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Heart & Chrome
A gang leader who protects his own at any cost. A medic who sees a man where he was taught to see a monster—and can't look away.
In a city run by megacorps, Kane’s crew survives because he makes the hard calls and doesn’t hesitate when it counts. But when an attack from a rival gang leaves his fixer dying, he’s forced to cross a line: taking a medic from Midtown into his territory.
Rafael was taught the Outer Districts were a lawless void of violence and chrome. But as a medic, he doesn’t see gangs. He sees a community holding the line, and a leader who carries every loss like it’s his to answer for.
Taking Rafael was a means to an end. Kane wasn’t prepared to protect him like his own—or to want him, when wanting anything is a weakness in his world.
Going home should be Rafael’s only concern. But leaving isn’t simple when Kane treats his kindness like something worth keeping…or when walking away means leaving Kane.
But Nova City runs on leverage, not love. Choosing each other may cost them everything they’ve worked to protect.
In a city run by megacorps, Kane’s crew survives because he makes the hard calls and doesn’t hesitate when it counts. But when an attack from a rival gang leaves his fixer dying, he’s forced to cross a line: taking a medic from Midtown into his territory.
Rafael was taught the Outer Districts were a lawless void of violence and chrome. But as a medic, he doesn’t see gangs. He sees a community holding the line, and a leader who carries every loss like it’s his to answer for.
Taking Rafael was a means to an end. Kane wasn’t prepared to protect him like his own—or to want him, when wanting anything is a weakness in his world.
Going home should be Rafael’s only concern. But leaving isn’t simple when Kane treats his kindness like something worth keeping…or when walking away means leaving Kane.
But Nova City runs on leverage, not love. Choosing each other may cost them everything they’ve worked to protect.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2026
About the author
Atlas Knight
1 book5 followersI write MM romance for readers who like their love stories wrapped in neon and moral ambiguity. You’ll usually find my characters in cyberpunk cities or far-off sci-fi futures, where the stakes are high and the men are complicated.
When I'm not writing, I'm probably gaming, listening to heavy metal, or hiking with my partner (and pretending I'm not already plotting the next scene).
When I'm not writing, I'm probably gaming, listening to heavy metal, or hiking with my partner (and pretending I'm not already plotting the next scene).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Did Not Finish
April 27, 2026***no rating***
dropped @35%
I sadly have to bow out of this arc at this point. I don’t know if it is that English is not my first language or my lack of experience with sci-fi elements and/or electronics in general but I didn’t really understand what was going on and had a hard time envisioning details. These people, humans, seem to have a lot of robotics replace various limbs in their bodies but I don’t know how it came to that. The world building at this point was vague, which I don’t like in general and also took me out of the story bc of the missing context. I was constantly distracted with trying to understand the How’s and Why’s here.
So, no real judgement on the actual story but this was not fun but exhausting for me to read.
dropped @35%
I sadly have to bow out of this arc at this point. I don’t know if it is that English is not my first language or my lack of experience with sci-fi elements and/or electronics in general but I didn’t really understand what was going on and had a hard time envisioning details. These people, humans, seem to have a lot of robotics replace various limbs in their bodies but I don’t know how it came to that. The world building at this point was vague, which I don’t like in general and also took me out of the story bc of the missing context. I was constantly distracted with trying to understand the How’s and Why’s here.
So, no real judgement on the actual story but this was not fun but exhausting for me to read.
May 2, 2026
I’m sorry to say this story wasn’t for me. I struggled through it, despite there being some lovely romantic moments.
Mostly I was missing stakes and context. This is a destroyed/rebuilt sort of urban cyberpunk world, with humans having cyberparts, like mechanical arms, eyes, legs etc., set in what seems like a New York City inspired area, with regular law-abiding people living in the city and rogues and gangs on the outskirts. I think.
