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Black Hearts
After months of odd symptoms and countless doctors, Rachel Heltin’s self-proclaimed black heart has decayed into an incurable tumor. In a chance encounter at a concert, cardiologist Dr. Dave Trenton breaks the news along with a six-month death sentence.
Always the one to run away when things get tough, she escapes to the southern coast of Portugal to put as much distance between herself and the brutal reality awaiting back home. With her parents in tow and the secret of her diagnosis stashed away in a trusty carry-on, Rachel’s hoping thirty years of heartache can finally be reconciled and all the horrible rifts she’s created will heal before it’s too late.
Her secret is jeopardized when that frustratingly attractive cardiologist along with his mother show up at the same beachside cafe upending all Rachel’s plans. But somewhere between the seaside cliffs and ancient castles, Dave’s own scarred past helps Rachel view life beyond the days left on a limited calendar.
Always the one to run away when things get tough, she escapes to the southern coast of Portugal to put as much distance between herself and the brutal reality awaiting back home. With her parents in tow and the secret of her diagnosis stashed away in a trusty carry-on, Rachel’s hoping thirty years of heartache can finally be reconciled and all the horrible rifts she’s created will heal before it’s too late.
Her secret is jeopardized when that frustratingly attractive cardiologist along with his mother show up at the same beachside cafe upending all Rachel’s plans. But somewhere between the seaside cliffs and ancient castles, Dave’s own scarred past helps Rachel view life beyond the days left on a limited calendar.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
2 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Calliope Daniels
2 books16 followersCalliope is an award winning author, world traveler, emo nerd, and baker of all the sweet things in life.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 2, 2024
Black Heart(s) will break your heart. Rachel shares her black heart with her best friends. Between music and found family, this story has depth and heart. Rachel is an incredible character who's past we get to read in a series of flashbacks. From learning about her upbringing and past mistakes in Iowa, to her dramatic first time in San Francisco.
There's so much love and laughter in the beginning. From her parents, to her sister and best friend, all of Rachel's relationships run deep and we read about some of those experiences in the flashbacks. Right when we start to fall in love with Black Heart(s), we fall in love with the ever charming and protective, Dr. Dave. Their fates, stitched together, we see their relationship become serious. Two black hearts together, living and loving each other.
Each trial they experience is devastating the reader. Read this is your humor is dark, and your spice tolerance is warm. Read this if you just want a really good cry session. An absolute pleasure to read and I now have several new brands to listen to.
Thank you Book sirens and Calliope Daniels. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
There's so much love and laughter in the beginning. From her parents, to her sister and best friend, all of Rachel's relationships run deep and we read about some of those experiences in the flashbacks. Right when we start to fall in love with Black Heart(s), we fall in love with the ever charming and protective, Dr. Dave. Their fates, stitched together, we see their relationship become serious. Two black hearts together, living and loving each other.
Each trial they experience is devastating the reader. Read this is your humor is dark, and your spice tolerance is warm. Read this if you just want a really good cry session. An absolute pleasure to read and I now have several new brands to listen to.
Thank you Book sirens and Calliope Daniels. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
August 15, 2024
I loved Black Heart(s) it was a beautifully written book with amazing characters development throughout.
August 31, 2024
Rachel and her best friend Azzy share two halves of a Black Heart; both growing up in a small town where everyone seems to be a bit overly conventional- these couple of misfits are kindred spirits, and can't wait to see their childhood home in the rearview; but when Rachel is diagnosed with a terminal illness, she is on borrowed time. Reluctant to tell the people close to her that her days are numbered as she want's to right some wrongs, she discovers that there are many more pieces of her black heart than she anticipated. This is a story of blood family, chosen family, the limited parts of life you can control- and how more often than not, how the parts you can't control are the ones that make the heart full. When Rachel's gorgeous Doctor advises her there is nothing they can do to help her, she decides to try running from her problems; but when your time is ticking, you learn about what is important, and just how beautiful some life experiences are, even if you're too afraid to experience them… the universe has a way of throwing them your way.
This book SHATTERED ME! Something so beautifully written should not be this heartbreaking. The characters are so human and relatable, the little family that Rachel and Azzy created for themselves is such a pure friendship. I fell in love with Rachel's dark humour, and found her so honestly human that I spent most of this book with a lump in my throat. As much as Rachel sees herself as a bit of a crazy unloveable rebel- the people around her can't help but feel her gravitational force. There are lots of complicated characters in this book, and it's not straightforward, its murky and messy, and it will make you laugh, and roll your eyes, and completely crush your soul in the best possible way. It's a true rainbow of human emotions, I really couldn't put it down and suggest this become the frontrunner on your reading list.
