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Collateral Heart
Xai Watts will do anything for his brother, anything. He’s been raising him since he was fourteen. The streets provided the means until Xai left them behind and opened his own business.
Years have passed, but things haven’t changed. Because of love and guilt, Xai is still protecting and helping his brother. But after one fateful, late night, anything feels like a debt too steep to pay.
Adora Mitchell will do anything for her daughters. She’s raising them while their father is away doing time. She’s been managing and doing okay but when her foundation is taken away, things change at an alarming, heart-pounding rate.
As usual, she navigating and managing while doing her best to shield her daughters from any heartache. It’s just her and her girls against the world... until a handsome new patient walks into her dental office.
Words spoken while under sedation spark an interest. The interest blossoms into love and everything seems perfect until it isn’t. Doing anything for his brother just might cost Xai everything: his future, his heart, and the fragile peace he found with Adora.
Years have passed, but things haven’t changed. Because of love and guilt, Xai is still protecting and helping his brother. But after one fateful, late night, anything feels like a debt too steep to pay.
Adora Mitchell will do anything for her daughters. She’s raising them while their father is away doing time. She’s been managing and doing okay but when her foundation is taken away, things change at an alarming, heart-pounding rate.
As usual, she navigating and managing while doing her best to shield her daughters from any heartache. It’s just her and her girls against the world... until a handsome new patient walks into her dental office.
Words spoken while under sedation spark an interest. The interest blossoms into love and everything seems perfect until it isn’t. Doing anything for his brother just might cost Xai everything: his future, his heart, and the fragile peace he found with Adora.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2026
170 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Charity Shane'
40 books589 followersCharity Shane’ is a USA Today Best-selling author. She holds a Bachelor degree and a Juris Doctor degree. She’s an Author, Higher Education Leader, Legal Expert., and Creative.
Writing stories that create feelings through her words is her true passion.
To date, she has published many books, traditional and indie, including a USA Today Best Seller and a number of Amazon best sellers. She has been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Woman’s World Magazine for her traditionally published book, A Novel Christmas.
Her soul sings Black romance and Black Women’s fiction.
Authorcharityshane.com
Writing stories that create feelings through her words is her true passion.
To date, she has published many books, traditional and indie, including a USA Today Best Seller and a number of Amazon best sellers. She has been featured in Entertainment Weekly and Woman’s World Magazine for her traditionally published book, A Novel Christmas.
Her soul sings Black romance and Black Women’s fiction.
Authorcharityshane.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 5, 2026
3.5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘When I get into my completely detailed car and start the engine, I smile when I see that my fuel level says full and my oil level shows ninety-eight percent. It’s the little things like this that make me appreciate the man I have.’ That’s a good man Savannah. A good man! 🥰
Adora is still reeling from the recent death of her mama but, she doesn’t have time to wallow in her grief because she has two precious little girls who need her. So, onward and upward. But, even if she wanted to, that trash azz baby daddy of hers and his equally trash azz family members keep harassing her and won’t give her a moments peace. Xai left the streets years ago so, he and his brother could have a better life. And, he’s done exactly that. He opened Clean Ridez and it’s been up ever since. But, Kaden’s ungrateful and entitled azz keeps Xai stressed TF out. This dude is the poster child for bad decisions and, when he can’t get his way, he guilt trips Xai because he knows he can. Please know, 3% into the book I did not like Kaden and 90% later I still didn’t like his azz. 😒😒😒😒 I’m not gon’ hold y’all with a long review. I really enjoyed Collateral Heart and I absolutely loved me some Xai. A hood ninja with a heart does it for me every time.