I could not figure out why the people in the outskirts were considered rogues/undesirable. I think it has something to do with not wanting to eat synthetic food??? They had real food? Unknown what the resource situation is all around. The city under law had synthetic…everything?
It starts with a strong conflict; nurse Rafael works for Vitacorp, one of several big corporations providing synthetic medical parts and treatments. He’s kidnapped by Kane’s gang when he’s mistaken for a doctor, to save the life of one of Kane’s oldest lieutenants, whose wires have become detached from whatever they were doing to keep her alive.
Rafael steps up and saves the day, and winds up being kept captive longer to help with further injuries cause by a gang war between Kane’s gang and a group called the New Order, who don’t believe in using any modern technology (and how they were able to keep taking things over without it I wasn’t sure or couldn’t follow?). He and Kane grow close despite the captor-captive situation, and Rafael is drawn to the stern leader's strength. Kane in turn finds comfort in Rafael's selflessness and willingness to help them despite having been forced to in the first place.
So, two rival gangs, one tech savvy, one supposedly not, fighting for territory on the outskirts. One city of people who either look down on or are not supposed to interact with the rogues on the outskirts—it wasn’t clear to me if Kane was actualy wanted? Or just persona non grata/unwelcome in the city? His status creates the breakup moment, but while that led to strong romantic conflict, it just wasn’t clear really again what was at stake or why anyone in the big corporations cared about Kane and all. Nothing they were doing impacted the corporations or city, that I could tell.
The romance had some strong moments, but felt choppy and undefined, with realizations and movement forward feeling somehow manipulated rather than organic.
Kane’s evolution as a bit of a tyrant to loosening the reins and letting his people prove themselves resonated, but didn’t really seem in charcter for him? He was grieving their former leader, his uncle, and trying to live up to his memory and step into his shoes. He kept seeming both respectful and caring of his people, and then an overbearing control freak, but, he did feel he was losing control as things spiraled with the New Order conflict, sooo. Okay.
Rafael’s sister Maria seemed cool, wish we’d had more of her. His friend group seemed layered but then proved quite shallow. Kane’s crew I liked, but didn’t really feel we got deep enough with any of them. The eventual betrayal and resolution did feel set up though, I just didn’t have a sense of why anyone would choose one over the other or why they were fighting over territory at all. Not sure why they couldn’t live harmoniously.
Anyway, I needed more context, more sense of what the overall goals were…I didn’t understand what we were rooting for.
There are a lot of great ideas here, but I think it read like an early draft and needed further development and streamlining.
HEA, cyberpunk/steampunk feel, futuristic dystopia v utopia sensibility. Soldier/gang leader meets sweet nurse, captor-captive style romance. No OM action or drama at all, totally safe for me. Read if you like complex sci fi with a touch of romance, maybe you’ll be smarter than me and follow it better.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Mostly I was missing stakes and context. This is a destroyed/rebuilt sort of urban cyberpunk world, with humans having cyberparts, like mechanical arms, eyes, legs etc., set in what seems like a New York City inspired area, with regular law-abiding people living in the city and rogues and gangs on the outskirts. I think.
I could not figure out why the people in the outskirts were considered rogues/undesirable. I think it has something to do with not wanting to eat synthetic food??? They had real food? Unknown what the resource situation is all around. The city under law had synthetic…everything?
It starts with a strong conflict; nurse Rafael works for Vitacorp, one of several big corporations providing synthetic medical parts and treatments. He’s kidnapped by Kane’s gang when he’s mistaken for a doctor, to save the life of one of Kane’s oldest lieutenants, whose wires have become detached from whatever they were doing to keep her alive.
Rafael steps up and saves the day, and winds up being kept captive longer to help with further injuries cause by a gang war between Kane’s gang and a group called the New Order, who don’t believe in using any modern technology (and how they were able to keep taking things over without it I wasn’t sure or couldn’t follow?). He and Kane grow close despite the captor-captive situation, and Rafael is drawn to the stern leader's strength. Kane in turn finds comfort in Rafael's selflessness and willingness to help them despite having been forced to in the first place.