This is my first Calliope Daniels novel, I can tell you with great confidence that it won't be the last!
I kindly received a copy of this for review with BookSirens; please be advised that all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book SHATTERED ME! Something so beautifully written should not be this heartbreaking. The characters are so human and relatable, the little family that Rachel and Azzy created for themselves is such a pure friendship. I fell in love with Rachel's dark humour, and found her so honestly human that I spent most of this book with a lump in my throat. As much as Rachel sees herself as a bit of a crazy unloveable rebel- the people around her can't help but feel her gravitational force. There are lots of complicated characters in this book, and it's not straightforward, its murky and messy, and it will make you laugh, and roll your eyes, and completely crush your soul in the best possible way. It's a true rainbow of human emotions, I really couldn't put it down and suggest this become the frontrunner on your reading list.
This is my first Calliope Daniels novel, I can tell you with great confidence that it won't be the last!
I kindly received a copy of this for review with BookSirens; please be advised that all thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 4, 2025
Black Heart is one of those rare books that doesn’t just tell a story — it leaves an imprint on your soul.
From the very first chapter, I knew this wasn’t simply a doctor–patient romance. It’s a story about two souls who meet under the cruelest timing, yet love each other with the gentlest bravery.
This book broke me in ways that felt strangely comforting.
The FMC — strong, humorous, rebellious, and refusing to be pitied even after her diagnosis — is one of the most inspiring heroines I’ve ever read. She chooses joy over fear, freedom over hospitals, and dignity over despair. Her courage alone makes the entire story worth reading.
The MMC, David Tretton, is the heart of the novel. Cold at first, but only because he feels too deeply. The moment he realises her time is limited, the shift in him is breathtaking.
He notices every tiny detail of her.
He stands beside her without needing a confession.
He supports her emotionally, mentally, physically — never controlling her, always strengthening her.
And despite being surrounded by other doctors, he trusts no one with her heart except himself.
His love is tender, protective, and fearless.
He risks his career for a woman who has only months left, without a single regret.
For him, it is only her — nothing else matters.
The beauty of this book is that it isn’t only about losing someone you love.
It’s about:
• living fully with the time you have
• holding on to joy even when grief is inevitable
• choosing love though the ending is already written
• and learning that some people stay with us long after their goodbye
The last chapters are devastating, but not in a hopeless way.
The epilogue is one of the most heartfelt I’ve ever read — a portrait of a man who continues living with the woman he lost, carrying her memory like a quiet, permanent light inside him.
This isn’t a story of suffering.
It’s a story of love that doesn’t end when life does.
If you’re afraid of sad endings, read this anyway.
It hurts — but softly, beautifully, meaningfully.
It teaches you that grief can be love’s afterglow, not its grave.
A soul-stirring, unforgettable read.
Five stars aren’t enough.
From the very first chapter, I knew this wasn’t simply a doctor–patient romance. It’s a story about two souls who meet under the cruelest timing, yet love each other with the gentlest bravery.
This book broke me in ways that felt strangely comforting.
The FMC — strong, humorous, rebellious, and refusing to be pitied even after her diagnosis — is one of the most inspiring heroines I’ve ever read. She chooses joy over fear, freedom over hospitals, and dignity over despair. Her courage alone makes the entire story worth reading.
The MMC, David Tretton, is the heart of the novel. Cold at first, but only because he feels too deeply. The moment he realises her time is limited, the shift in him is breathtaking.
He notices every tiny detail of her.
He stands beside her without needing a confession.
He supports her emotionally, mentally, physically — never controlling her, always strengthening her.
And despite being surrounded by other doctors, he trusts no one with her heart except himself.
His love is tender, protective, and fearless.
He risks his career for a woman who has only months left, without a single regret.
For him, it is only her — nothing else matters.
The beauty of this book is that it isn’t only about losing someone you love.
It’s about:
• living fully with the time you have
• holding on to joy even when grief is inevitable
• choosing love though the ending is already written
• and learning that some people stay with us long after their goodbye
The last chapters are devastating, but not in a hopeless way.
The epilogue is one of the most heartfelt I’ve ever read — a portrait of a man who continues living with the woman he lost, carrying her memory like a quiet, permanent light inside him.
This isn’t a story of suffering.
It’s a story of love that doesn’t end when life does.
If you’re afraid of sad endings, read this anyway.
It hurts — but softly, beautifully, meaningfully.
It teaches you that grief can be love’s afterglow, not its grave.
A soul-stirring, unforgettable read.
