Wood & Wonders

Heartcraft Market #5

by Duckie Mack

Theo is widowed and lives a reclusive life in the mountains. Twice a month he goes to Heartcraft Market where he sells his wood carvings.

Onyx is a pop star who has skyrocketed into fame. After a whirlwind tour, they are ready for a break and book a cabin in the mountains for some down time.

When Theo opens his door to find a person claiming they rented his cabin, he is baffled but lets them stay until they can figure out other plans.

Onyx's big personality brings life back to his cabin. Theo's steadiness and calm are a refuge in Onyx’s busy world.

Can these two opposites build something that will stand as strong as an oak?

Wood & Wonders is an MX forced proximity romance featuring opposites attract, only one bed, and the restoration of a broken heart. The Heartcraft Market series features stand-alone novels that can be enjoyed on their own or read with the series to revisit your favorite characters.

Genres: Romance, Forced Proximity, M M Romance, Slow Burn, Mental Health

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 22, 2025

About the author

She loves reading and writing stories that show that love isn't defined by gender. She writes sweet romance with fun heat, adorkable characters, and is a sucker for an HEA.

She lives in Southern California with her family, 2 dogs, and 3 cats, and loves to give out free hugs at pride events.

Duckie loves to interact with readers and is most active on instagram @authorduckiemack

Keep up to date on Duckie's book news by subscribing to her newsletter-
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Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wood & Wonders is book five in the Heartcraft Market series by Duckie Mack. This book can easily be read as a stand alone. I’ve loved this series from the start. This book was sugary sweet with literally no angst. Which normally I would be thrilled about. For whatever reason, though, I didn’t love this one as much as the others. It was a very slow build. And the actual romance, the expressions of their feelings, didn’t start until very late in the book. So while I enjoyed the sweetness of this one, I just didn’t connect with the romance between them the way I hoped.



Theo Wilkins is forty five years old. He is a widow of five years and lives a very reclusive life in his mountain cabin. Theo is a wood carver, crafting beautiful things out of plain pieces of wood. Theo doesn’t do people well, always preferring the quiet and solitude of his mountain home.



Onyx is a very popular viral popstar. I believe their age to be in the late twenties? Reaching this level of success is a dream come true for Onyx but it has also taken a toll. Now they couldn’t wait to spend the next month alone in a mountain cabin they found. So when they were dropped off, both Onyx and Theo had quite a surprise because the cabin wasn’t empty at all. A very handsome mountain man seemed to live there!

“Theodore looked like he could be the model for Lumberjacks-R-Us.”



While neither expected the other, Onyx and Theo decided to make the next month work by sharing the cabin. What started out as awkward and uncomfortable, quickly changed into something wonderful. Theo realized just how lonely his life really was. And Onyx found a beauty he didn’t know he needed. More than just the natural beauty of the countryside. It was the beauty of a man who seemed to be able to see inside him to his very core.



As I said, this was a very slow build. I live for the romance books I read, the swooning, the I Love You’s, the pining. This book was filled with so much sweetness. Both characters were wonderful. It just took so long for me to feel the emotions I crave. The ending was adorable, though, and left me with a smile on my face. The next book will be about a newcomer to town, Jasper, who is a glass blower in Glass & Groundwork.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MX Small town romance with age gap (45/27), Cabin rental disaster gone right (forced proximity!), a bit of Opposites attract, woods & music, Hurt/comfort, flirty sweetness, all the acceptance & love!
This was so cute to read, I loved Theo & Onyx (love that name!). I read my #ARC in around 6hrs, took me couple days due to college work.

Theo's a woodworker living in the mountain. He's widowed of 5yrs; secluded, serious, quiet, not a people person but he's so thoughtful & kind.
Onyx is a popster gone viral, they're non-binary. O's fashionable, flirty, playful but also so patient & empathetic.

O wanted a break, fresh mountain air from cute cabin but got scammed...but that let O to T! Who's NOT an axe murderer 🤣. What was meant to be temporary, turned into so much more! T's so much more hospitable than me 😅. O got lucky!

