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Your Heart Still Beats for Me
When Feebee wakes up in a room with no memory of how she got there and a series of uncomfortable tasks to complete, with only the help of the unconscious man chained to the wall, her mental health spirals downwards, and she only has that one stranger to get her through it all.
So, what is she meant to do when they fail a task, and he's taken away as a punishment?
So, what is she meant to do when they fail a task, and he's taken away as a punishment?
- GenresDark RomanceDarkRomance
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2024
44 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
About the author
Cori Zahara
15 books851 followersJust a weirdo, who has imaginary people talking to her...who she then writes books on, starting with the end of their story. Yes, I told you...weird.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 8, 2025
Пара: Фібі & Мессер
Тропи:
⋆ Вимушена близькість
⋆ від ворогів до закоханих
⋆ Героїня з інвалідністю
⋆ таємниці минулого
⋆ Trauma & Healing
Книга занурює в темну, психологічно напружену атмосферу, де головна героїня Фібі опиняється замкненою в кімнаті без пам’яті про те, як вона туди потрапила, змушена виконувати дивні завдання разом із чоловіком, прикутим до стіни. Лише незнайомець підтримує її, але коли завдання провалюються — його забирають як покарання…
Фібі — сильна духом, навіть попри інвалідність, вона не здається. Мерсер — зламаний, озлоблений, але глибоко всередині здатен на співчуття. Їхні емоційні подорожі описані з подвійної точки зору, що дозволяє повністю зануритися в їхній внутрішній світ.
Тропи:
⋆ Вимушена близькість
⋆ від ворогів до закоханих
⋆ Героїня з інвалідністю
⋆ таємниці минулого
⋆ Trauma & Healing
Книга занурює в темну, психологічно напружену атмосферу, де головна героїня Фібі опиняється замкненою в кімнаті без пам’яті про те, як вона туди потрапила, змушена виконувати дивні завдання разом із чоловіком, прикутим до стіни. Лише незнайомець підтримує її, але коли завдання провалюються — його забирають як покарання…
Фібі — сильна духом, навіть попри інвалідність, вона не здається. Мерсер — зламаний, озлоблений, але глибоко всередині здатен на співчуття. Їхні емоційні подорожі описані з подвійної точки зору, що дозволяє повністю зануритися в їхній внутрішній світ.
June 4, 2025
this was a wild ride. I finished this book in a few hours. I was quite literally hooked from the beginning. I appreciate that Cori gives us different kinds of dark romance stories! Feebee & Mercer’s story had me feeling ALL the feels. Like my emotions went on a roller coaster and the plot twist, twisted!!! I wasn’t expecting that. This is the second Cori book I’ve read and both books had such a unique plot. honestly I do not want to say much because going into this book blind was great and I highly recommend doing so. as always check your triggers! If you’ve read a Cori book then you know she doesn’t hold back.
May 25, 2024
Wow.. just wow.
Let me first say I DEVOURED THIS BOOK.
It had me feeling all kinds of feels.
The beginning I was like wow WTH is going on, I started feeling soo bad for feebe later on realizing exactly what was going on.
Then when Mercer came in the picture, I was like awe she’s not going through it alone and has someone to lean on to and hold on to hope with.
& then when he got taken I thought they had killed him my heart broke for her..
Then BOOMMMMM🤯🤯
He turns out to be the villain.. but (not really though)
I loved them together and I loved how he was overprotective of her & the little things he did for her 🥺🥺
I felt for them both one was going through the loss of losing her parents & the other the loss of his lover / best friend.
In a way I kinda understood why Mercer did the things he did, but just like his noona I’m not saying he handled it best and it was soo unethical.
Def recommend, but def check trigger warnings!
Let me first say I DEVOURED THIS BOOK.
It had me feeling all kinds of feels.
The beginning I was like wow WTH is going on, I started feeling soo bad for feebe later on realizing exactly what was going on.
Then when Mercer came in the picture, I was like awe she’s not going through it alone and has someone to lean on to and hold on to hope with.
& then when he got taken I thought they had killed him my heart broke for her..
Then BOOMMMMM🤯🤯
He turns out to be the villain.. but (not really though)
I loved them together and I loved how he was overprotective of her & the little things he did for her 🥺🥺
I felt for them both one was going through the loss of losing her parents & the other the loss of his lover / best friend.
In a way I kinda understood why Mercer did the things he did, but just like his noona I’m not saying he handled it best and it was soo unethical.
Def recommend, but def check trigger warnings!
May 25, 2024
“What does cuore mio mean? You’ve called me that a lot.”
“It means my heart, in Italian.”
🍂❄️🌨️👩🦼➡️🎤🩷💓🫀
Feebee and Mercer! A heart breaking story filled with so much guilt, anger, and agony.
