I didn’t wake up one day and decide to destroy my marriage.
I did it slowly. In the quiet. On the road.
Chasen is a man who believes he has everything under control—a house, a wife, and a trucking route that gives him just enough distance to breathe. But at home, the silence between him and his wife, Tanisha, grows heavier by the day. Love has turned into survival. Intimacy has become a war zone.
Then he meets Kleshia.
She isn’t supposed to matter. Just another stop on the road. Another distraction to pass the miles. But she listens. She sees him. And for the first time in a long time, Chasen feels understood instead of tolerated.
What starts as a conversation becomes an affair.
What starts as an affair becomes a second life.
As Chasen builds a perfect world with his mistress, his marriage rots from the inside out. But he isn’t the only one keeping secrets. When he comes home determined to fix things, he discovers his wife has been playing a game of her own—one that shatters his illusion of control and forces him to face the man he’s become.
Faithful to Nobody is an unflinching look at the male psyche—the lies men tell to protect their peace, the violence that follows when control slips, and the moment you realize the person sleeping next to you is a stranger.
C. Jackson II is a Baton Rouge born storyteller and creator of the Red Stick City series a gritty, emotional, and unapologetic look at love, loyalty, and power in the South. His writing blends street realism with deep character storytelling, setting a new standard for Southern street lit.
Currently incarcerated, Jackson turned his pain into purpose transforming from hustling in the streets to building a literary brand from a cell. Writing became his freedom, and his books became his mission.
His breakout holiday novella, Saint Dickalos, reached Top 10 on Amazon, earning bestseller status in multiple categories and proving that real stories can break barriers even from behind walls.
Every page he writes shows that no matter where you start, you can rewrite your ending.
This book felt like a personal journal open and shared as entertainment! It was raw and from a point of view that felt open and honest. There wasn’t anyone to root for and that wasn’t a bad thing. I was transported back to my twenties and was able to understand some of the men that I was in community with. Where they felt reckless before I now see that they were hurt and failing themselves more than anyone else. This was good.
I need to sit with it before I move on to the second book. I need it to settle first.
I appreciated seeing the story from the man’s point of view. The author poetically gives readers a raw, honest glimpse of his internal struggle within his marriage, which ultimately leads to his infidelity. Both people in the marriage are emotionally checked out, existing out of obligation and familiarity. It becomes dangerously physical and unhealthy. He’s longing for a deeper connection she can’t provide, especially as she struggles with demons from her past. None of what either of them did was justified. Avoidance plays a major role, and it’s sad for both of them. It shows that sometimes staying causes more harm than leaving.
ARC Review: Faithful to Nobody was one of those books that made me uncomfortable in a way that felt intentional — and I respect that. You can tell the author wasn’t trying to sugarcoat his story. He was brutally open about being stuck in a toxic marriage that he stayed in out of obligation, fear, and habit more than love. That honesty was the strongest part of the book for me. It felt raw, messy, and real — not polished or pretty, just human.
What stood out is how much the author owned his role in the chaos. He didn’t try to make himself the hero or the victim, which made the story feel more authentic. A lot of readers talk about how vulnerable and unfiltered this book is, and I agree — it really does feel like you’re reading someone’s journal rather than a carefully packaged memoir.
The story itself kept me engaged. The relationship dynamics, the emotional spiraling, and the way everything slowly unravels made it hard to put down. There’s a lot of tension, self-destruction, and emotional conflict that pulls you forward, even when you don’t like what the narrator is doing.
That said, the writing style took me some time to adjust to. The repeated short, 2–3 word sentences were very noticeable. I get what the author was going for — a punchy, stream-of-consciousness vibe — but at times it felt a little overused and made the flow harder for me to settle into.
Overall, I’m glad I read it. It’s honest, intense, and definitely memorable, but the writing style and emotional heaviness kept it from being a higher-rated read for me. Still, if you’re into raw, confessional stories about messy relationships and self-sabotage, this one is worth checking out.
Faithful to Nobody is a raw, uncomfortable dive into a man who mistakes lying about his true identity for peace and distance from his marriage as freedom. Chasen has the blueprint of a person who stays in a relationship because they don’t know how to really let go. But the emotional vacancy inside his marriage with Tanisha. Their marriage becomes more transactional, brittle, and exhausting. When Kleshia enters his orbit, she isn’t just a temptation—she’s a reset. She listens. She sees him. And that alone is enough to fracture everything.
What begins as a dating app match connection quietly mutates into a full second life. And the scariest part? Chasen convinces himself he deserves it.
This story excels at exposing the male psyche without apology—the justifications, the compartmentalization, the lies told in the name of “keeping the peace.” As Chasen builds a fantasy where he feels understood, his marriage decays in real time. But the narrative flips the power dynamic with precision: when he finally decides to go home and “fix things,” he learns Tanisha has her own secrets… and they are far more devastating than his affair.