It's cute to see their personalities rub off 😏 of eachother, how T opens up 🥺. It's been so long for T, but O nudges T so good 🥰. Loved to see first times, O's a great teacher, aye aye captain 🤣. Love me a vers couple 🥵! It's sweet, with almost no angst but a lil past hurt (O's like a winky therapist lol) & taking it slow! A lil long distance rep too, with a cute ending<3 Cameos were fun!

Story Ratings:

POV: 1st person, Dual POV
1) Overall Enjoyment—> 5/5
2) The Characters: 5💞/5
3) Top feels: 😆😏☺️😉😯🥺😅🤣🥰🤭✨🥺❤️🥵😄🎤
4) Steamy scenes: 2.5/5
5) Levels: Cute+Swoon: 5/5
Angst: 1/5
Dark: 1/5
6) Creativity + world: 4.5/5
7) Plot arc: (Cabin, Vacay & Love) 4/5
8) Writing style + pace: 4.5/5

(Before reading)
Why the heck did I read the title at first glance as "Woods & Boners" OMFG 🙈😂.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very lovely, fun and sexy/sweet romance. The MCs fit right in with the adorableness of all the other couples in this series. Was Theodore ready for the beautiful Onyx that turn his solitude life upside down...nope...that's why this bi awakening felt more genuine to me. Theo respected and also didn't care what gender Onyx was...all he saw was a beautiful soul who loved and set him free. Wow! this was wonderful and I highly recommend...especially if you enjoyed the other romances in the series. You wont be disappointed.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Trish Skywalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re back at Heartcraft with a lovely new couple!
Theo has been living a solitary life in the mountains for a few years since becoming a widower. Besides selling at Heartcraft Market twice a month, he mainly sticks to his cabin and his woodworking. So he’s completely surprised when a gorgeous person sweeps into his house with lots of luggage, claiming that they’ve rented Theo’s cabin for the next month.
Onyx has achieved their dream of becoming a successful pop star, but they need some downtime after their last tour. They can’t believe they fell for scam on their mountain rental, but they’ll be happy to stay if the sexy mountain man living there is included.
Theo struggles a lot with guilt and grief throughout the story, and I loved how kind and understanding Onyx is. Onyx is proud of who they are, and Theo is incredibly supportive of them. They are a very sweet couple, but also very steamy!
-Enby pop star
-Woodworking widower
-First times
-Forced proximity

[Ren || Reading What I Want · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Length: 230p
Source: ARC - Author
Release Date: March 22, 2025

Pretty much every read of Duckie’s is a five star comfort read for me. Her stories are sweet and gentle and peaceful and such a joy from start to finish. Wood & Wonders is the fifth interconnected story in the Heartcraft Market Series and it was so wonderful being back!

I adored Theo and Onyx. Theo was a grief-stricken gentle giant and Onyx was an up and coming pop star. These two made me melt from start to finish. Such a hopeful story of finding new love and being cherished for who you are.

It was also so amazing to see Jonah and Val!!! Love Bites is one of my top Duckie reads and I loved their cameo! 😊

♡ queer contemporary romance
♥ widower x celebrity
♡ woodcarver x popstar
♥ small mountain town
♡ grief exploration
♥ long distance

{I was gifted a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}

[Jennivie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo and Onyx... *dreamy sigh* I absolutely loved their love story. They’re super sweet together. Though opposites in nearly every way, they are perfect for one another. The non-binary rep was great. Onyx is such an interesting, amazing, vibrant character and pairing him with a lonely, widowed teddy bear like Theo was a perfect match. They complement and balance each other in the best ways.

I love the relatively low angst, feel-good stories in this series. I’ve only read from 3 onward of this series and I’ve missed a few in others. I hope to remedy that soon. Some of the cameo characters I have yet to meet in their own books, but knew them from others they’ve been side characters in. While the books in this series can be read as standalones, I urge you to read them all!