Feebee, the victim of a car accident leaving her paralyzed and in need of a new heart. A heart that was never supposed to be hers. A heart that was stolen. A heart that belonged to another.
Mercer, a man wrecked with anger and guilt for the tragedy of a woman he loved. A man left speechless and broken. A man desperate to find peace again.
Together after, rage and deceit and guilt, they mend each other’s broken heart.
Cori’s message on guilt is portrayed in its darkest form. I truly enjoyed getting to know Feebee and Mercer. Two characters I first met in A Heart as Black as Cole. Reading their story truly breaks my own heart. The sadness and overbearing tragedy brings two people together.
“Is it done?”
“Do you not like it?”
“I would like it to be healed. Is that possible?”
“Yes.” I nodded. “We can heal it.”
We can heal our broken hearts.
“It means my heart, in Italian.”
🍂❄️🌨️👩🦼➡️🎤🩷💓🫀
Feebee and Mercer! A heart breaking story filled with so much guilt, anger, and agony.
Feebee, the victim of a car accident leaving her paralyzed and in need of a new heart. A heart that was never supposed to be hers. A heart that was stolen. A heart that belonged to another.
Mercer, a man wrecked with anger and guilt for the tragedy of a woman he loved. A man left speechless and broken. A man desperate to find peace again.
Together after, rage and deceit and guilt, they mend each other’s broken heart.
Cori’s message on guilt is portrayed in its darkest form. I truly enjoyed getting to know Feebee and Mercer. Two characters I first met in A Heart as Black as Cole. Reading their story truly breaks my own heart. The sadness and overbearing tragedy brings two people together.
“Is it done?”
“Do you not like it?”
“I would like it to be healed. Is that possible?”
“Yes.” I nodded. “We can heal it.”
We can heal our broken hearts.
May 22, 2024
Cori once again has outdone herself on such an amazing story. You get to meet Feebee and Mercer who also makes an appearance in a Heart as Black as Cole. This story was dark, yet so very emotional and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. Both characters went through a great deal of trauma that neither of them asked for. Once the truth all came out they began to heal together, and I think that is the one thing I love most about this authors work. The bond she writes about within the characters is outstanding. 10/10 read for me and I highly recommend reading it! Please check TW as this is DARK, but I guarantee you won’t regret reading it! Also … that bonus epilogue at the end was absolutely amazing and beautifully ties into Cole & Kat’s story !! 🖤
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April 8, 2025What do I think?
I love both characters, obviously, as they're mine!
But think I'd have liked it to be longer, as it was only an anthology piece, after all.
Sometimes, I think I'd like to make it more chonky and traumatizing to follow its book siblings, but I'm not sure there'll ever be time for that.
I love both characters, obviously, as they're mine!
But think I'd have liked it to be longer, as it was only an anthology piece, after all.
Sometimes, I think I'd like to make it more chonky and traumatizing to follow its book siblings, but I'm not sure there'll ever be time for that.
June 11, 2024
This short book is heavy! It is SO GOOD! There are twists you won't see coming.
You end up feeling what the FMC feels. By the end, you'll cry for revenge, but it might not be from who you think.
Read the triggers. Then jump in with both feet!
You end up feeling what the FMC feels. By the end, you'll cry for revenge, but it might not be from who you think.
Read the triggers. Then jump in with both feet!
August 18, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
September 10, 2024
A new author I discovered from a book con and what a great discovery! The covers to her books are so pretty and her stories are so dark it’s an unexpected surprise. This one in particular gives Saw movie vibes and I never thought that would be a comparison I would use. I’m so excited to read more from this indie author!
June 22, 2024
If you are looking for a love story that is a blend of Saw and Beauty and the Beast then look no further. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to understand how Cori can take me on such a rollercoaster of emotions within the confines of just over 200 pages but this just shows the strength of her writing abilities.
I won’t discuss the plot in too much depth as to do so will take away from your reading experience. If you are one of the lucky few without many triggers then I would recommend going in blind for optimum reading but of course mental health always comes first! Safe to say the road we think we are travelling down initially in the book takes a VERY sharp turn leaving you with a bit of whiplash. At first I was enraged by Mercer as it is hard not to immediately connect with Feebee and root for her but I quickly came to understand that he is a very damaged person. Cori is incredible at writing characters who have been through significant trauma through no fault of their own and takes us on a journey of understanding and healing without ever including trauma as a “shock factor” like so many sadly do.
The raw connection between Feebee and Mercer once the truth came out leapt off the pages and had me, literally, sat bolt upright many times frantically reading as fast as I could to try and stop the ache they were causing my heart.
The only possible negative about this book? I wish it was longer! This was originally an anthology piece and I would love to have seen more of Feebee and Mercer once they found their HEA. In saying this, there then comes a risk that we dilute the emotional impact of the read and so I can only accept that I am being greedy!