‘When I get into my completely detailed car and start the engine, I smile when I see that my fuel level says full and my oil level shows ninety-eight percent. It’s the little things like this that make me appreciate the man I have.’ That’s a good man Savannah. A good man! 🥰
Adora is still reeling from the recent death of her mama but, she doesn’t have time to wallow in her grief because she has two precious little girls who need her. So, onward and upward. But, even if she wanted to, that trash azz baby daddy of hers and his equally trash azz family members keep harassing her and won’t give her a moments peace. Xai left the streets years ago so, he and his brother could have a better life. And, he’s done exactly that. He opened Clean Ridez and it’s been up ever since. But, Kaden’s ungrateful and entitled azz keeps Xai stressed TF out. This dude is the poster child for bad decisions and, when he can’t get his way, he guilt trips Xai because he knows he can. Please know, 3% into the book I did not like Kaden and 90% later I still didn’t like his azz. 😒😒😒😒 I’m not gon’ hold y’all with a long review. I really enjoyed Collateral Heart and I absolutely loved me some Xai. A hood ninja with a heart does it for me every time.
February 2, 2026
Step daddy Xai😍
Adora is trying to deal with the loss of her mom and raise her two girls despite the fact that she has a trifling baby daddy who doesn't help. Xai is trying to keep his wayward baby brother out of trouble while balancing guilt for his mom's death. They both meet in an unconventional way, not knowing there's a secret that binds them.
Xai and Adora's was really cute; he stepped in and really took care of her and the girls. I felt so bad for Xai, though, because he was in a really tough spot, and I understood his reluctance to tell Adora the truth. Who wants to break their spouse's heart like that? I was so glad when they worked it out because they were a cute little family and needed to stick together.
Adora is trying to deal with the loss of her mom and raise her two girls despite the fact that she has a trifling baby daddy who doesn't help. Xai is trying to keep his wayward baby brother out of trouble while balancing guilt for his mom's death. They both meet in an unconventional way, not knowing there's a secret that binds them.
Xai and Adora's was really cute; he stepped in and really took care of her and the girls. I felt so bad for Xai, though, because he was in a really tough spot, and I understood his reluctance to tell Adora the truth. Who wants to break their spouse's heart like that? I was so glad when they worked it out because they were a cute little family and needed to stick together.
February 2, 2026
Collateral Heart was something
You all, this author took me down a dark road, and with no warning she left me and my girl to find ourselves out of the mess. Stay with me for a minute. Adora loss her beloved mother and her grief was overwhelming. Then she met Xai, and they fell in love. That's when the author chose to allow readers to experience her grief, and guide us through her trials about love and redemption. The backstory includes Xai's grief stricken and troubled younger brother who will play a roll in the storyline. Needless to say, but I will, the little girls in the story swelled my heart. Also, Adora had to endure the verbal and mental abuse from the girls father. Oops, I meant to say sperm donor. And his family members were steriodlike kooky. In the end, the author wrapped the angst nicely, and delivered a beautiful ending to this story. Yes, I highly recommend this beautiful story.
You all, this author took me down a dark road, and with no warning she left me and my girl to find ourselves out of the mess. Stay with me for a minute. Adora loss her beloved mother and her grief was overwhelming. Then she met Xai, and they fell in love. That's when the author chose to allow readers to experience her grief, and guide us through her trials about love and redemption. The backstory includes Xai's grief stricken and troubled younger brother who will play a roll in the storyline. Needless to say, but I will, the little girls in the story swelled my heart. Also, Adora had to endure the verbal and mental abuse from the girls father. Oops, I meant to say sperm donor. And his family members were steriodlike kooky. In the end, the author wrapped the angst nicely, and delivered a beautiful ending to this story. Yes, I highly recommend this beautiful story.
February 6, 2026
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!
I swear Charity never misses. Like ever!!! When I started reading, I could already tell somewhat where the book was going but I was determined to see how this played out!! She had me bawling by page 37 smh. Even though Xai was holding a secret, I understood. Would I have been able to forgive him?? I’m not sure. I don’t think I’ve reached that level of maturity yet (I’m 47 btw - don’t judge me). Kadean worked my very last nerve. His entitlement reminded me of one of my children 🙄 It be your own kids man 🤦🏾♀️ Rushmore & his family - TRASH!! I wish the cousins would’ve gotten more time!! And then them precious girls gave me baby fever……….well toddler fever!!!