Five stars aren’t enough.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2024
✨ARC Review✨
🖤Black Heart(s) by @calliope.daniels
🖤Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (hands down, no questions asked)
🖤Release day: October 1st, 2024
I’ve been reading a lot of ARC’s recently and although I’ve really enjoyed them, Black Heart(s) by @calliope.daniels really struck me different (in a good way). I just finished this book and couldn’t wait to write this review. And what I mean is I’m still sitting in my couch trying to dry my tears with a pile of tissues beside me.
This book was so heartbreakingly beautiful. I can’t remember the last time a book has brought me to tears the way this one has. There’s so much chemistry between Rachel and Dave. They even have a bit of a slow burn going even though the clock on their relationship is ticking fast.
I don’t know what else to say about this book without giving away any spoilers. But if you want to read something that gives you a good soul shattering ugly cry (I know that sounds bad but if you’re an avid reader then you know what I mean) then get this book now! This book will send you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions in the best way. I absolutely love when a book really sucks me in and makes me FEEL something. Even if that means I’ll be crying off and on for the rest of the day while my husband looks like I’ve lost all my marbles.
@calliope.daniels I wish you the best release day. What you’ve done with this book is absolutely incredible. I may need therapy after this but I won’t lie, I think I’m ok with that!😉 All jokes aside, thank you for trusting me to read an ARC copy of your book. I am truly honored and thankful to be given the opportunity. You deserve all the success in the world for this beauty.🫶🏻
🖤Black Heart(s) by @calliope.daniels
🖤Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (hands down, no questions asked)
🖤Release day: October 1st, 2024
I’ve been reading a lot of ARC’s recently and although I’ve really enjoyed them, Black Heart(s) by @calliope.daniels really struck me different (in a good way). I just finished this book and couldn’t wait to write this review. And what I mean is I’m still sitting in my couch trying to dry my tears with a pile of tissues beside me.
This book was so heartbreakingly beautiful. I can’t remember the last time a book has brought me to tears the way this one has. There’s so much chemistry between Rachel and Dave. They even have a bit of a slow burn going even though the clock on their relationship is ticking fast.
I don’t know what else to say about this book without giving away any spoilers. But if you want to read something that gives you a good soul shattering ugly cry (I know that sounds bad but if you’re an avid reader then you know what I mean) then get this book now! This book will send you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions in the best way. I absolutely love when a book really sucks me in and makes me FEEL something. Even if that means I’ll be crying off and on for the rest of the day while my husband looks like I’ve lost all my marbles.
@calliope.daniels I wish you the best release day. What you’ve done with this book is absolutely incredible. I may need therapy after this but I won’t lie, I think I’m ok with that!😉 All jokes aside, thank you for trusting me to read an ARC copy of your book. I am truly honored and thankful to be given the opportunity. You deserve all the success in the world for this beauty.🫶🏻
October 11, 2024
If you’re in need of a good cry, go ahead and download this book—you won’t be disappointed, but you will be emotionally spent!
For a story filled with so much heartbreak, it was beautifully written. I was amazed at how, despite the ticking clock on their relationship, Rachel and Dave lived and loved with everything they had.
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Rachel and Dave, especially considering he was the doctor who gave her the diagnosis. It was incredibly touching to see them develop such a wonderful relationship despite the circumstances.
It might sound strange, but while this book was undeniably heartbreaking, it was also full of love and hope. Of course, I cried—how could you not? But it reminded me that family isn’t always perfect. We’re flawed, but we need to show up when it matters. This story had a lot of characters and a lot of issues, but in the end, love is always there when you need it.
For a story filled with so much heartbreak, it was beautifully written. I was amazed at how, despite the ticking clock on their relationship, Rachel and Dave lived and loved with everything they had.
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Rachel and Dave, especially considering he was the doctor who gave her the diagnosis. It was incredibly touching to see them develop such a wonderful relationship despite the circumstances.
It might sound strange, but while this book was undeniably heartbreaking, it was also full of love and hope. Of course, I cried—how could you not? But it reminded me that family isn’t always perfect. We’re flawed, but we need to show up when it matters. This story had a lot of characters and a lot of issues, but in the end, love is always there when you need it.
September 12, 2024
Thank you to BookSirens for an ARC of Black Hearts by Calliope Daniels. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the premise of this book. A woman gets a terminal diagnosis, goes on a trip and somehow runs into the hot young doctor that gave her that diagnosis. Along with her parents she escapes to Portugal, but she hasn't told them about her 6 months-to-live death sentence.
When her mom and hottie doctor's mom become bffs Rachel and Dr Dave decide to escape on their own and enjoy their time together.