So, two rival gangs, one tech savvy, one supposedly not, fighting for territory on the outskirts. One city of people who either look down on or are not supposed to interact with the rogues on the outskirts—it wasn’t clear to me if Kane was actualy wanted? Or just persona non grata/unwelcome in the city? His status creates the breakup moment, but while that led to strong romantic conflict, it just wasn’t clear really again what was at stake or why anyone in the big corporations cared about Kane and all. Nothing they were doing impacted the corporations or city, that I could tell.
The romance had some strong moments, but felt choppy and undefined, with realizations and movement forward feeling somehow manipulated rather than organic.
Kane’s evolution as a bit of a tyrant to loosening the reins and letting his people prove themselves resonated, but didn’t really seem in charcter for him? He was grieving their former leader, his uncle, and trying to live up to his memory and step into his shoes. He kept seeming both respectful and caring of his people, and then an overbearing control freak, but, he did feel he was losing control as things spiraled with the New Order conflict, sooo. Okay.
Rafael’s sister Maria seemed cool, wish we’d had more of her. His friend group seemed layered but then proved quite shallow. Kane’s crew I liked, but didn’t really feel we got deep enough with any of them. The eventual betrayal and resolution did feel set up though, I just didn’t have a sense of why anyone would choose one over the other or why they were fighting over territory at all. Not sure why they couldn’t live harmoniously.
Anyway, I needed more context, more sense of what the overall goals were…I didn’t understand what we were rooting for.
There are a lot of great ideas here, but I think it read like an early draft and needed further development and streamlining.
HEA, cyberpunk/steampunk feel, futuristic dystopia v utopia sensibility. Soldier/gang leader meets sweet nurse, captor-captive style romance. No OM action or drama at all, totally safe for me. Read if you like complex sci fi with a touch of romance, maybe you’ll be smarter than me and follow it better.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Raphael is a nurse who’s kidnapped by mistake because Kane’s lieutenant, Echo, needs a doctor. He’s able to repair her implements, and Kane and his team are thankful. He’s told he has to stay and help for a few days and then he’ll be returned home.
Kane sees Raphael’s care for his patients even though he doesn’t know them, and he feels guilty for keeping him. Rafa wants to help and is treated well, with Kane encouraging him to speak his mind and considering his ideas and opinions. He stays in Kane’s apartment until he’s returned home, where his life is safe and predictable, sanitized and artificial.
Kane shows up and wants to date Raphael, and they share a common interest in cooking, but Kane’s set up a market with real food instead of the synthetic stuff where Rafa lives.
When it’s discovered by the corporation where Raphael works that he knows Kane he’s told to end things, and he doesn’t want to risk the life he has. Even when Kane tells him he loves him, it takes him a few weeks to realize Kane is who he wants to be with.
He goes back to the outer city and lives with Kane, who learns how to defeat their enemy’s leader, Athena, and how to run his team with discipline and trust in a good balance.
I really liked this book, the world wasn’t hard to get a handle on and the plot was clear, with lots of interesting and imaginative details. I love the characters, especially Cipher and Echo, and the otherworldly descriptions of places Rafa and Kane visited.
I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review with gratitude.
Kane sees Raphael’s care for his patients even though he doesn’t know them, and he feels guilty for keeping him. Rafa wants to help and is treated well, with Kane encouraging him to speak his mind and considering his ideas and opinions. He stays in Kane’s apartment until he’s returned home, where his life is safe and predictable, sanitized and artificial.
Kane shows up and wants to date Raphael, and they share a common interest in cooking, but Kane’s set up a market with real food instead of the synthetic stuff where Rafa lives.
When it’s discovered by the corporation where Raphael works that he knows Kane he’s told to end things, and he doesn’t want to risk the life he has. Even when Kane tells him he loves him, it takes him a few weeks to realize Kane is who he wants to be with.