Another 5⭐️ read 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I swear Charity never misses. Like ever!!! When I started reading, I could already tell somewhat where the book was going but I was determined to see how this played out!! She had me bawling by page 37 smh. Even though Xai was holding a secret, I understood. Would I have been able to forgive him?? I’m not sure. I don’t think I’ve reached that level of maturity yet (I’m 47 btw - don’t judge me). Kadean worked my very last nerve. His entitlement reminded me of one of my children 🙄 It be your own kids man 🤦🏾♀️ Rushmore & his family - TRASH!! I wish the cousins would’ve gotten more time!! And then them precious girls gave me baby fever……….well toddler fever!!!
Another 5⭐️ read 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
January 29, 2026
5 stars for me
This is one of my favorites by Charity . The story was easy to read and the writing felt effortless. I was quickly immersed into the story and this made for a cozy read that I did not want to put down. Xai and Adora’s love story had a lot of my favorite tropes : insta love , step daddy and found family. I thought Xai was an ideal MMC because he was genuinely a good person and he really was what Adora needed after being with her trifling baby dad and the loss of her mom. I felt for both of them dealing with guilt and grief which added depth to their relationship. Xai’s relationship with his brother had me stressed. Xai had the responsibility of raising himself along with raising his ungrateful and entitled brother. I would reread this story again making it a 5 star for me.
This is one of my favorites by Charity . The story was easy to read and the writing felt effortless. I was quickly immersed into the story and this made for a cozy read that I did not want to put down. Xai and Adora’s love story had a lot of my favorite tropes : insta love , step daddy and found family. I thought Xai was an ideal MMC because he was genuinely a good person and he really was what Adora needed after being with her trifling baby dad and the loss of her mom. I felt for both of them dealing with guilt and grief which added depth to their relationship. Xai’s relationship with his brother had me stressed. Xai had the responsibility of raising himself along with raising his ungrateful and entitled brother. I would reread this story again making it a 5 star for me.
February 1, 2026
I loved Xia and Adora. This is definitely going up there as one of my top reads from Charity Shane. I really enjoyed getting to know Xia and his brother and seeing how they came up. Learning about Adora, her mom, and how things started with her baby's father and her little girls was really good too. The pacing worked for me, and I loved watching Xia and Adora slowly get to know each other and really show up for one another.
February 3, 2026
Stepdaddy Xai!
I really enjoyed this story. The I found myself smiling at the relationship between Xai and the girls. Glad lil bro finally grew up, would love to see more on him.
I really enjoyed this story. The I found myself smiling at the relationship between Xai and the girls. Glad lil bro finally grew up, would love to see more on him.
March 14, 2026
Enjoyable
I really enjoyed this book, except for the part where he took his chain off. If you know, you know. Lol
I really enjoyed this book, except for the part where he took his chain off. If you know, you know. Lol
January 29, 2026
Arc Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Even when unintentional, pain still hurts. It’s even more painful when the collateral damage is your heart.”
Imagine meeting the perfect man 6 weeks after one of the worst tragedies of your life. Only to fall in love and find out he has his own secrets related to your tragedy.
We meet Xai (MMC) first and learn a huge secret that is kept later on in the book. We meet Adora (FMC) 6 and a half weeks after a life changing tragedy has happened. She is adjusting back to her life and trying to do the best she can for her 2 daughters, while Xai is doing everything he can to continue on with his life. They met by chance of a random toothache, but their found attraction does not go unnoticed by the other. They connect after Xai is no longer a patient and he is persistent in his pursuit (as he should 🤭), but what’s the saying “everything done in the dark must come to the light.” When secrets unfold and the truth is revealed Adora has to make the ultimate decision of does she still love Xai.
Collateral Hearts gave me every single emotion and I loved every single page. Both the MMC & FMC showed me exactly how sick they were without the other. I understood exactly why Xai kept the secret from Adora and it wasn’t just to not hurt her, but it reveals so many other issues on his end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Even when unintentional, pain still hurts. It’s even more painful when the collateral damage is your heart.”