Don’t pick this one up if you have any plans that include public appearances while reading and definitely make sure you can finish in one sitting!
I won’t discuss the plot in too much depth as to do so will take away from your reading experience. If you are one of the lucky few without many triggers then I would recommend going in blind for optimum reading but of course mental health always comes first! Safe to say the road we think we are travelling down initially in the book takes a VERY sharp turn leaving you with a bit of whiplash. At first I was enraged by Mercer as it is hard not to immediately connect with Feebee and root for her but I quickly came to understand that he is a very damaged person. Cori is incredible at writing characters who have been through significant trauma through no fault of their own and takes us on a journey of understanding and healing without ever including trauma as a “shock factor” like so many sadly do.
The raw connection between Feebee and Mercer once the truth came out leapt off the pages and had me, literally, sat bolt upright many times frantically reading as fast as I could to try and stop the ache they were causing my heart.
The only possible negative about this book? I wish it was longer! This was originally an anthology piece and I would love to have seen more of Feebee and Mercer once they found their HEA. In saying this, there then comes a risk that we dilute the emotional impact of the read and so I can only accept that I am being greedy!
Don’t pick this one up if you have any plans that include public appearances while reading and definitely make sure you can finish in one sitting!
May 18, 2024
Alright, strap in folks, because "Your Heart Still Beat for Me" by Cori Zahrah took me on a wild ride that I couldn't get enough of. I mean, I devoured this book faster than a slice of pizza at 2 AM – two hours flat, and I was left reeling in the best way possible.
Now, let's talk feelings. This book hurt, like a punch straight to the gut, but somehow it also healed me. Zahrah has this magical way of making your heart ache and then soothing it with her beautiful words. Mercer and Feebee? They're like the dynamic duo you never knew you needed until they waltzed into your life and stole your heart. They've officially secured their spots in my top 10 favorite characters of all time.
But here's the kicker – why did Zahrah have to make this book so darn short? Just as I was getting cozy with Mercer and Feebee, it was over! I felt a bit cheated, like I deserved more time to hang out with my new literary BFFs, you know?
But hey, despite my beef with the length, "Your Heart Still Beat for Me" is a masterpiece. Zahrah knows how to make your heart race, your tears flow, and your soul sing – all in the span of a few chapters. So grab a tissue, brace yourself for the feels, and dive into this unforgettable journey. Just be prepared to want more when it's all said and done.
Now, let's talk feelings. This book hurt, like a punch straight to the gut, but somehow it also healed me. Zahrah has this magical way of making your heart ache and then soothing it with her beautiful words. Mercer and Feebee? They're like the dynamic duo you never knew you needed until they waltzed into your life and stole your heart. They've officially secured their spots in my top 10 favorite characters of all time.
But here's the kicker – why did Zahrah have to make this book so darn short? Just as I was getting cozy with Mercer and Feebee, it was over! I felt a bit cheated, like I deserved more time to hang out with my new literary BFFs, you know?
But hey, despite my beef with the length, "Your Heart Still Beat for Me" is a masterpiece. Zahrah knows how to make your heart race, your tears flow, and your soul sing – all in the span of a few chapters. So grab a tissue, brace yourself for the feels, and dive into this unforgettable journey. Just be prepared to want more when it's all said and done.
January 4, 2026
Another stunning five-star read from Cori Zahara. I’m honestly still trying to find the words to describe what this book did to me. The characters were so well written, so deeply layered, that I felt every sharp edge of their trauma and every soft moment of their healing.
What struck me most was how two people, so completely broken by their pasts, could be brought together by something as sharp and ugly as hate, and still find their way to healing, safety, and eventually love. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t clean. But it was honest. The emotional weight of their fears, the way their pain shaped their choices, and the slow trust they built in each other, it all felt incredibly real.
This isn’t just a romance. It’s a story about survival, about finding someone who sees the worst parts of you and chooses to stay anyway. It’s about reclaiming softness after violence, and love after devastation.
Cori knows how to write wounded characters with so much truth that you don’t just understand them, you ache with them. And when they finally begin to heal, it feels like you’re healing too.
Please read the trigger warnings before starting this book. It deals with serious themes that are not to be taken lightly, and emotional safety matters just as much as the story itself.
What struck me most was how two people, so completely broken by their pasts, could be brought together by something as sharp and ugly as hate, and still find their way to healing, safety, and eventually love. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t clean. But it was honest. The emotional weight of their fears, the way their pain shaped their choices, and the slow trust they built in each other, it all felt incredibly real.
This isn’t just a romance. It’s a story about survival, about finding someone who sees the worst parts of you and chooses to stay anyway. It’s about reclaiming softness after violence, and love after devastation.