He goes back to the outer city and lives with Kane, who learns how to defeat their enemy’s leader, Athena, and how to run his team with discipline and trust in a good balance.
I really liked this book, the world wasn’t hard to get a handle on and the plot was clear, with lots of interesting and imaginative details. I love the characters, especially Cipher and Echo, and the otherworldly descriptions of places Rafa and Kane visited.
I received this ARC for free and am pleased to provide my honest review with gratitude.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
The world-building in this book is immersive. Seriously, it’s one of the more impressive books I’ve ever read, and I average between 300-400 books a year. From the very first page, I was captivated by the characters and mysterious, futuristic landscape. I had to put the book on hold for several days because of a prior commitment, and I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters. I was only three chapters in when I realized how much this book had taken hold of me. When I finally got back to it, I barely put it down until the very end. I even took my time re-reading certain portions again before moving forward, not because I needed further comprehension, but because I loved those parts so much. This is an interesting and unique read for me, and that’s rare when you read a lot. The writing is superb, and I can see this writer going really far in their career. I’m already planning to purchase this book to keep on my shelf because it has instantly become a favorite. Don’t miss out on this book! You’ll regret not reading it. The future is bleak, but there’s one leader who’s all heart and grumpy exterior. Then there’s an “uptown sunshine medic” who lives the “good life” (corporate-sponsored). Who doesn’t realize what he’s missing until he sees the real world behind the veil. There’s action, fighting (minus graphic violence), spice, suspense, and protection where it counts most. Third act breakup due to high external stakes.
I was given this book as an ARC for Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest, unbiased opinion.
I was given this book as an ARC for Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest, unbiased opinion.
April 18, 2026
❤️❤️❤️/5
👥: It’s the story about Kane and Rafael. They come from opposite worlds, but they collide when they meet. It was beautiful to see Rafael open up and speak up throughout the book, because in the start he comes from an environment that doesn’t encourage him to be his real self.
I prefer Rafael to Kane (sometimes Kane was annoying), but Kane also has a « redemption arc ». He’s an asshole to his team in the middle of the book, but then he learns to be better.
💞: I have to say, maybe I didn’t see the sparkles when they fell in love. The first part of the story was not what I like to read in romance books. Yes Kane encourages him to speak what’s on his mind, but yet it felt like Rafael was infantilised.
🪶: What I love the most about this book is the political side of it. If you liked 1984 (one of my favourite dystopias), I think you’ll love this one ! It denounces the working conditions of nurses, the use of technology, wars, and cults. One part I really enjoyed was when Rafael realizes that his nurse friends just see patients and their death as numbers and not real people. It was also great to see the topic of food being addressed, and to see how it could be in the future.
Finally, this book is about forgiveness and dreams.
🗒: « With Kane, the words come easier. He says things he’d usually swallow, lets silences sit without filling them. »
✨I received an ARC by GRR for this book and I’m very grateful for it, but this is obviously my honest review.✨
👥: It’s the story about Kane and Rafael. They come from opposite worlds, but they collide when they meet. It was beautiful to see Rafael open up and speak up throughout the book, because in the start he comes from an environment that doesn’t encourage him to be his real self.
I prefer Rafael to Kane (sometimes Kane was annoying), but Kane also has a « redemption arc ». He’s an asshole to his team in the middle of the book, but then he learns to be better.
💞: I have to say, maybe I didn’t see the sparkles when they fell in love. The first part of the story was not what I like to read in romance books. Yes Kane encourages him to speak what’s on his mind, but yet it felt like Rafael was infantilised.
🪶: What I love the most about this book is the political side of it. If you liked 1984 (one of my favourite dystopias), I think you’ll love this one ! It denounces the working conditions of nurses, the use of technology, wars, and cults. One part I really enjoyed was when Rafael realizes that his nurse friends just see patients and their death as numbers and not real people. It was also great to see the topic of food being addressed, and to see how it could be in the future.