Imagine meeting the perfect man 6 weeks after one of the worst tragedies of your life. Only to fall in love and find out he has his own secrets related to your tragedy.
We meet Xai (MMC) first and learn a huge secret that is kept later on in the book. We meet Adora (FMC) 6 and a half weeks after a life changing tragedy has happened. She is adjusting back to her life and trying to do the best she can for her 2 daughters, while Xai is doing everything he can to continue on with his life. They met by chance of a random toothache, but their found attraction does not go unnoticed by the other. They connect after Xai is no longer a patient and he is persistent in his pursuit (as he should 🤭), but what’s the saying “everything done in the dark must come to the light.” When secrets unfold and the truth is revealed Adora has to make the ultimate decision of does she still love Xai.
Collateral Hearts gave me every single emotion and I loved every single page. Both the MMC & FMC showed me exactly how sick they were without the other. I understood exactly why Xai kept the secret from Adora and it wasn’t just to not hurt her, but it reveals so many other issues on his end.
February 17, 2026
🥺
Collateral Heart was such a good story that tugged on my heartstrings. The emotional pain both characters were experiencing and the way they subsequently healed each other was bittersweet. Xai was such a man and truly bent over backwards too many times for his brother. In a sense, he was paying for a crime, neither of them were guilty of but because of Xai’s big heart, he consistently showed up for his brother. I had a feeling there was a significance to the woman involved in the accident but I was not prepared! My heart ached for Adora and the girls, because the loss was such a huge blow and I was worried Adora wouldn’t be able to process the loss. This was a reminder that there is no time frame for grief and forgiveness is a huge part of processing, even when it hurts. Adora blamed Xai for something he had no control over, yet he still showed up when it mattered most. This story took me through it emotionally. Xai and Adora were absolutely adorable and then add in cute kids and I was sold. ❤️
Collateral Heart was such a good story that tugged on my heartstrings. The emotional pain both characters were experiencing and the way they subsequently healed each other was bittersweet. Xai was such a man and truly bent over backwards too many times for his brother. In a sense, he was paying for a crime, neither of them were guilty of but because of Xai’s big heart, he consistently showed up for his brother. I had a feeling there was a significance to the woman involved in the accident but I was not prepared! My heart ached for Adora and the girls, because the loss was such a huge blow and I was worried Adora wouldn’t be able to process the loss. This was a reminder that there is no time frame for grief and forgiveness is a huge part of processing, even when it hurts. Adora blamed Xai for something he had no control over, yet he still showed up when it mattered most. This story took me through it emotionally. Xai and Adora were absolutely adorable and then add in cute kids and I was sold. ❤️
February 4, 2026
Stayed up until 2 A.M. to finish this bad boy and it was absolutely worth it!
When does enough become enough with stupid, irresponsible family members? Kadean's underlying hatred, towards his brother, Xai, kept him doing illegal acts so that Xai would continue to "rescue" him.
I was so happy when Xai finally had enough, and shut off enabling Kadean to continue his disruptive behavior.
Absolutely loved Adora and her daily struggle, to work through her grief and raise her sweetie pie daughters! What an incredible story!!! Goes on the Read Again Pile!
February 4, 2026
“When I get into my completely detailed car and start the engine, I smile when I see that my fuel level says full and my oil level shows ninety-eight percent. It’s the little things like this that make me appreciate the man I have.”
LISTEN!!!!! For all the lover girls who have a good husband at home! This book if for yall! Just a straight love story about an intentional man and nontoxic dating! I was in love with Xai’s character from the moment he paid for her hotel. Because sir NOTHING is free! Haha! Omgggg just go read it NOW! It’s the perfect book for February!
LISTEN!!!!! For all the lover girls who have a good husband at home! This book if for yall! Just a straight love story about an intentional man and nontoxic dating! I was in love with Xai’s character from the moment he paid for her hotel. Because sir NOTHING is free! Haha! Omgggg just go read it NOW! It’s the perfect book for February!