Cori knows how to write wounded characters with so much truth that you don’t just understand them, you ache with them. And when they finally begin to heal, it feels like you’re healing too.
Please read the trigger warnings before starting this book. It deals with serious themes that are not to be taken lightly, and emotional safety matters just as much as the story itself.
June 3, 2024
✨️ REVIEW✨️
You're Heart Still Beats for me by Cori Zahara
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️���️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Available: 6/20/23
This book is getting released again! I read it the first time for Corrupt Chaos Antho, and I'm reading it again for Cori, and Im here for the Bonus Epilogue!
Knowing the story, it was a great refresher as to how Feebee and Mercer met. The beginning of this book will give you SAW vibes. Feebee wakes up in a cell, dirty, broken, and discombobulated. She finds another person next to her.. Mercer. Together, they must do what THE Voice says to survive. Huge twist in the story! Will they survive traumatic time? This book will uncover their story, their trauma, and their love. So take heed at the trigger ⚠️ Warnings.
The Bonus Epilogue is Def a great transition to introduce us to Remi's story!
(A Heart as Black as Cole)
Cori's books are all interconnected, so you will see her characters in her books progressively. Definitely a must-read if you've read The Darkness Beyond The Daisies!
You're Heart Still Beats for me by Cori Zahara
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️���️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶
Available: 6/20/23
This book is getting released again! I read it the first time for Corrupt Chaos Antho, and I'm reading it again for Cori, and Im here for the Bonus Epilogue!
Knowing the story, it was a great refresher as to how Feebee and Mercer met. The beginning of this book will give you SAW vibes. Feebee wakes up in a cell, dirty, broken, and discombobulated. She finds another person next to her.. Mercer. Together, they must do what THE Voice says to survive. Huge twist in the story! Will they survive traumatic time? This book will uncover their story, their trauma, and their love. So take heed at the trigger ⚠️ Warnings.
The Bonus Epilogue is Def a great transition to introduce us to Remi's story!
(A Heart as Black as Cole)
Cori's books are all interconnected, so you will see her characters in her books progressively. Definitely a must-read if you've read The Darkness Beyond The Daisies!
June 18, 2024
Cori is forever writing books that break my little heart and slowly, but surely piece it back together.
Now listen up because this story isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s dark, gritty and full of agony.
Feebee is left paralysed from the waist down after a vicious car accident takes everything from her. Not only does this leave her broken but she also needs a new heart. But this heart wasn’t meant to be hers, taken from another to save her life.
Mercer is a man riddled with anger, eaten alive by his own shame and guilt. Together we see them tested, trialed and broken down. Can they claw their way back to the surface of their trauma and heal the heart that was both given and taken from them? You’ll have to read it to find out 😉
This book “figuratively” punched me in the face. But you know what? I loved every second of it. Cori will cause all this pain and then come along with her soothing writing and beautiful words and heal all your suffering.
Check those triggers and then dive head first 🖤
Now listen up because this story isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s dark, gritty and full of agony.
Feebee is left paralysed from the waist down after a vicious car accident takes everything from her. Not only does this leave her broken but she also needs a new heart. But this heart wasn’t meant to be hers, taken from another to save her life.
Mercer is a man riddled with anger, eaten alive by his own shame and guilt. Together we see them tested, trialed and broken down. Can they claw their way back to the surface of their trauma and heal the heart that was both given and taken from them? You’ll have to read it to find out 😉
This book “figuratively” punched me in the face. But you know what? I loved every second of it. Cori will cause all this pain and then come along with her soothing writing and beautiful words and heal all your suffering.
Check those triggers and then dive head first 🖤
May 22, 2024
ARC REVIEW
I still can’t get over the fact that I got given the arc for this so thank you so much Cori ❤️🔥
Your heart still beats for me- truly ripped my heart out for good. It is an emotional rollercoaster that you don’t want to get off
Feebee the FL is so strong and so amazing that I wanted to be best friends with her. Her entire story is so upsetting and the way she controls all of it and still is alive is beyond me
Mercer on the other hand, Jesus! I need one but also don’t come near me. His story is just as sad as feebee’s and it makes you fall for him while screaming at him for ever hurting feebee.
The twists in this book, especially the one at the beginning oh my. Had me shook and I was not expecting it at all.
This is a HEA which is beautiful because the characters deserve so much after all of the shite they went through.
I am so excited for Olivier’s and Karmas stories so that I can carry on in this little world 🌍
I still can’t get over the fact that I got given the arc for this so thank you so much Cori ❤️🔥
Your heart still beats for me- truly ripped my heart out for good. It is an emotional rollercoaster that you don’t want to get off
Feebee the FL is so strong and so amazing that I wanted to be best friends with her. Her entire story is so upsetting and the way she controls all of it and still is alive is beyond me
Mercer on the other hand, Jesus! I need one but also don’t come near me. His story is just as sad as feebee’s and it makes you fall for him while screaming at him for ever hurting feebee.