This isn’t a story about infidelity for shock value. It’s about ego. About a man’s version of what he thought was peace. About the facade, the connection he has with Kleshia and the lies he is telling himself and her in the name of peace.
There are no heroes here. Only truth.
Final verdict: Dark. Psychological. Unsettling. This isn’t a love story—it’s a confession you weren’t prepared to hear, and once you start reading, there’s no looking away.
This was raw and uncut. It was interesting to enter the mind and thought process of someone doing things they want to do, but someone also aware they shouldn’t be doing these things. This takes hurt people hurt people to a very deep level. I can appreciate the “matter-of-fact”ness of it all. This is simply a story. It’s not a love story. It’s not a redemption story. It’s not a “root for one or the other” story. It is a story and an intriguing one at that. I even had to pace myself because I was about to finish it in about an hour but I wanted to be able to sit with the information. So, I split it into two quick daily sessions so that I could fully digest everything.
I also like that I could be detached from the story and still hang on the words. In books, normally you want to be connected or relate to a character. I didn’t need to feel that connection to be immersed in the tale being told. I think the author did a great job balancing the points trying to be made and the unfiltered. Very interesting and good read. Would definitely recommend.
Faithful to Nobody is raw, heavy, and intentionally uncomfortable. This is not a redemption story. It’s an honest look at self-destruction, avoidance, and the consequences of unresolved trauma.
The author does not ask for sympathy or attempt to justify his choices. Instead, he allows the reader to sit with them. Themes of infidelity, violence, and emotional harm are presented without glamorization, which makes the book difficult at times, but authentic.
The emotional transparency is the book’s strongest element. Some sections linger longer than others, which may feel intentional for some readers and reflective of the cycle the author is exploring, though the pacing may feel uneven at times.
This book stayed with me after I finished reading. It’s uncomfortable in the way honesty usually is. Readers looking for polished redemption arcs may struggle, but those who value accountability and truth will find this impactful.
Unfortunately, I do not believe the authenticity of this book. I love a good em dash but only when deemed appropriate but the over usage in this book was quite alarming.
For an example, here’s a direct quote from this book: “That was when it was time to meet Kleshia’s parents - and her kids.” There was no need for the dash there.
I’m not sure if it was because I was reading an advanced copy but the layout was a bit confusing. There weren’t any paragraphs - it looked like I was reading a poem.
The first chapter lacked important details that are needed to lay the foundation of this book. What are the character names? Where does this take place? When does this take place? Etc…
Raw, Uncomfortable, and Hard to Look Away I read this in one sitting and didn’t even realize how fast I was moving through it until I hit the end. There is so much packed into a short read, and every page felt intentional. Nothing was wasted. It stayed with me the entire time. This story doesn’t try to soften anything. It feels honest, messy, and deeply human. The emotions hit hard, and the perspective felt unflinching in a way that made it impossible to look away. It’s impactful, powerful, and meaningful without trying to dress itself up as something it’s not. I genuinely love this author. You can feel that he writes with his heart, even when the story is uncomfortable. I closed the book already asking when the next one is coming because I want more. A strong four stars for me.
This was a ARC read but after reading I would of paid for it this book shows the POV from the MMC point of view but so many women experience this as well doing anything to be with the wrong person just to not be alone or putting up with the wrong person at the right time just bc they came at a time to make you feel like they were the right person there is so much to learn from this book with out it being a self help book it’s raw real and true it speaks to you cause we all been here or know someone who had take a chance and read it you won’t be disappointed can wait for the second part cause BABEEEEE
This was such a raw & heavy book & I mean that in the best way. It was very refreshing getting a males POV through a troubling relationship/marriage.
Now Chasen made some unforgivable choices throughout the book & I’m not validating his choices but as you read you understand. This book will hit home for a lot of people.
I was sad for all the characters all around because each & every one is getting dragged for a different reason but that’s how life is. This book was wonderfully written.
I cannot wait for Pt2 because I already know the drama is about to get intense.
Just finished the book and I really liked it. It made me feel like I was reading about a young adult that was doing grown adult things that his maturity level wasn’t fully developed to do. I definitely took me back to the days when my ex and myself were together being young and dumb. I saw a lot of his actions in this book and it made me understand why he probably did the things that he did. We can only offer people the version of ourselves that we have developed into when we cross their paths and this story was a true example of that. Thanks for sharing it.
I really enjoyed this book. It does a great job of showing how comfortability and fear can quietly push you into choices that aren’t always the best for you. It’s a reminder that staying stuck out of fear can cost you in more ways than one. The book highlights how lies and half-truths can distort decision-making, leaving room for missed opportunities—because what you won’t do, someone else will.The story felt real and relatable, and the ending left me wanting more. Can't wait for book two, because I need to know what happens after this book ends.