Finally, this book is about forgiveness and dreams.
🗒: « With Kane, the words come easier. He says things he’d usually swallow, lets silences sit without filling them. »
✨I received an ARC by GRR for this book and I’m very grateful for it, but this is obviously my honest review.✨
Review of advance copy
This was a creative cyberpunk world and a MM romance.
Rafael is a vitacorps nurse living in the wealthy side of the city, and after some mistaken identity is kidnapped by a gang to help heal one of their people.
Rafael is able to help but they also need to keep him captive until they can find a replacement and so he doesn't reveal their secrets.
Kane is the broody rebel leader who is highly protective of his crew and people, and has a robin hood style approach where he steals and uses what he can to help the needy and protect his district.
Rafael gets to see their hidden world and understand how the corporations have abandoned people and the struggles people face. He also gets to see a humbler life, to cook and eat real food, and discovers love.
It's high stakes with political Intrigue, rebellions and betrayal, and has a found family crew.
I enjoyed Kane and Rafael's relationship development, their bond over cooking and helping people, and how genuine they were as characters.
Rafael is a vitacorps nurse living in the wealthy side of the city, and after some mistaken identity is kidnapped by a gang to help heal one of their people.
Rafael is able to help but they also need to keep him captive until they can find a replacement and so he doesn't reveal their secrets.
Kane is the broody rebel leader who is highly protective of his crew and people, and has a robin hood style approach where he steals and uses what he can to help the needy and protect his district.
Rafael gets to see their hidden world and understand how the corporations have abandoned people and the struggles people face. He also gets to see a humbler life, to cook and eat real food, and discovers love.
It's high stakes with political Intrigue, rebellions and betrayal, and has a found family crew.
I enjoyed Kane and Rafael's relationship development, their bond over cooking and helping people, and how genuine they were as characters.
May 2, 2026
This was slow for me to get into which was shocking because you would think that Cyber Punk would be really fast paced. This one isn't, the relationship is very slow burn. Each chapter has a unknown time skip, so while that would seem to move the plot along quickly I was left recentering myself which made everything seem to lag.
The Cyber Punk aspect were not while explained and I would have appreciated some info dumps to cover how the heck we got to the world that was depicted. I also would have liked more accurate descriptions of Kane. From what I could tell he has robot arms? Unclear if that was a choice or not.
Overall I would recommend this to someone that really enjoys Cyber Punk set stories and slower romances. Rafael really did seem like a sweetheart and I enjoyed his POVs much more.
The Cyber Punk aspect were not while explained and I would have appreciated some info dumps to cover how the heck we got to the world that was depicted. I also would have liked more accurate descriptions of Kane. From what I could tell he has robot arms? Unclear if that was a choice or not.
Overall I would recommend this to someone that really enjoys Cyber Punk set stories and slower romances. Rafael really did seem like a sweetheart and I enjoyed his POVs much more.
Review of advance copy
2.5 stars
This story had good bones but needs some work. The set-up in this dystopian world was pretty interesting and there was the chance for some great world-building but I would have needed a little more explanation, a little more background to really immerse myself in this world. There was a cool bunch of side characters and, sadly, I was more interested in those than our two main guys. We stay mostly at the surface of who they are and so they felt a little flat to me. Their love story was not bad, had some hiccups to make it more interesting but I never really got invested. Usually I really like this kind of story but this one just didn't vibe with me. It didn't hurt reading it but it didn't really fill me with joy either. Hopefully, others had a better reading experience.
This story had good bones but needs some work. The set-up in this dystopian world was pretty interesting and there was the chance for some great world-building but I would have needed a little more explanation, a little more background to really immerse myself in this world. There was a cool bunch of side characters and, sadly, I was more interested in those than our two main guys. We stay mostly at the surface of who they are and so they felt a little flat to me. Their love story was not bad, had some hiccups to make it more interesting but I never really got invested. Usually I really like this kind of story but this one just didn't vibe with me. It didn't hurt reading it but it didn't really fill me with joy either. Hopefully, others had a better reading experience.
