have to find a way back to each other because of outside sources. This story had me changing my pillowcase from crying. This really was a very good story.
I simply could not put my tablet down. This book was a real page turner. Heartless will have you in your feelings searching for kleenex. Oynx and Meadow appeared to be the perfect couple. Appearances can be deceiving because Meadow was not a happy wife. She didn't want to rock her marriage, so she hid her feelings from her husband. Oynx is a rich man used to getting what he wants and very unhappy because his wife wants a baby desperately. Oynx feels pressure that he's not used to from Meadow. When something happens to Meadow, it changes their whole relationship. Now they have to find a way back to each other because of outside sources. This story had me changing my pillowcase from crying. This really was a very good story.
June 27, 2024
3.5 Stars
Placeholder Review ... the heroine in this story and oftentimes her actions after the pivotal moment made no sense, especially how she treated her husband. The hero was very uncaring and insensitive at times. The heroine's father is one of the worst! The fact that both her and her mother allowed him to get away with the disrespect toward her husband and his resentment of the rich was bewildering without calling him out, which I found was unconscionable.
Longer review to follow ... soon!
Placeholder Review ... the heroine in this story and oftentimes her actions after the pivotal moment made no sense, especially how she treated her husband. The hero was very uncaring and insensitive at times. The heroine's father is one of the worst! The fact that both her and her mother allowed him to get away with the disrespect toward her husband and his resentment of the rich was bewildering without calling him out, which I found was unconscionable.
Longer review to follow ... soon!
November 29, 2024
So the book wasn’t terrible. Way too much back and forth about stupid disagreements just for drama sake. However, the fact that he stepped out on her, especially with his ex-fiancé, during a horrible time in her life was what I thought was unacceptable. Yes she pushed him away AFTER BEING ASSULTED which is when he should have made more of an effort! Not go to his ex and fuck her. He NEVER truly groveled and she forgave him way too easy. I honestly never really felt the “strong love” they supposedly had for each other. I want to read a strong H and MJ wasn’t it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2024
Never Forget What You Already Have
This was a great read. Very emotional on both MJ and Onyx part. I’m glad MJ decided to remove herself to reevaluate who she was as a woman. I liked the other characters from previous books being brought back. Glad they have a happy ending.
This was a great read. Very emotional on both MJ and Onyx part. I’m glad MJ decided to remove herself to reevaluate who she was as a woman. I liked the other characters from previous books being brought back. Glad they have a happy ending.
December 27, 2024
Heartless
Heartless is a term that can turn into, heart! Great read,it kept me on pins and needles! What I wanted and what the author wanted! Which what the author plans were! Get it,you will find it hard to put down! And with this author, as always it will be another winner!
Heartless is a term that can turn into, heart! Great read,it kept me on pins and needles! What I wanted and what the author wanted! Which what the author plans were! Get it,you will find it hard to put down! And with this author, as always it will be another winner!
September 24, 2025
1.75⭐️’s
“𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓼𝓴 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓽 𝓶𝔂 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮. 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓱 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓜𝓙.”
Tropes:
❤️Cheating
❤️Marriage In Trouble
❤️Billionaire
⚠️Please check for triggers before proceeding to read⚠️
“𝓘 𝓭𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓴 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓘 𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓵𝓭 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓪𝓼𝓴 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓱𝓪𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓪𝓽 𝓶𝔂 𝓼𝓲𝓭𝓮. 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓶𝓪𝓴𝓮 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝔀𝓸𝓻𝓽𝓱 𝓵𝓲𝓿𝓲𝓷𝓰, 𝓜𝓙.”
Tropes:
❤️Cheating
❤️Marriage In Trouble
❤️Billionaire
⚠️Please check for triggers before proceeding to read⚠️
June 23, 2024
Ok read
It kinda left me a little confused, why so little mention of their son,more like he wad an afterthought, intriguing plot,liked that she didn't give in to soon,
It kinda left me a little confused, why so little mention of their son,more like he wad an afterthought, intriguing plot,liked that she didn't give in to soon,
August 15, 2024
Great book
A book about a marriage in trouble where a husband cheats and how they learn to communicate to get back in each other's good graces.
A book about a marriage in trouble where a husband cheats and how they learn to communicate to get back in each other's good graces.
September 24, 2025
I just couldn’t with either character. Two very messed up people. Just not my bag.
In my humble opinion, of course 💙
In my humble opinion, of course 💙
September 24, 2025
My fault for reading something I knew I wasn't going to like
January 8, 2025
" Onyx (H) is one of those flirty men who needs all the female attention. When he’s out with his wife and friends he’s flirting with other women to the point his wife has to step up and show he’s hers. He’s a guy who needs his ego stroked constantly.
MJ (h) puts up with it because that’s the way he is. MJ gets assaulted and goes through a mental breakdown caused by the fear. She becomes a shell of herself. She pushes Onyx away because of her fear and misery. He does try to encourage her to get help but she’s in a downward spiral. She’s pushing him away to protect him from her darkness. Meanwhile his first love ex gf ends up coming to work for him. Of course there’s a constant flirt fest, lunches and late night working together… dude knows he concocting a recipe for disaster but he stays the course. He and ow Sharla go to Vegas on business—- how convenient—- they are both definitely in to each other and they have a wild night of anything goes sex. Of course he regrets it AFTER… the best part of this was that when MJ found out she totally destroyed all his stuff, collectible high dollar scotch, she knifed the furniture, burned his suits, took a bat to his booze etc. then she left him for a good long time. The rest of the book was like a counseling session."
HEA
MJ (h) puts up with it because that’s the way he is. MJ gets assaulted and goes through a mental breakdown caused by the fear. She becomes a shell of herself. She pushes Onyx away because of her fear and misery. He does try to encourage her to get help but she’s in a downward spiral. She’s pushing him away to protect him from her darkness. Meanwhile his first love ex gf ends up coming to work for him. Of course there’s a constant flirt fest, lunches and late night working together… dude knows he concocting a recipe for disaster but he stays the course. He and ow Sharla go to Vegas on business—- how convenient—- they are both definitely in to each other and they have a wild night of anything goes sex. Of course he regrets it AFTER… the best part of this was that when MJ found out she totally destroyed all his stuff, collectible high dollar scotch, she knifed the furniture, burned his suits, took a bat to his booze etc. then she left him for a good long time. The rest of the book was like a counseling session."
HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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