I really love that this was sort of a memoir from the MMC’s point of view. I like that it poetically laid out his feelings. I do wonder if it will remain in the poem format. There were some editing issues that I could look over, but I do believe it could use another edit. I do wish there were more details about the characters. I feel like we are kind of forced to make conclusions based on the lack of details in a way. I do look forward to reading the second book and hopefully we can learn more about the characters.
This book was not my normal type, but it kept me interested. It deals with a marriage that probably should’ve been over, but neither person wants to fully let go. They are going through the routines of complacency. A new woman comes along and steals his attention, which makes him soon realize he doesn’t want to let neither her nor his wife go. He doesn’t want to choose. Effectively communication would have done a lot of good in the marriage, but they all should’ve just walked away. I’m sure it will get even messier in part 2.
This is very interesting just getting this from a man’s perspective. I mean most time men cheat women can say or guess what’s going through their head but we really don’t know. However just seeing the way he’s processing thoughts and understanding now what he didn’t back then is like omgsh… I know as I woman I’m constantly thinking what was going through his head to make him do this/that but the author allows you to see/know/understand especially since this is based on true events, his lived experiences.
I received an ARC. This was different for me. The MMC is un-healed. He has a savior complex and commitment issues. This is a story written about past situations/situationships…about a man who should have never gotten married at 22…a man who falls for the right girl at the wrong time…and a man who still acts like a boy who can’t keep it in his pants. The preview to part 2 makes me want to continue with this story, cause it made my heart drop!
The book kept my attention. I read a lot & I love urban fiction so I did enjoy the book. I like how the male character was honest with himself but wish he was honest with the women. The reaction he had towards his wife sleeping with another woman surprised me usually men spazzes out when it comes to they spouses cheating no matter the gender. I was looking for Tanisha’s pov as well. Overall good book 7/10
ARC review: This book was raw and vulnerable. The author is unapologetic about his toxic ways and the life he is living. He took accountability for the negative and toxic behaviors he brought into women's lives. At the same time, the accountability was taken after the fact. He knew what he was doing. He was manipulative and beyond toxic. This was a short read. It was a weird flow, but he was able to get his point across. Overall, it was a quick read that needed something more.
Nowwwww Mister Sirrrrrr! That was a good read! It had so much substance. It gave women so much clarity on how the simple things can and will push yall away. A lot of the writers are women trying to tell you guys stories. But that man’s POV hit it on the nail! Mistakes were made as a man yet seemed justifiable in a way! The shit was raw! Loved every minute of that POV! Keep going. Part 2 is a must!
This isn't what I expected but so far I'm intrigued. It's like getting a true point of view from a man that's been cheating. It kind of sounds like he knows he's a dog. He doesn't want to be one but he can't help it. It's almost like it's his drug of choice like when he needs to escape or make himself feel something. He just has sex with randoms then goes back to what he thinks he wants or what he feels. He should be faithful too.
I received and Arc for this book. Honestly I liked it. For a woman I think this gave a great insight of what some men thinking process is as far as cheating goes. It also shows how easy it is to lie to women and live a double life. This was raw feelings and relatable. I will definitely like to see how it all plays out.
I like how this story is written. Single POV through his lens, different than normal. The lies, the secrets, the double life living, the deceit… it all gives this intriguing feel to the story to see how it will all play out. Book 2 seems like the drama is about to pick up a notch and have me waiting to see what is about to happen next..
I was pissed off 60% of the book due to the actions that took place. However, once things start to come into perspective I felt sad for all parties involved. The story was raw and messy. It was a different experience for me to view the male point of view of cheating. Their foundation was in shambles being held together by scotch tape.
This isn’t a love story — it’s a confession. A raw, unfiltered look inside the male psyche, Faithful to Nobody dives into the chaos of living two lives, loving two women, and standing at the crossroads of what comes next. I won’t lie… it hooked me. I’ve already one-clicked book two. Call it curiosity — or maybe I just love a little scandal.
This story had me thinking. Is my driver lying about his truck loads. 😂🤔
I enjoyed this short read. I was intrigued by the rawness of the male POV. Fear had Chasen in situation/situationship that he couldn't walk away from. I'm looking forward to reading book 2. Hopeful that Chasen will be brutally honest with both women & end the marriage that full of lies, abuse, & affairs.
Based on a true story.... No one really knows the true actions behind betrayal. For a young man to embrace what was his reality has me ready for part 2. Smooth was the take off, turbulence along the way preparing for a rough landing... These are his confessions!
This story line was good. I wish I had a little bit more dialogue to get into all the characters but it’s fine. I’m on whatever ride the author takes me on. But it was a good quick read.
It was refreshing to read this book. To get a feel for what the thought process about love, lost, and self discovery looks like from the other side was intriguing if nothing else. I enjoyed this short read.
So raw and uncut! It takes maturity to be able to tell your story and be honest with yourself and let the words bleed through your pen. Heading straight into book 2!!!!
Definitely punched the air and cursed a few times while reading but Chasen deserved all of that. He is for sure a work in progress and I’m excited to see what happens in part 2.