April 29, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Atlas Knight is a new-to-me author and this appears to be a debut novel. The world building is interesting, a dystopian world where cyber enhancements are the norm, the mega-corps rule, and regular people are struggling just to exist. It’s a familiar tale in some ways, but Knight puts a twist on it that makes it engaging.
All in all, though, this is a good start to a new series. The author has a lot of places they can take the story next. The world building is engaging and interesting. This is dystopian and cyberpunk done right.
Read Kris’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Atlas Knight is a new-to-me author and this appears to be a debut novel. The world building is interesting, a dystopian world where cyber enhancements are the norm, the mega-corps rule, and regular people are struggling just to exist. It’s a familiar tale in some ways, but Knight puts a twist on it that makes it engaging.
All in all, though, this is a good start to a new series. The author has a lot of places they can take the story next. The world building is engaging and interesting. This is dystopian and cyberpunk done right.
Read Kris’s review in its entirety here.
May 1, 2026
This was an amazing book. I absolutely loved this book. I don't normally read MM cyberpunk romances, but something about this book really got my attention. I started reading the blurb about a gang leader that protects at all costs and then I met it. Then I started reading it and got introduced to Kane & Rafael I was truly hooked. The characters even though I had their own past and on issues and things to do with. They still come together. I absolutely love the book I love the characters. I love the world that was build up for them. I love the situations and the conflict. There wasn't nothing about this book that I did not like. I was truly hooked. I most definitely will be reading more from this author because I was blown away.
Review of advance copy
Imaginative. Futuristic. Creative.
All the words I would use to describe Heart and Chrome. Take all the ultramodern things you love about Cyberpunk, throw in MM romance, and that’s Heart and Chrome. For me, a good sci-fi book immerses me in a new universe, and good worldbuilding is crucial. Atlas has done a phenomenal job at checking those boxes.
Furthermore, I love Raphael and Kane’s relationship, how it blossomed. Not to mention their mutual love for cooking.
If you’re looking for a sci-fi read that’s gripping, imaginative, and different from your typical reads, Heart and Chrome is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
All the words I would use to describe Heart and Chrome. Take all the ultramodern things you love about Cyberpunk, throw in MM romance, and that’s Heart and Chrome. For me, a good sci-fi book immerses me in a new universe, and good worldbuilding is crucial. Atlas has done a phenomenal job at checking those boxes.
Furthermore, I love Raphael and Kane’s relationship, how it blossomed. Not to mention their mutual love for cooking.
If you’re looking for a sci-fi read that’s gripping, imaginative, and different from your typical reads, Heart and Chrome is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Wow.
I really enjoyed this! The plot was engaging, the characters were a great mix of personalities. I loooved the worldbuilding and the nature of Nova City, which is engaging and just draws you in. I was happy to read this and definitely enjoyed it. Also, the sex? Fucking hot.
I also really loved Rafael's character. He's just plain sexy and well written. The bonding over cooking was what really started to draw me into Kane and Rafael's love story.
The whole book was laid out beautifully and I absolutely recommend it to any LGBTQ+ Sci-Fi fans.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this! The plot was engaging, the characters were a great mix of personalities. I loooved the worldbuilding and the nature of Nova City, which is engaging and just draws you in. I was happy to read this and definitely enjoyed it. Also, the sex? Fucking hot.
I also really loved Rafael's character. He's just plain sexy and well written. The bonding over cooking was what really started to draw me into Kane and Rafael's love story.
The whole book was laid out beautifully and I absolutely recommend it to any LGBTQ+ Sci-Fi fans.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
ARC READ
This just didn’t quite grip me the way i wanted it to.
I usually read for the romance, and unfortunately that was the weakest part for me here. it felt kind of surface-level? Like the connection was there, but i never fully felt it.