[Sophie Reads Stories · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved every book in the Heartcraft Market and Wood & Wonders is most definitely one of my favourites in the series.

Mack's stories are such joyful, and joyfilled, books to read that I'm also happy when I get to read a new release.

Theo and Onyx's story was slow, gentle and so sweet and fit exactly who these these characters are and where they want to be in life.

[Zoë Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

1st person, past tense, dual PoV
Theodore Wilkins (45), wood carving artist
Mx. Onyx (27), solo popstar

Oooh, I love a good opposites attract story and there's nothing better than the strong silent type bemusedly going along with and falling for a vivacious whirlwind of light and life.

The meet-cute was a hoot and it was so much fun seeing the tongue-tied Theo so enamored of Onyx, enjoying their company and connecting with another person in a way he hadn't in a long, long time. Onyx gives him time and space to be while still nudging him along when he needs it. Theo for his part helped ground Onyx so they weren't so overwhelmed by their celebrity status, providing a calm place filled with inspiration to come back to (he was truly Theodorable). These two just fit together like two magnets.

Although this book explores the idea of finding love after loss (Theo was widowed five years prior and has been consumed by his grief since), it is not a heavy read, it is heartwarming vibes and low angst with two of the sweetest people on the planet. I loved the ease with which they learned to live with one another over the month, falling into an easy comfortable routine, and the natural evolution of their friendship to relationship.

Their compatibility was both steamy and sweet. The love declarations were perfect and I loved that their relationship looks a little different than what is typically socially acceptable, navigating their individual lifestyles and schedules while prioritizing their relationship together.

The epilogue just about ended me out with it's swoony sweetness, it was just so perfectly done.

While part of a series, this stands alone well, the books are loosely connected with some character crossover (and even cameos by characters from others books in the author's backlist), but each couple's plot is contained within their own book and none of the supporting characters take focus away from the leads meaning if you haven't 'met' them before you don't feel like you're missing out on anything.

I was given an ARC and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

[LC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wood & Wonders
Heartcraft Market Book 5
By Duckie Mack

What do you do when you lose someone? Theo hasn’t been the same since his wife died. When when a stranger shows up on his doorstep what will he do?

Theo has been widowed for five years and his life is very straightforward. He carves statues, he goes to the Heartcraft Market to sell his wares, and every once in a while he does a live demonstration at the Market. What he doesn’t do is live. Onyx is a whirlwind of light, laughter, and joy in Theo‘s dark cloud. He is a singer, songwriter and wants a solitary vacation to let loose his creative spirit again. Onyx was only meant to stay for 30 days though. What’s going to happen when he leaves?

I have waited for every Heartcraft Market book with bated breath. Every single book gets better. Each main character has something that makes my heart just fall splat at my feet and this book is no different. I adore Theo as somebody who has the strength of character to survive after a loss that can cripple you. I appreciated how Duckie Mack kept that loss off page and yet still managed to bring the emotion into the story. The feelings that Theo locked away for so long felt like they were a living breathing thing. MX Onyx, who is a singer/performer, is this bright light of joy. He comes storming onto the page and it feels like he is a breath of fresh air. Somehow Theo not only welcomes him to his home, they form a friendship. Onyx uses their time to relax and write and their friendship turns into something more. It turns into something so sweet. Onyx is this partner that is willing to go so slowly just so that they can make Theo comfortable and open to living again. Onyx is amazing! Duckie writes this character so fabulously. She writes this book with so much empathy that I am just blown away. I wonder how many times can I say I love a book before it loses its power? This book is pure love and I know I will love the next one because there’s something about Duckie’s writing. Her sweet heat stories that never fail to make me smile, laugh, and sometimes cry. I hope that everybody can read this book and see this wonderful pairing and think wow they are amazing.

[Katriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Onyx and Theo are just what the other needs, Theo is more withdrawn and quiet, whereas Onyx is more exuberant and outgoing. They compliment each other in a really great way. The story flowed nicely, the pacing felt smooth, nothing felt rushed or forced. Considering Onyx and Theo ended up practically living together it's quite amazing that the story didn't feel rushed. It just felt natural for things to progress the way they did.