February 9, 2026
Cute story
Xai was so sweet but the guilt over what happened to his mom made him soft on his hard headed brother. I didn’t think he’d ever grow up. Grief can be a tricky thing and Adora was dealing it’s it as best as she could while taking care of her babies and dealing with a shady ex and his delusional family. Although we read what happened to Rush I really wish we got to see the aftermath of who it came from after he basically threatened Adora and sent his family for her. Other than that it was a cute story.
Xai was so sweet but the guilt over what happened to his mom made him soft on his hard headed brother. I didn’t think he’d ever grow up. Grief can be a tricky thing and Adora was dealing it’s it as best as she could while taking care of her babies and dealing with a shady ex and his delusional family. Although we read what happened to Rush I really wish we got to see the aftermath of who it came from after he basically threatened Adora and sent his family for her. Other than that it was a cute story.
February 4, 2026
Love
It was an emotional book. I love it.
Xai and Adora have an update and down journey. I love how Xai fought for his woman. He protects the girls. He showed them what it felt like to be loved by a real man.
Adorable mom death was sad, but I am glad she forgave Xai.
In life, you have to learn, grow love, and explore your future.
I am glad they got to do this.
It was an emotional book. I love it.
Xai and Adora have an update and down journey. I love how Xai fought for his woman. He protects the girls. He showed them what it felt like to be loved by a real man.
Adorable mom death was sad, but I am glad she forgave Xai.
In life, you have to learn, grow love, and explore your future.
I am glad they got to do this.
March 6, 2026
Healing and accountability
This story told so much about how family is not always good to or for you. About how at some point you need to let them stand on their own. Adora was involved in a very tocix relationship until she became fed up with that behavior. Xai too had toxicity hanging over him but they found each other and from that birth true love
This story told so much about how family is not always good to or for you. About how at some point you need to let them stand on their own. Adora was involved in a very tocix relationship until she became fed up with that behavior. Xai too had toxicity hanging over him but they found each other and from that birth true love
February 13, 2026
Love this book!!
This books was sooo good!!! Charity really did her big one with this one!! Xai and Adora were the cutest couple!!! I got emotional reading this story but I made it!!! If you love a good love story with a stepdaddy on the side this is the book for you!!
This books was sooo good!!! Charity really did her big one with this one!! Xai and Adora were the cutest couple!!! I got emotional reading this story but I made it!!! If you love a good love story with a stepdaddy on the side this is the book for you!!
March 3, 2026
Collateral
The plot was so unique and made the story hard to put down. Adora was such a good mom. I know the sorrow she felt with her mom. Xai was such a great brother and was an exactly what Adora and her daughters needed.
The plot was so unique and made the story hard to put down. Adora was such a good mom. I know the sorrow she felt with her mom. Xai was such a great brother and was an exactly what Adora and her daughters needed.
January 29, 2026
Completed in one day!
The way I thi k Xai has become my new favorite. He was soft love amplified. That brother drove me crazy but Xai did everything he could. Loved our two nieces as well. This story is soft and everything you want in a couple.
The way I thi k Xai has become my new favorite. He was soft love amplified. That brother drove me crazy but Xai did everything he could. Loved our two nieces as well. This story is soft and everything you want in a couple.
January 29, 2026
Absolutely Loved it!!!!!!!!!
I loved Xai and Adora. The story flowed so beautifully. Just read it…. I’m sure you will love it too!
I loved Xai and Adora. The story flowed so beautifully. Just read it…. I’m sure you will love it too!
January 29, 2026
This book was amazing! A different love story but I’m glad it had the plot twist it did.
February 10, 2026
4.25⭐️
March 26, 2026
Beautifully written with complex and diverse characters, I loved every part of Collateral Heart. Charity Shane' is such a great writer! This is a great story that pulls on your heartstrings.