The twists in this book, especially the one at the beginning oh my. Had me shook and I was not expecting it at all.
This is a HEA which is beautiful because the characters deserve so much after all of the shite they went through.
I am so excited for Olivier’s and Karmas stories so that I can carry on in this little world 🌍
September 16, 2024
⋆｡°✩ Spoiler Free Reviews ⋆｡°✩
I was kindly provided with this book (censorship is BS and I hate it but here we are!)
Idk why I haven’t read this one sooner it was a RIDE.
The plot - This was a forced proximity, captive, friends to enemies to lovers story with found family, mafia, disability rep (FMC is paralyzed and MMC is mute), and lots of triggers so CHECK YA FUCKIN TRIGGERS PEOPLE. Smut was like 3/5 on the spice scale, and it’s a HEA in a series of interconnected standalones.
I’m unsure whether I should’ve read a novella or another book first, but there were times in this book where I was so confused. It didn’t feel rushed for the whole stockholm syndrome vibes, but I was confused as to the thought processes and sequence of events at times. The timeline confused me. But other than that, I loved this story! It was like Saw meets a mafia romance novel.
The MC - Feebee had such a weird name but I loved that for her! I loved that her character had depth, and that she was human throughout, it really helped immerse you into the story.
The male counterpart - Mercer is our fucked up MMC, he can’t talk, but he is definitely fucked up. You just.. ya gotta trust me on this one. We like him by the end, but he is a rollercoaster!
I was kindly provided with this book (censorship is BS and I hate it but here we are!)
Idk why I haven’t read this one sooner it was a RIDE.
The plot - This was a forced proximity, captive, friends to enemies to lovers story with found family, mafia, disability rep (FMC is paralyzed and MMC is mute), and lots of triggers so CHECK YA FUCKIN TRIGGERS PEOPLE. Smut was like 3/5 on the spice scale, and it’s a HEA in a series of interconnected standalones.
I’m unsure whether I should’ve read a novella or another book first, but there were times in this book where I was so confused. It didn’t feel rushed for the whole stockholm syndrome vibes, but I was confused as to the thought processes and sequence of events at times. The timeline confused me. But other than that, I loved this story! It was like Saw meets a mafia romance novel.
The MC - Feebee had such a weird name but I loved that for her! I loved that her character had depth, and that she was human throughout, it really helped immerse you into the story.
The male counterpart - Mercer is our fucked up MMC, he can’t talk, but he is definitely fucked up. You just.. ya gotta trust me on this one. We like him by the end, but he is a rollercoaster!
May 29, 2024
Have you ever watched Saw and thought "wow, this story could use some romance and hard smut"? Then let me introduce you to Cori Zahara and Your Heart Still Beats for Me.
Feebee has been kidnapped and thrown into a cell with an unconscious Mercer. When she wakes, she's immediately forced by a mysterious robot voice to suck him off or suffer consequences. Feebee tearfully does this. When Mercer awakes, he assures her through his post-it notes that whatever she did to survive is ok. Together, they must find a way to survive the cell and stay alive. Soon, Feebee is introduced to their captors and it brings her world crashing down.
2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes :
Førcëd Prøximity
Tøuch Her and Dïe
TW (this is not all-inclusive) :
Trichotillomania (seriously, if this something that triggers you into it then please avoid this book)
Grāpe
Träffìckíng
Feebee has been kidnapped and thrown into a cell with an unconscious Mercer. When she wakes, she's immediately forced by a mysterious robot voice to suck him off or suffer consequences. Feebee tearfully does this. When Mercer awakes, he assures her through his post-it notes that whatever she did to survive is ok. Together, they must find a way to survive the cell and stay alive. Soon, Feebee is introduced to their captors and it brings her world crashing down.
2.5/5 🌶️
Tropes :
Førcëd Prøximity
Tøuch Her and Dïe
TW (this is not all-inclusive) :
Trichotillomania (seriously, if this something that triggers you into it then please avoid this book)
Grāpe
Träffìckíng
June 11, 2024
Cori does not make it hard to love her books. The way you are instantly thrown into this book just set the tone for the whole rest of the story. Full throttle, never even thinking of putting on the breaks for a second. I was captivated 😘
I may have seen a thing or two coming but that’s because I trust no one until the end! 😆I loved everything about Mercer and Feebee’s story. How it begun, evolved and how intertwined their lives have become. Mercer was a broken man fueled by hate but couldn’t deny or resist what was truly in-front of him. And thank all the pretty toes for that🤣🥵 Feeble is a hell of a fighter that just kept pushing through. I can’t say how much I loved her 🖤 But Nonna wins my heart from them all!