I just didn't find the characters particularly likeable and while the idea of this book sounded great it just didn't live up to my expectations.
I enjoyed the premise of this book. A woman gets a terminal diagnosis, goes on a trip and somehow runs into the hot young doctor that gave her that diagnosis. Along with her parents she escapes to Portugal, but she hasn't told them about her 6 months-to-live death sentence.
When her mom and hottie doctor's mom become bffs Rachel and Dr Dave decide to escape on their own and enjoy their time together.
I just didn't find the characters particularly likeable and while the idea of this book sounded great it just didn't live up to my expectations.
October 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Read this.
Read this book.
Read it.
I feel like I’m living in between the stages of grief: the place where you feel nothing. There is an eerie, unsettling quiet in this space. a Void, that envelops you before the chaos of the next stage dives you headfirst into its turbulent, emotional waters. Or like a viper, waiting to strike in the darkness.
I’ve never read a book like this before. I am utterly devastated. Truly. Calliope Daniels contrasts the vibrancy of her characters against this Void beautifully. Tragically. She keeps you in the moment when you don’t want to be.
I’ll need to buy stock in tissues moving forward.
🌶️🌶️
Read this.
Read this book.
Read it.
I feel like I’m living in between the stages of grief: the place where you feel nothing. There is an eerie, unsettling quiet in this space. a Void, that envelops you before the chaos of the next stage dives you headfirst into its turbulent, emotional waters. Or like a viper, waiting to strike in the darkness.
I’ve never read a book like this before. I am utterly devastated. Truly. Calliope Daniels contrasts the vibrancy of her characters against this Void beautifully. Tragically. She keeps you in the moment when you don’t want to be.
I’ll need to buy stock in tissues moving forward.
August 20, 2024
Calliope Daniels is officially one of my new favorite writers, and I cannot wait to read more of her work. This story was devastatingly beautiful and exactly what I needed. I absolutely love Dr. Dave and Rachel's relationship but loved the complexities in the family relationships during such a hard time even more. This book made me smile, laugh, swoon, and cry. It was flawlessly written in all the ways life and all its complications not only crush you but also make those last moments so d*** meaningful.
October 11, 2024
This book left me raw.
Wrecked. Destroyed. Shattered.
I can tell you that I enjoyed the plot, the pacing, the characters, with a handful of other literary critiques (of all positive nature), or I can simply state that this book is utterly heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful.
I felt so much while experiencing these characters time together. Their story could only ever end one way, and I appreciate that Daniel's didn't dilute their reality with a miraculous turn of events.
It's an emotional one, no lie. But read this.
Wrecked. Destroyed. Shattered.
I can tell you that I enjoyed the plot, the pacing, the characters, with a handful of other literary critiques (of all positive nature), or I can simply state that this book is utterly heartbreaking and absolutely beautiful.
I felt so much while experiencing these characters time together. Their story could only ever end one way, and I appreciate that Daniel's didn't dilute their reality with a miraculous turn of events.
It's an emotional one, no lie. But read this.
August 20, 2024
*arc received by author*
thia tore my heart apart, and I loved every second of it. this book is written so beautifully. I am so happy I got to read this before it was released.
Black Heart(s) will be released on October 1st, 2024. Read it, follow Calliope Daniels, and enjoy this tearjerker of a book.
thia tore my heart apart, and I loved every second of it. this book is written so beautifully. I am so happy I got to read this before it was released.
Black Heart(s) will be released on October 1st, 2024. Read it, follow Calliope Daniels, and enjoy this tearjerker of a book.
October 1, 2024
So beautifully written. He description of grief is so accurate you feel it all. The dark humor and bittersweet romance. Have your tissues ready, this book was everything you want in a tear jerking romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2024
Black Heart(s) was such a heart breakingly sweet book and I’m so glad I read it. The development between characters was a journey and being able to read their growth made me feel like I was a part of the book. Absolutely loved it!
November 16, 2025
Black Heart(s) will mend you,break you, embrace you, and then kick you right in all the feels till the very end! I love knowing that life can continue on and make an impact at any point in your journey. I was left bawling and happy at the same time. Wishing I too could have a black heart!
September 23, 2024
Black Heart(s) sounded mysterious to me. I loved everything about the book. The way Rachel’s condition was dealt with, and how she met Dr. Dave was very realistic. What’s not to like about him? He’s good looking, hard working, passionate and has put his career on the line for those who are important to him. He has a very interesting backstory and I enjoyed learning about his backstory and his sister.
I have disabilities and could identify with Rachel’s concern over being in hospital. How and where she received her diagnosis was imaginative, and it fit into the rest of the story so well. I was shocked and saddened for her.