February 10, 2026
Let me tell you something — Charity Shané gon’ keep me stressed and invested all at the same time and I love her for it! Collateral Heart was a beautifully layered story that had me flipping pages, side-eyeing characters, and cheesing like a proud auntie every time Adora and Xai had a moment.
We meet Adora Mitchell, a single mother doing her best to raise two sweet girls while quietly grieving the loss of her own mother. Life has not been easy for her, but she moves with grace and a little bit of grit. She just wants to protect her peace and provide stability for her babies.
Enter Xai Watts — a man haunted by a childhood tragedy and carrying the weight of a debt he feels he can’t repay. His loyalty to his little brother Kadean runs so deep, it’s painful to watch, especially once we learn the full scope of the secret he’s been holding on to. And listen, I get the guilt, but letting someone use your pain to control you? Nah. That had me tight. But once Kadean finally started maturing? Growth. I was rooting for it.
Now back to my man Xai — because the way he entered Adora’s life with intention?? Yeah. That’s the kind of soft power I live for. From the jump, he saw her, respected her, and poured into her. The way he showed up for not just Adora, but Averi and Romi too? My heart. 😭 And while yes, he did have a secret, it wasn’t something malicious — he just didn’t know how to say it without breaking everything they were building. Whew. That tension was tense-ing.
There wasn’t action-packed drama or outside chaos — instead, the real suspense was emotional. It came from the quiet tension of waiting for the truth to come out — and Charity made every moment of that build-up feel earned, intimate, and deeply personal. She knows how to keep your chest tight and your heart soft all at the same time, and that balance made this story hit in all the right places.
And you know I don’t usually care for kids running all up and through the storyline, but Averi and Romi added charm without being an annoyance. They were sweet, funny, and actually contributed to the story — not just background noise.
So if you love:
• A man who steps up in every way
• A heroine who’s been through it but never gives up
• A story that blends healing, love, and emotional tension
• And a stepdaddy situation that’ll warm your cold lil heart…
Then this book is for you. Charity did what needed to be done. Again.
Book: Collateral Hearts
Author: Charity Shané
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵
We meet Adora Mitchell, a single mother doing her best to raise two sweet girls while quietly grieving the loss of her own mother. Life has not been easy for her, but she moves with grace and a little bit of grit. She just wants to protect her peace and provide stability for her babies.
Enter Xai Watts — a man haunted by a childhood tragedy and carrying the weight of a debt he feels he can’t repay. His loyalty to his little brother Kadean runs so deep, it’s painful to watch, especially once we learn the full scope of the secret he’s been holding on to. And listen, I get the guilt, but letting someone use your pain to control you? Nah. That had me tight. But once Kadean finally started maturing? Growth. I was rooting for it.
Now back to my man Xai — because the way he entered Adora’s life with intention?? Yeah. That’s the kind of soft power I live for. From the jump, he saw her, respected her, and poured into her. The way he showed up for not just Adora, but Averi and Romi too? My heart. 😭 And while yes, he did have a secret, it wasn’t something malicious — he just didn’t know how to say it without breaking everything they were building. Whew. That tension was tense-ing.
There wasn’t action-packed drama or outside chaos — instead, the real suspense was emotional. It came from the quiet tension of waiting for the truth to come out — and Charity made every moment of that build-up feel earned, intimate, and deeply personal. She knows how to keep your chest tight and your heart soft all at the same time, and that balance made this story hit in all the right places.
And you know I don’t usually care for kids running all up and through the storyline, but Averi and Romi added charm without being an annoyance. They were sweet, funny, and actually contributed to the story — not just background noise.
So if you love:
• A man who steps up in every way
• A heroine who’s been through it but never gives up
• A story that blends healing, love, and emotional tension
• And a stepdaddy situation that’ll warm your cold lil heart…
Then this book is for you. Charity did what needed to be done. Again.