This is no sweet love story. Please check all triggers as this story is not for everyone.
I may have seen a thing or two coming but that’s because I trust no one until the end! 😆I loved everything about Mercer and Feebee’s story. How it begun, evolved and how intertwined their lives have become. Mercer was a broken man fueled by hate but couldn’t deny or resist what was truly in-front of him. And thank all the pretty toes for that🤣🥵 Feeble is a hell of a fighter that just kept pushing through. I can’t say how much I loved her 🖤 But Nonna wins my heart from them all!
This is no sweet love story. Please check all triggers as this story is not for everyone.
June 11, 2024
✨ Dive into Feebee and Mercer’s heartbreaking yet hopeful story and experience the depth of their journey together. ✨
Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster with Your Heart Still Beats For Me by Cori Zahara. This dark yet profoundly moving story introduces us to Feebee, who wakes up in a room with no memory of how she got there, faced with a series of harrowing tasks and the only company of an unconscious man, Mercer, chained to the wall. As her mental health begins to spiral, Feebee relies on this stranger to navigate her grim reality. But when they fail a task and Mercer is taken away as punishment, her world shatters further.
This gripping narrative, featuring characters Feebee and Mercer, who also appear in A Heart as Black as Cole, dives deep into themes of trauma, guilt, and healing. Feebee, a paraplegic with trichotillomania, and Mercer, a man devastated by loss and guilt, form an unlikely bond as they mend each other’s broken hearts.
Cori Zahara masterfully portrays the complexity of these characters, weaving a tale that balances dark moments with a powerful message of resilience and healing. Feebee’s representation as a wheelchair user adds a layer of authenticity and depth, making her journey even more compelling. Mercer's transformation from a man wrecked with anger and guilt to someone seeking peace is equally poignant.
This book does tackle heavy topics and includes graphic scenes, so be prepared for an intense read. However, the emotional payoff is worth it, as the author’s storytelling shines through in the bond she creates between Feebee and Mercer.
If you’re looking for a story that will break your heart and put it back together again, Your Heart Still Beats For Me is a must-read. Cori Zahara delivers a powerful message on guilt and healing that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
#BookReview #YourHeartStillBeatsForMe #CoriZahara #DarkRomance #EmotionalRead #HealingJourney #DisabilityRepresentation #MustRead #Bookstagram #RomanceReads
Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster with Your Heart Still Beats For Me by Cori Zahara. This dark yet profoundly moving story introduces us to Feebee, who wakes up in a room with no memory of how she got there, faced with a series of harrowing tasks and the only company of an unconscious man, Mercer, chained to the wall. As her mental health begins to spiral, Feebee relies on this stranger to navigate her grim reality. But when they fail a task and Mercer is taken away as punishment, her world shatters further.
This gripping narrative, featuring characters Feebee and Mercer, who also appear in A Heart as Black as Cole, dives deep into themes of trauma, guilt, and healing. Feebee, a paraplegic with trichotillomania, and Mercer, a man devastated by loss and guilt, form an unlikely bond as they mend each other’s broken hearts.
Cori Zahara masterfully portrays the complexity of these characters, weaving a tale that balances dark moments with a powerful message of resilience and healing. Feebee’s representation as a wheelchair user adds a layer of authenticity and depth, making her journey even more compelling. Mercer's transformation from a man wrecked with anger and guilt to someone seeking peace is equally poignant.
This book does tackle heavy topics and includes graphic scenes, so be prepared for an intense read. However, the emotional payoff is worth it, as the author’s storytelling shines through in the bond she creates between Feebee and Mercer.
If you’re looking for a story that will break your heart and put it back together again, Your Heart Still Beats For Me is a must-read. Cori Zahara delivers a powerful message on guilt and healing that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
#BookReview #YourHeartStillBeatsForMe #CoriZahara #DarkRomance #EmotionalRead #HealingJourney #DisabilityRepresentation #MustRead #Bookstagram #RomanceReads
May 31, 2024
This was definitely different from the other books I've read by Cori.
In the beginning, the story was giving strong Saw vibes, which I really enjoyed, and then came the twist that had me so mad at Mercer that I thought there would be no coming back for him. As the story progresses and we get to see more of Mercer's pov, he does, in fact, redeem himself and then some. We also see how Feebee grows from the meek girl we meet in the beginning to someone who is not afraid to voice her feelings and confronts her fears head-on.
I really enjoyed the way Cori weaves her universe and connects all her stories, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of them.
Quote: “He had taken my pain away, stored it somewhere with his own, and set them aside for us to live in harmony.”