The world-building was actually pretty solid, there’s clearly effort put into it but it wasn’t compelling enough to pull me through the slower parts of the story.
I also didn’t really click with Kane, which made it harder to stay invested and the 3 POV structure felt a bit strange at times. It didn’t always flow naturally.
Overall not a bad read, just one that didn’t fully land for me.
This just didn’t quite grip me the way i wanted it to.
I usually read for the romance, and unfortunately that was the weakest part for me here. it felt kind of surface-level? Like the connection was there, but i never fully felt it.
The world-building was actually pretty solid, there’s clearly effort put into it but it wasn’t compelling enough to pull me through the slower parts of the story.
I also didn’t really click with Kane, which made it harder to stay invested and the 3 POV structure felt a bit strange at times. It didn’t always flow naturally.
Overall not a bad read, just one that didn’t fully land for me.
May 7, 2026
Excellent world building and two characters who come from such different areas of the city only to find common ground and love. Rafael takes his responsibility as a healer so seriously that when he's kidnapped to help a seriously injured gang member from the side of the city he's always been taught to fear, he does what he is trained to do. That catches the attention of Kane the gang leader who expected resistance or refusal to help. As these two learn more about each other and how the city is kept controlled and divided a relationship that is deadly dangerous for both of them flourishes. I'd love to see this become a series.
Review of advance copy
This was such an incredible debut novel.
Super imaginative, detailed, and an amazing storyline.
I enjoyed the futuristic components and the way the little things were described.
Kane and Raphael come from two different sides, yet somehow their barriers break down and they come together as one.
Gripping story, some trauma and doubt interlaced, culminating to a shared love between them. Both of them opening up in a way neither had done before.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
Super imaginative, detailed, and an amazing storyline.
I enjoyed the futuristic components and the way the little things were described.
Kane and Raphael come from two different sides, yet somehow their barriers break down and they come together as one.
Gripping story, some trauma and doubt interlaced, culminating to a shared love between them. Both of them opening up in a way neither had done before.
I received an ARC from Book Sirens for my honest review.
May 2, 2026
This was such a fun book. This is my first cyberpunk book after watching my first cyberpunk show and this world was so interesting to read. Especially the story between a gangster who is a fierce leader set to protect his family and a medic who sees past the ganster aspect and see the man beneath which is actually a dynamic I really enjoy. This was a slow burn romance with not much spice but I actually think besides the world they live in both MCs really showcased the way they live and what's happening between them. This was a good read and I got something different and sci fi which is nice.
May 3, 2026
2.75/5 stars! I think the premise of this book was really cool. I love cyberpunk elements and was really excited to read it. Unfortunately, this suffered from a lack of experience (I think??) by the author. It read more like a first draft, than as a developed story. There wasn't a lot of depth to the world the author created and I found myself wanting more. I will say that the romantic elements were well written. I would give another book by this author a try to see if the stories improve with time/experience.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This review is of my honest opinion.
I am so grateful to have received this ARC.
TROPES:
Forced Proximity
Gang Leader x Civillian Nurse
Found Family
Reluctant Allies to lovers
Cinnamon Roll Hero (Kinda)
Hurt/Comfort
Touch him and die energy
Accidental Kidnapping
First impression was this is not my vibe, the language is out of my realm of vocab. If this weren't an ARC, I don't think I would have picked it up myself because cyberpunk is not my jam. I am hopeful that my tune changes in the end.
My honest rating is 2.5 stars. I liked the idea of it, but it fell flat on explanations and build-up. Things just were happening with no lead-up. Harsh transition points.
What I liked...
Kane and Raphel were cute with their shared love of cooking/baking.
The futuristic components, when detailed, were cool.
I liked that there was a plot and a tiny hinting a spice. The plot didn't get lost when Kane and Raphel became lovers.