Book: Collateral Hearts
Author: Charity Shané
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🥵
January 31, 2026
I enjoyed this story. I will say, A MC pursuing another while having a secret that pertains to/affects them always gives me the ick in books. It’s not a trope I like and will generally DNF over it. BUT this story sucked me in from the beginning making it hard to put down. I really liked Adora & the initial encounters that she and Xai had. So I decided to see it though to find out how they’d navigate once the secret was exposed. It was worth it because otherwise I would have missed out on getting to know this super cute couple. I loved how intentionally he moved when it came to Adora & her daughters & fitting into their lives. And I loved that she also poured into him when he needed her as well.
Xai carried a lot of burdens that weren’t his to carry, and even though it took him way too long to recognize that, I was glad when it happened and I think everyone is in a better place for it. The 3rd act breakup was foreseeable, and honestly realistic in how it was handled. I was able to see both sides. One party feeling betrayed, while the other party was moving because of fear. But I loved them together so much though I wasn’t even mad that they got back together so easily🤣
I’m not even going to go too hard on Kadean. His prefrontal cortex wasn’t finished growing & unresolved trauma can make anyone move stupidly.
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a sweet love story that was also heartfelt and emotional.
Xai carried a lot of burdens that weren’t his to carry, and even though it took him way too long to recognize that, I was glad when it happened and I think everyone is in a better place for it. The 3rd act breakup was foreseeable, and honestly realistic in how it was handled. I was able to see both sides. One party feeling betrayed, while the other party was moving because of fear. But I loved them together so much though I wasn’t even mad that they got back together so easily🤣
I’m not even going to go too hard on Kadean. His prefrontal cortex wasn’t finished growing & unresolved trauma can make anyone move stupidly.
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a sweet love story that was also heartfelt and emotional.
February 8, 2026
Collateral Heart
This was a well written story. I was intrigued from beginning to end. I liked both main characters and I enjoyed the little girls as well. Both main characters seemed older than they were but I think that their life made them mature faster, especially Xai with having to essentially raise and take care of his younger brother from a very young age.
Xai pursued Adora with intention and I loved the way he loved on her and her daughters. I understand why Adora was upset with him when his secret came out, but when it was initially revealed, I never thought his actions were unforgivable. It seemed fate stepped in a few times for them to get them to their happily beer after.
Rush and his family got off easy but justice was served. Kadean needed to grow up and accept accountability with his actions and his time sitting down seemed to be just what he needed to grow up. I understood why Xai always bailed him out, but I’m doing so, he was also enabling him until there came a time where he could no longer bail him out and had to set boundaries.
This was a good read but it was also very intense at times.
This was a well written story. I was intrigued from beginning to end. I liked both main characters and I enjoyed the little girls as well. Both main characters seemed older than they were but I think that their life made them mature faster, especially Xai with having to essentially raise and take care of his younger brother from a very young age.
Xai pursued Adora with intention and I loved the way he loved on her and her daughters. I understand why Adora was upset with him when his secret came out, but when it was initially revealed, I never thought his actions were unforgivable. It seemed fate stepped in a few times for them to get them to their happily beer after.
Rush and his family got off easy but justice was served. Kadean needed to grow up and accept accountability with his actions and his time sitting down seemed to be just what he needed to grow up. I understood why Xai always bailed him out, but I’m doing so, he was also enabling him until there came a time where he could no longer bail him out and had to set boundaries.
This was a good read but it was also very intense at times.
January 31, 2026
Loved Xai 💛
Collateral Heart was so good! The story had a nice, steady pace with strong emotions and real character depth. I do wish Xai had been harder on Kadean sooner instead of always helping him and letting him feel entitled because of what happened to their mom—especially when Xai was the one who sacrificed everything to give him a good childhood while their mother did nothing. Kadean blaming Xai for that was honestly pathetic, but I loved when Xai finally put his foot down and gave him the tough love he needed to grow up.