Rachel is tough, has a dark sense of humor and loves life. I really liked her and her friend Azzy, and how they referred to themselves as two halves of the same black heart.
Idaho and San Francisco were visual. I have not been to either place yet. Rachel feels she’s seen a lot of the hospital. She has her own issues with her family, especially her sister. The way Rachel and Azzy leave Idaho for San Francisco is realistic. Portugal was visual and immersive. I enjoyed how we got to know Rachel’s family more during their time there.
They are there for each other no matter what, and that’s what makes this book so special. How Dr. Dave is there for Rachel is realistic.
Black Heart(s) is definitely not your typical medical romance. It’s shocking, moving, heartbreaking, emotional, heartfelt and more.
Family, relationships, life, choices, living with medical conditions, fun times and sad times. It’s all here in Black Heart(s). It’s just such a beautiful book and perfectly written. It’s one of my favourites this year and I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.
Calliope Daniels is a new-to-me author, and I loved the way that a chapter of her debut novel was included after Black Heart(s) ended.
Thanks to Calliope Daniels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
5 stars but it deserves more
I have disabilities and could identify with Rachel’s concern over being in hospital. How and where she received her diagnosis was imaginative, and it fit into the rest of the story so well. I was shocked and saddened for her.
Rachel is tough, has a dark sense of humor and loves life. I really liked her and her friend Azzy, and how they referred to themselves as two halves of the same black heart.
Idaho and San Francisco were visual. I have not been to either place yet. Rachel feels she’s seen a lot of the hospital. She has her own issues with her family, especially her sister. The way Rachel and Azzy leave Idaho for San Francisco is realistic. Portugal was visual and immersive. I enjoyed how we got to know Rachel’s family more during their time there.
They are there for each other no matter what, and that’s what makes this book so special. How Dr. Dave is there for Rachel is realistic.
Black Heart(s) is definitely not your typical medical romance. It’s shocking, moving, heartbreaking, emotional, heartfelt and more.
Family, relationships, life, choices, living with medical conditions, fun times and sad times. It’s all here in Black Heart(s). It’s just such a beautiful book and perfectly written. It’s one of my favourites this year and I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.
Calliope Daniels is a new-to-me author, and I loved the way that a chapter of her debut novel was included after Black Heart(s) ended.
Thanks to Calliope Daniels.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
5 stars but it deserves more
October 14, 2024
♾️⭐️
A true SUPERSTAR 🌟!!!
Rachel’s story was filled with tears of pain and happiness and acceptance that we are here for a GOOD TIME not a LONG TIME and to live life to the fullest and how you want for as long as you have.
I loved, loved this read. It gives all the feelings we chase after as a reader.
The pain, the heartbreak, the acceptance and the dignity in which Rachel lived out his days until the clock ⏰ countdown was beautifully written in Calli words.
This is not a love story between lovers but between those in one’s life that come and claim a piece of your heart from one day. A love story between father and daughter, best friends, sisters and that one in a lifetime soulmate.
A true SUPERSTAR 🌟!!!
Rachel’s story was filled with tears of pain and happiness and acceptance that we are here for a GOOD TIME not a LONG TIME and to live life to the fullest and how you want for as long as you have.
I loved, loved this read. It gives all the feelings we chase after as a reader.
The pain, the heartbreak, the acceptance and the dignity in which Rachel lived out his days until the clock ⏰ countdown was beautifully written in Calli words.
This is not a love story between lovers but between those in one’s life that come and claim a piece of your heart from one day. A love story between father and daughter, best friends, sisters and that one in a lifetime soulmate.
December 30, 2024
This book was such an easy read. I loved that about it. It was complex enough to truly fall in love with the characters and not want to put it down, without needing to think too hard to enjoy it. The dynamic between Rachel and Dr. Dave is so touching. I loved Calliope bringing in the two’s parents and creating that bond and layering on some complexity to the situation as well as giving good banter. Rachel has a more troubled past from youth and her longing to get out of her small town as well as the strife it caused between her sister, I think a lot of us can relate deeply to sibling rivalries. Through it though her father is her loving and forgiving rock who only sees the brightness of her heart and doesn’t give up on her. This made me think so much of my Papa and how no matter what crazy thing I did in my youth he was always my biggest cheerleader. I loved seeing that and relating to it. This book will make you love it and possibly even ugly cry like I did.
All thoughts are my own honest ones. This is not a paid review. Though I highly suggest you get this book and cozy up with it.
All thoughts are my own honest ones. This is not a paid review. Though I highly suggest you get this book and cozy up with it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews