Split: A Spicy Heartbreak Short Novel

by M.A. Darke

Drew thought he had a steady job, a cozy townhouse, two lovable dogs, and, most of all, Melissa, the fiercely independent, tattoo-covered woman who set his world on fire. He dreamed of proposing, convinced their future was carved in stone.

One evening he returns home to their townhouse in upheaval and hears the words he never Melissa is ending their relationship. She has seen cracks for months, and now she refuses to keep pretending. For Drew, the news is a wrecking ball, dismantling every plan he cherished.

With nowhere else to stay and a heart still tangled up in hers, Drew blurts out a reckless idea. Until he finds a new place, they will continue sharing the bed they once called theirs. Melissa reluctantly agrees, believing she can keep her emotions in check.

Their uneasy pact ignites a volatile mix of longing, resentment, and undeniable chemistry. Old arguments flare, jealousy sparks, and tender memories surface at the worst possible moments. Each night together blurs the line between goodbye and one more chance, forcing them to confront the real reasons they drifted apart.

Split delivers high heat, raw emotion, and a nail-biting can two people break apart without breaking each other, or will this last-ditch arrangement push them past the point of no return? Perfect for readers who crave angst-laden, second-chance romance packed with spice and heartache.

231 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2025

Reviews

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, thank you to the author, M.A. Darke, for giving me a free copy of Split.

Split is a novella following Drew and Melissa going through a terrible breakup. Something many of us can relate to.

I went into this expecting high-stakes and a second-chance romance… but it ended up feeling more like an emotionally tangled situation between two people in their thirties still figuring themselves out. The premise—exes forced to share a house after a breakup—had potential. It hinted at heat, heartache, and maybe even healing. But the pacing felt slow, and the emotional development didn’t quite land.

Please be aware of spoilers in the rest of this review!!

For a novella, I expected things to move faster. The arguments felt repetitive at times, and the emotional stakes weren’t as gripping as they could’ve been. That said, there is a core message that holds value: not all relationships are meant to last. Sometimes love alone isn’t enough, and when a relationship becomes more toxic than tender, it’s okay to walk away. There’s power in learning when to let go—and Split portrays that reality.

💭 Who would enjoy this?
• Readers who love angst and messy emotional tension.
• Fans of forced proximity tropes and spicy drama.
• Those who don’t mind slower pacing and less plot if there’s emotional heat.

🙅‍♀️ Not for readers who expect:
• Emotional maturity or character growth.
• A traditional second-chance romance (they don’t end up together).
• Fast-paced plot or deep stakes.

I am looking forward to any future books from Darke, as the writing style was quite intriguing.

[Pepperypotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is heartbreak in written form, I’m still processing everything I just read and I’m just devastated that I don’t know if I love or hate the idea of them being apart or together. Toxic relationships are such a tricky thing to read and write, the feelings of both Drew and Melissa are beautifully expressed in this book using both of their points of view, nothing is hidden, there are no unreliable narratives just the plain truth about how they both feel and how they both desire different things and yet the same thing. This is not a light and fluffy read, it’s hard, gritty and a lot of emotions.

[Lyha Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa

Yall! Omg. Hate sex is sexy but the toxicity in this. This is a must read. Just get it done and then find something a little light.

[Nikki B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Split is a fairly short story, but man, was it good! Melissa and Drew is such a toxic couple. Melissa ends her relationship with Drew, who is just devastated and heartbroken. He doesn't want to separate and is still in love with Melissa, but Melissa seems like she doesn't love him back and wants to move on. The only problem is, she can't get enough of him. They workout an arrangement to continue sleeping with each other until Drew can move out, but all that does is prove to both of them that no one else can compare. I really felt heart broken for Drew. Melissa seems more like the toxic one in the relationship. This story has a lot of emotional turmoil to it, but the spice is intense and hot.

[FN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short but emotionally complex book plunges readers into the messy aftermath of a breakup—where the end of love doesn't necessarily mean the end of entanglement.

The story resonates with anyone who's ever found themselves stuck in a relationship that no longer works but still feels impossible to leave.

If there’s a weakness, it's that some readers might crave more closure than the book offers. But in many ways, that ambiguity is the point—healing is not always a straight line.

Thank you for the ARC opportunity 🙏

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was such a good read. Two people, living in a world where they thought they had it all. Love, happiness and a stable place to come home too. Until one day everything change. This shows the reality of a lot of couple who literally think they have it all but a reality check comes to knock that out. Thinking they can find the spark but look for it the wrong way. Its a fight to survive each day to see what is best for both. A book that makes you hate and love the MC but at the same time you can't put it down. 100% recommended.

[Eljesa Ahm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book pissed me off 😆😆

What in the toxic hell was this??? Melissa is such a b*tch!!! It was a good book and i would read it again! But its soooooo toxic i need a break. Toxic and S*x in a book. Would recommend it for sure. Its a quick read! 3.5 stars just because it was so toxic hahaha. Love it tho. Thank you M.A. Darke for the Copy!

[Laura Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The brokenness of both characters in this book is heart wreching. Watching one person fall out of love while one dies silently trapped inside it. Raw, emotional, and powerful... this book will linger in the back of your mind for a long time to come.

[Heather. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read this was! You feel for Drew and Melissa. Intense emotions are brought to the surface as they attempt to live together split up. Those emotions are both good and bad causing more tension between them as try and navigate their day to day lives. The only thing keeping them somewhat sane in their current situation is the reckless deal they made of continuing to share a bed. This was a great read and can't wait to read more from this author.

[Debra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ

I highly recommend this book! It was very well written and honestly it kind of reminded me of my own relationship. There are triggered so please read those but definitely a phenomenal read.

[Lisa Tutty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the privilege of reading this as an ARC (Advance reader copy) in return for an honest review.
I think as a short novella it was a great solid 3 1/2-4 star read. It can relate to a lot of relationships. Man it even reminded me of a friend of mine! The couple had a toxic relationship, it had me frustrated in her character but I know for a fact people can be like that. She’s the life of the party. This is not a happily ever after story so if you’re hoping for that, you will be disappointed. His character is a very clingy stay at home type. Very opposite.