The relationship between Xai and Adora was strong and natural from the very beginning. I knew the truth about her mother was going to come out, and while I wish Xai had told her himself instead of her finding out like a secret, it ultimately made them stronger. I loved seeing them continue to build their family with their twins and their two girls, and it was so satisfying that everything worked out well in the end. 💛
Collateral Heart was so good! The story had a nice, steady pace with strong emotions and real character depth. I do wish Xai had been harder on Kadean sooner instead of always helping him and letting him feel entitled because of what happened to their mom—especially when Xai was the one who sacrificed everything to give him a good childhood while their mother did nothing. Kadean blaming Xai for that was honestly pathetic, but I loved when Xai finally put his foot down and gave him the tough love he needed to grow up.
The relationship between Xai and Adora was strong and natural from the very beginning. I knew the truth about her mother was going to come out, and while I wish Xai had told her himself instead of her finding out like a secret, it ultimately made them stronger. I loved seeing them continue to build their family with their twins and their two girls, and it was so satisfying that everything worked out well in the end. 💛
February 7, 2026
Everything was collateral
I had to call my bestie to talk me down after reading Adora and Xai book. My view on all the events that transpired were jumbled. So, we just going to let Rush recover after all the mess him and his family did? I am with Xai, that wasn't enough. Kadean, was a manipulative cry baby. Yep, I said it. Xai's hustle was perfect when he wasn't living without. He would have learned his lesson a long time ago. Then Peaches inserting herself in a situation that was bigger than her being pregnant. Girl go home and sit down.
Adora, high five for putting you and those princesses first. You are a work in progress and did what anyone should have done once your eyes opened. I cried right along with you in many chapters. Thanks for showing Xai the error of his ways regarding support.
This book was good. I mean real good.
I had to call my bestie to talk me down after reading Adora and Xai book. My view on all the events that transpired were jumbled. So, we just going to let Rush recover after all the mess him and his family did? I am with Xai, that wasn't enough. Kadean, was a manipulative cry baby. Yep, I said it. Xai's hustle was perfect when he wasn't living without. He would have learned his lesson a long time ago. Then Peaches inserting herself in a situation that was bigger than her being pregnant. Girl go home and sit down.
Adora, high five for putting you and those princesses first. You are a work in progress and did what anyone should have done once your eyes opened. I cried right along with you in many chapters. Thanks for showing Xai the error of his ways regarding support.
This book was good. I mean real good.
February 3, 2026
**ARC Review** xai & adora were so cute together. xai was fresh off anesthesia, but knew that he had to talk to adora. Xai was so intentional and thoughtful and thats exactly what adora needed after dealing with a man like rush for years smh. I really liked how he connected with her daughters. Adora was such a mom and i enjoyed getting those tidbits of her with the girls. I kept cussing out Xai brother throughout the story and wanted to slap him a time or two lol. Overall, i really enjoyed this story. If youve read charity books before this book is sure to give you all the feels like her others. Dont wait to read it, read it today lol.
January 30, 2026
Xai and Adora were so good and sweet together. I like the fact that he listened and was very attentive to Adora, Romi, and Averi. I like how Xai had a message delivered to Rush because he deserved every lick and break that he received. I also like the fact that Kadean got out and got himself together because it was beyond time for him to man up especially when Xai stopped enabling him. I love that Xai and Adora are having not one but two babies. Charity, we really need another book, maybe a novella, from them for Valentine’s Day like a wedding edition. Thanks in advance❤️🤣🤣
February 1, 2026
Adora is one of those FMC that you love from the first page. She’s an endearing character and you wish nothing but joy and happiness for her. Especially seeing her grieve and being a single mother of 2.
Xai had to grow up quickly to raise his younger sibling and he has so much guilt. When he sees Adora, it’s love at first sight. But nothing worth having is easy. I kept thinking come one Xai tell Adora the truth. Don’t let her find out on her own. I was so anxious but it was worth it. Their ending was beautiful
Xai had to grow up quickly to raise his younger sibling and he has so much guilt. When he sees Adora, it’s love at first sight. But nothing worth having is easy. I kept thinking come one Xai tell Adora the truth. Don’t let her find out on her own. I was so anxious but it was worth it. Their ending was beautiful
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