In the beginning, the story was giving strong Saw vibes, which I really enjoyed, and then came the twist that had me so mad at Mercer that I thought there would be no coming back for him. As the story progresses and we get to see more of Mercer's pov, he does, in fact, redeem himself and then some. We also see how Feebee grows from the meek girl we meet in the beginning to someone who is not afraid to voice her feelings and confronts her fears head-on.
I really enjoyed the way Cori weaves her universe and connects all her stories, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of them.
Quote: “He had taken my pain away, stored it somewhere with his own, and set them aside for us to live in harmony.”
June 18, 2024
Cori has truly outdone herself with this amazing story. In this book, you meet Feebee and Mercer, who also appear in "A Heart as Black as Cole." The story is dark yet deeply emotional, and I couldn’t have asked for more. Both characters endure significant trauma that they never asked for, and once the truth is revealed, they begin to heal together. This healing process is what I love most about Cori’s writing—the way she crafts the bonds between her characters is outstanding. It's a 10/10 read for me, and I highly recommend it! Be sure to check the trigger warnings since it’s quite dark, but I promise you won’t regret reading it. Plus, the bonus epilogue beautifully ties into Cole & Kat’s story and is absolutely amazing!
May 19, 2024
Buckle up - you’re in for a ride!
The story of Feebee and Mercer is beautifully written, with so many tragic moments, I couldn’t put the book down and I was sad when I finished. It gave me all the feels, as usual Cori created a fantastic story. It is by no means a traditional (love) story but that is why I love Cori’s books. She always manages to capture emotions in this special way of hers, and her writing captivates me.
It was over way too quickly but left me a smiling little mess.
(If you know Cori’s other books I don’t think I need to tell you, if you don’t - make sure to check the trigger warnings before, this is in no way a cozy love story)
The story of Feebee and Mercer is beautifully written, with so many tragic moments, I couldn’t put the book down and I was sad when I finished. It gave me all the feels, as usual Cori created a fantastic story. It is by no means a traditional (love) story but that is why I love Cori’s books. She always manages to capture emotions in this special way of hers, and her writing captivates me.
It was over way too quickly but left me a smiling little mess.
(If you know Cori’s other books I don’t think I need to tell you, if you don’t - make sure to check the trigger warnings before, this is in no way a cozy love story)
May 20, 2024
So happy to receive an ARC copy of this book for review! I can’t understand why others didn’t want to ARC Read this fantastic dark romance! Think Lauren Biel meets Saw! It’s a short book but you truly feel for these characters and their experiences. I definitely want to read more of these characters. The plot is intriguing and you are interested immediately.
Overall 4.5 ⭐️ review
TW- sex; violence; death; SA; organ trafficking; human trafficking
Genre- dark romance
Plot driven ✅
Cliff hanger- ❌
Main characters- M/F. No cheating ✅
LGBTQAI positive representation ❌
Diverse characters ✅
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Would own to re-read ✅
Would recommend: ✅
Would explore more by same author: ✅
Overall 4.5 ⭐️ review
TW- sex; violence; death; SA; organ trafficking; human trafficking
Genre- dark romance
Plot driven ✅
Cliff hanger- ❌
Main characters- M/F. No cheating ✅
LGBTQAI positive representation ❌
Diverse characters ✅
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Would own to re-read ✅
Would recommend: ✅
Would explore more by same author: ✅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
Cori Zahara has spelled out a lovely story in Your Heart Still Beats for Me.
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning. It is dark and sinister. As you read on, little sparks of light find their way into the story and start snuggling into your heart and mind.
FeeBee and Mercer wake up in a dirty, concrete room together. Unable to find comfort anywhere else, they begin to find it in each other.
There are some surprises around the corner and all might be lost. Or, it may all be wrapped in a pretty pink bow? Either way, I recommend grabbing this and devouring it.
@corizaharaauthor
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning. It is dark and sinister. As you read on, little sparks of light find their way into the story and start snuggling into your heart and mind.
FeeBee and Mercer wake up in a dirty, concrete room together. Unable to find comfort anywhere else, they begin to find it in each other.
There are some surprises around the corner and all might be lost. Or, it may all be wrapped in a pretty pink bow? Either way, I recommend grabbing this and devouring it.
@corizaharaauthor
July 2, 2024
✦ Arc Review ✦
Wow....Feebee and Mercer's story was raw, brutal and heartbreaking. I completed devoured this book. It had me completely in its clutches, broke me and then put me back together again.
We've got two characters that are swirling in the depths of guilt, tragedy and trauma, many dark and deceitful actions, and then a ton of healing. Feebee and Mercer's broken hearts were mended with each other to help them heal.
I'm completely and utterly in love with Cori's writing. Her books are super dark and hard hitting, but I reallllly love a book that makes me feel such visceral emotions. This book was no exception.