I have been curious about Theo ever since he was mentioned in the previous books, I was wondered what his story was, and why he secluded himself from others. And I finally learned about the things I was curious about! He's been dealing with the loss of his wife and all the grief and emotions that come with that type of loss. Especially when he lost her the way he did.

And then Onyx comes into his life and lights up all the dark spots that have been apart of his world since his wife's passing. Onyx is truly fabulous, they are so kind and they truly care about Theo's comfort and happiness. I absolutely adored both of the MC's, they are both so amazing and terrific in their own way. The way they got together was unique and just felt natural to the story. I liked when these two ventured out into town together, and then when they went to Heart Craft Market the first time. Those types of scenes are my favorite to read about, and they were done so well!

My absolute favorite scene was the epilogue, that was just SO beautiful and sweet. I loved it! I'm looking forward to the next Heart Craft Market couple!

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

- M/Mx
- Forced Proximity
- Only One Bed

This is part of the the Heartcraft Market series and while there are cameos from characters in the other books in the series, this can be enjoyed as a standalone. This is Theo and Onyx's story, two very different people who come together and find their happy ever after where they least expected it. These are two very different characters, Theo is a loner who has a limited social battery and finds it difficult dealing with people. Onyx is a popstar who thrives on social contact and has built his career on social media. They're not complete opposites though, both are very creative and like their alone time while they're working, so they treasure the time they spend together.

Onyx is non-binary, and Theo is on board right from the start, he's attracted to the person inside and not hung up on gender, and I loved that. Even though it's sort of an awakening, it never felt that way, it just felt like two souls finding each other and the balance they both needed. I liked these two together very much and really enjoyed this simple story of two people falling in love and finding their balance. I liked the ending very much too, one of my pet peeves is one character giving up the life they had for the other in the end to make things work, so this was a nice refreshing change. It's all set around Heartcraft Market again although more outside of it this time.

I really enjoyed Theo and Onyx and urge you to give them a chance.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Megan McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo & Onyx
"Theodorable"
The depth of understanding that Onyx feels and gives to Theo and his past is beautiful. Their easy friendship and connection is something I think many of us strive for in our lives. Their story is beautiful, charming, and a lot of fun.

Onyx is an enigmatic individual that brings so much attitude and life to their scenes. I loved being in their POV, because each time they had a thought--especially about Theo--it was always colorful and artistic. It was easy to see how their music erupted from their feelings and emotions. I loved the distinctive punch Duckie puts into her characters with these kinds of personalities. Onyx could have easily dominated all of the scenes they were in, but their emotional and empathic nature helped push and pull with Theo's stubbornness, and the two of them just worked as a couple.

Theo is a wonderfully aloof man who deserves so much love and happiness. With Onyx breathing more life into him, Theo really starts to see the people around him a bit more and appreciate the relationships he does have, though few and far between. He will always be that quiet man around town and the market, but people know he's talented and wonderful, even if they don't see it often. The respect others have for him is clear, even as they keep their general distance from him. Onyx helps him overcome at least a little of that social anxiety as their story develops.

I absolutely love Onyx's twin brother and how much support he offers them. Their bond is clear to see, even from just their first phone call with each other.
Though only a few cameos from some of the other Heartcraft MCs, they were memorable and fun to have included. I will always love and appreciate an author's dedication to their series' universe.

I loved everything about Wood & Wonders and I'm always genuinely sad when each of the Heartcraft Market stories end because I just want to stay in that universe a little longer. Theo & Onyx are an incredible set to have in this series, and I hope we'll see them again, if briefly.

I received an advance copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.

[Xanthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

**4.5**
What a wonderful and heartfelt romance. Theo is given a perfect second chance at love after living with his grief for the loss of his wife, Myra, five years ago. Onyx seems to be the perfect balance to bring the reclusive man out of his shell a little, though they never should have met.
Onyx turns up expecting a holiday rental but ends up waltzing into Theo's house. After figuring out what happened, kindhearted Theo has them stay until they can sort things out.
It's a perfect forced proximity, bi-awakening, hurt comfort romance that is low angst, even with Theo having been dealing with grief. The author has done a lovely job of balancing living in the now and experiencing the amazing things that Onyx is offering, whilst honouring Myra's memory. Onyx has the balance of understanding and compassion whilst nudging Theo to take those small steps out of the dark.
Such an opposite couple but they work fabulously together! It's so good to be back at Heartcraft, getting interaction with some we've met before in the series. Looking forward to whoever is coming next.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[Mommysuz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a book in this series, I declare it my favorite, and this one is no exception! Book #3 of the Heartcraft series completely stole my heart.
Needing a break from the busy city, Onyx rents a cabin in the woods to write and relax, but he unexpectedly finds himself on Theo’s doorstep. Their contrast is striking. Onyx is a fun-loving, public figure, while Theo has shut himself away from the world for five years. Onyx is a master of words, while Theo trips over his own. And yet, their connection is undeniable.
I absolutely loved this story! Like the previous books, it’s free of unnecessary drama, offering a pure, sweet romance that’s impossible to put down. The slow unraveling of Theo’s walls and Onyx’s patient warmth made my heart melt. This series continues to be a delight, and I can’t wait for more!

I received this story  to review, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[K.R. Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweetness, heart and all the feels!!

I loved Onyx and Theo!!

A dynamic story full of so much love, emotions and growth. So much respect, unwavering "rightness" and longing. It's just so good.

This is a fast paced, low angst story with healing, hope and finding love again.

I enjoyed the unconventional meet-cute And Duckie's writing is witty and heartfelt throughout. It will pull on your heartstrings, light you up and give you hope.

This is a wonderful, uplifting story and Onyx's gender is fully respected and they thrive throughout but it's not the main focus or a gimmick. Onyx just happens to be non binary and Theo is attracted to Onyx. It's true, it's raw and it's beautiful. We need more stories like this in the world. It's truly beautiful and left me with hope and all the gooey feel good feelings I love from a true romance.

[Mir Jak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt and heart-wrenching.... but it's also soo ridiculously sappy and cute "A door opened in my heart, too. No longer dusty and covered in cobwebs." And I loved the corny one liners "Well, this buffet is open, honey, and it's all you can eat.".......bahahahahaha The story made me laugh, swoon and cry (yes it did !!) .....it's perfection.......and gives the new meaning to nudge nudge wink wink bahahahahahha....I loved it. This one actually can be read as a stand-alone .....the depth of emotions that come from a grieving process can go in a myriad of ways and it shows in this book. I couldn't put the book down as I shared the MC's pain and loss that becomes a lightness in the heart and then more. ......"I could be that for you.....If you want me to. I can be the one to catch you."

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartcraft Market is where it’s at!!! I couldn’t wait for Theo’s story and the perfect missing piece for him. Mx Onyx does not disappoint. Pure acceptance, a hard fought battle for Onyx is blown away when they meet Theo. Overwhelmed by much and loving his solitude, Theo is blown awake by the pure vibrance that is known as Onyx. Even if only for a few days these two learn what it means to not only step outside the comfort zone, but that it is ok to have help. The passion and fire between these two literally cuts down any resistance that they may have to changes, it sometimes change is good with the right person.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wood & Wonders is the 5th book in the Heartcraft Market series. This book can be read as a standalone but why not enjoy the rest of the series. This is the story of Theo a reclusive widower and Onyx a Pop star. The guys meet when Onyx shows up claiming he rented Theo's cabin and instead of sending him away Theo lets him stay until he can figure out what happened. This is another wonderful heart warming story in the Heartcraft Market series that makes me happy. Duckie has such a way with her characters that they just come to life and right off the page. These two are so opposite in every way but work so well together. I love the whole series and the joy it brings to me during this hard time. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

I absolutely adored Wood & Wonders from start to finish! With a little forced proximity, hurt/comfort and strangers to lovers action going on, I was impressed with how Duckie Mack was able to make us fall in love with both Theo and Onyx from the start! Duckie writes non-binary/genderfluid characters really well, seamlessly sharing that part of the character without it being a focus of the story.

I love that this book is truly a low angst read and that all of the characters from Heartcraft Market make a cameo appearance! I can't wait to see what's up next for this world.

[Mary Mazurkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I need at least 10 more chapters of Theo and Onyx. They held me captivated from the first chapter to the last. This is the fifth book in the series and each one has grabbed my attention with the depth of character each main person has and how the inter-twine together to make a great couple. I also love how Duckie brings back characters from her other books for cameos. Making you remember their stories. Theo and Onyx are 2 beautiful people who were able to See each other.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.25 stars. A very sweet story that fits beautifully into this charming series. Theo is still grieving a big loss years later, and suddenly, Onyx bursts into his life. They are very much opposites but fit so well together. The cameos of the other characters are always enjoyable, but each book could work well as a standalone. I really loved the trans non-binary representation (I am a trans enby reader), and it was especially appealing that Onyx was happy with their body.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Onyx rented a cabin that wasn't really for rent inhabited by a mountain man names Theo. Theo had been alone for 5 years since his wife died. Onyx is trans and binary and Theo thinks they are beautiful. These two need each other like air and make sweet music with each other. It's a lovely, touching book with Onyx brining Theo back to life. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much! Onyx and Theo are amazing, and they’re so cute together. The more serious topics balanced out the sweetness so well, it kept everything real and grounded. I also loved how much of the book was just the two of them, but it was also fun to have the guys of the other books pop up in the market scenes!

[Sarah Mitcham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance Of Love

MX, Forced Proximity, Opposites Attract, Small Town, Contemporary, Romance. Part of a series, reads as a stand-alone, cameo appearances of previous MC's. Page turner, fast paced plot, great characters, lots of sweetness and steam, First Time and a guaranteed hea.

[DLB2572 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo & Onyx

This one was my favorite of the series. I absolutely loved Onyx and Theo's story from beginning to end. They were so cute together and I'm definitely going to be reading this again.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion.

[Colette Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Onyx and Theo love story! The patience that Onyx displayed with Theo was amazing, especially with how deep Theo’s grief was. I smiled, cried and swooned every page that I read! Love this series ♥️

[Igonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I have no experience with reading about non binary/ trans characters, so this was so informative and refreshing to read. I love both onyx and Theo. And can’t wait for more from the author

[Tina Lunsford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely perfect

All the feels. I am going to have to read this one again immediately, because I cannot let Theo and Onyx go yet. Such love. My favorite Duckie Mack book yet.

[Sarah Schuster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theo and Mx. Onyx are everything. I absolutely loved Wood and Wonders by Duckie Mack.

Theo is sort of a recluse preferring to stay at his cabin in the mountains. Onyx, a nonbinary popstar, comes crashing into Theo's life like they own it.

After offering to let Mx. Onyx stay in his home, things start to heat up between them, eventually leading to their HEA.

I highly recommend this book.

[Amanda Glaeser · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a man living in shadows meets a beam of light?

The sweetest story I've read in a while.

After a tragic accident, Theo locked himself away from the world, interacting with people enough to get by. His days were spent woodworking to keep his mind occupied, but his nights were spent in memories of the past.

Until a beam of light showed up on his doorstep and forced the shadows away.

After years of hard work, Onyx became an internet sensation practically overnight and they loved every minute of it. However, after going on tour, their creative well had dried up and writing new songs became difficult. So they decided a much needed break was in order and rented a cabin in the mountains for a month to recharge.

What they didn't expect was for that cabin to come with a mountain man.

I loved how Theo and Onyx were forced together because of a scam but ended up being exactly what they both needed.

Theo needed that light in his life and Onyx found their muse.