Wow....Feebee and Mercer's story was raw, brutal and heartbreaking. I completed devoured this book. It had me completely in its clutches, broke me and then put me back together again.
We've got two characters that are swirling in the depths of guilt, tragedy and trauma, many dark and deceitful actions, and then a ton of healing. Feebee and Mercer's broken hearts were mended with each other to help them heal.
I'm completely and utterly in love with Cori's writing. Her books are super dark and hard hitting, but I reallllly love a book that makes me feel such visceral emotions. This book was no exception.
May 14, 2024
Your Heart Still Beats For Me by Cori Zahara 5/5 ☆
Cori does it again. Breaks my entire soul, but manages to make me still love her. The details are perfectly written. The personalities always shine through. And the heartbreak can be felt from beginning to end. One of these days, I'll stop letting her break my heart, but I don't see it happening any time soon.
Cori always has a way with words, and this is no different. Pick it up, read it, cry, and come back for more. You won't regret it. 😘🖤
ARC read as it was part of the Corrupt Intentions anthology.
Cori does it again. Breaks my entire soul, but manages to make me still love her. The details are perfectly written. The personalities always shine through. And the heartbreak can be felt from beginning to end. One of these days, I'll stop letting her break my heart, but I don't see it happening any time soon.
Cori always has a way with words, and this is no different. Pick it up, read it, cry, and come back for more. You won't regret it. 😘🖤
ARC read as it was part of the Corrupt Intentions anthology.
May 18, 2024
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of Your Heart Still Beats for Me.
And I'm still floored. Written in a Dual POV this story tells of Feebee who finds herself trapped in a basement with an unconscious stranger, Mercer. And young Feebee is asked to do unspeakable things. Cori finds a way to tie both characters together through a series of unfortunate circumstances that opens your heart and leaves you yearning for more pain. The stories of both Feebee and Mercer were tragic, but I loved every minute of it. (less) [edit]
And I'm still floored. Written in a Dual POV this story tells of Feebee who finds herself trapped in a basement with an unconscious stranger, Mercer. And young Feebee is asked to do unspeakable things. Cori finds a way to tie both characters together through a series of unfortunate circumstances that opens your heart and leaves you yearning for more pain. The stories of both Feebee and Mercer were tragic, but I loved every minute of it. (less) [edit]
June 9, 2024
Firstly check your triggers this is DARK!!!
This book is full of twists and turns and very unexpected moves, it’s really hard to write anything without a spoiler!
It follows FeeBees story of SA, love, trafficking, turmoil, and ultimately a HEA!
Feebee has a heart transplant, and the ‘donated’ heart ends up being a harvested heart from a trafficked girl,and the boyfriend of the trafficked girl is out for Feebee to get revenge!
Amazing book yet again from Cori and an absolute privilege to be an ARC reader 💕💕
This book is full of twists and turns and very unexpected moves, it’s really hard to write anything without a spoiler!
It follows FeeBees story of SA, love, trafficking, turmoil, and ultimately a HEA!
Feebee has a heart transplant, and the ‘donated’ heart ends up being a harvested heart from a trafficked girl,and the boyfriend of the trafficked girl is out for Feebee to get revenge!
Amazing book yet again from Cori and an absolute privilege to be an ARC reader 💕💕
June 12, 2024
I read this novella when it was a part of the anthology, but of course had to read it again when it was separated out. It had an extra chapter so it was a must!
If you’re looking for light and fluffy - this is not it. Check the TW before you read it. I absolutely loved this book. There were twists and turns, heartache, hate and love. The love between Feebee and Mercer is definitely unconventional but beautiful. Is Mercer the villain? Maybe a little, but if you’ve read Cori, even the villains deserve love and redemption.
If you’re looking for light and fluffy - this is not it. Check the TW before you read it. I absolutely loved this book. There were twists and turns, heartache, hate and love. The love between Feebee and Mercer is definitely unconventional but beautiful. Is Mercer the villain? Maybe a little, but if you’ve read Cori, even the villains deserve love and redemption.
June 16, 2024
Cori Zahara took me on a wild ride that I couldn't get enough of. This book hurt, like a punch straight to the gut.
Mercer and Feebee walk into your life and steal your heart before you even realize what’s going on. Mercer and Feedee is a short story that leaves you wanting more. Your heart still beats for me is basically a masterpiece. Have tissues ready because your heart is about to go for a ride.
Be prepared to want more after just the few chapters.
*also check triggers as not all books are for everyone*
Mercer and Feebee walk into your life and steal your heart before you even realize what’s going on. Mercer and Feedee is a short story that leaves you wanting more. Your heart still beats for me is basically a masterpiece. Have tissues ready because your heart is about to go for a ride.
Be prepared to want more after just the few chapters.
*also check triggers as not all books are for everyone*
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