SYNOPSIS:
Kane needed a doctor and needed one ASAP, and because of that Raphel was kidnapped accidentally. He did what they wanted him to do and was kept until his replacement came. Kane and his crew were dealing with a group that wanted them disbanded and to take over their territory. Things got messy. Betrayal. Threats. And a long-awaited forgiveness.
Heart and Chrome was alright in the overall sense.
I am so grateful to have received this ARC.
TROPES:
Forced Proximity
Gang Leader x Civillian Nurse
Found Family
Reluctant Allies to lovers
Cinnamon Roll Hero (Kinda)
Hurt/Comfort
Touch him and die energy
Accidental Kidnapping
First impression was this is not my vibe, the language is out of my realm of vocab. If this weren't an ARC, I don't think I would have picked it up myself because cyberpunk is not my jam. I am hopeful that my tune changes in the end.
My honest rating is 2.5 stars. I liked the idea of it, but it fell flat on explanations and build-up. Things just were happening with no lead-up. Harsh transition points.
What I liked...
Kane and Raphel were cute with their shared love of cooking/baking.
The futuristic components, when detailed, were cool.
I liked that there was a plot and a tiny hinting a spice. The plot didn't get lost when Kane and Raphel became lovers.
SYNOPSIS:
Kane needed a doctor and needed one ASAP, and because of that Raphel was kidnapped accidentally. He did what they wanted him to do and was kept until his replacement came. Kane and his crew were dealing with a group that wanted them disbanded and to take over their territory. Things got messy. Betrayal. Threats. And a long-awaited forgiveness.
Heart and Chrome was alright in the overall sense.
Review of advance copy
Heart & Chrome is part of the Nova City series. This is the story of Kane and Rafael. This was a great sci-fi story with a cyberpunk elements. I loved the characters and world building that went into this book. Raphael and Kane were fun to watch as they built their relationship. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what Atlas Knight comes up with next. I would definitely recommend this book.
received a free review copy
received a free review copy
May 1, 2026
For a debut novel, it's impressive. The ideas are quite good.....but I did feel somewhat lost with regards the world building and background information. You kinda get the storyline....jumps around plot idea to plot twist without it meshing. And the "romance".....the dating parts were cute but the rest seemed to be more of a business transaction ....there's blunt & honest but this fell a little short. Overall though, quite impressive and I would actually read next in series.
Review of advance copy
I'M SO ANNOYED.
Okay so, first the writing was so plain. It also had a lost of errors, like grammatical and formatting errors. The were parts where I swear words were missing. It needs editing ASAP.
"Omg Kane is not at all how I supposed a kidnapper should be". After the first 2 times, I get it, BUT AFTER 20 TIMES, RAFAEL ISTFG IF YOU DON'T SHUT UP ALREADY, YOU SHOULD ALREADY KNOW THAT MAN IS NOT FULL OF "CONTRADICTIONS". LIKE WE GET IT, BUT C'MON, THINKKKKKK BOY. UGH HE PISSES ME OFF.
The sex scenes may as well not be there, like I couldn't care any less. They were the biggest MEH ever.
The romance was so ????? so rushed, shallow and it didn't even have passion nor nothing interesting at all. It was also very cringy. If it was at least characters I care about who said those cringy and corny lines... but no.
The plot was the only thing somewhat interesting, if it wasn't disregarded for more than half of the book and ruined by how convenient and easy was solving it. Viper was so fucking predictable. Why not Echo. It would've been so shocking.
Why was the final encounter like an oral exposition some kids would do in elementary school. Why was Athena such a dumb villain, why did she let Kane's team expose her like that. Why was Kane such a dumb leader. Why was he so easily "manipulated" by Rafael; like he never considered NEGOTIATING in a interrogation but suddenly a pretty boy says "hey uwu why not uwu" and HE DOES IT. Why did he only need a dumb pep talk from a guy he despised for years to get his shit together (someone whom he only talked to because his boyfriend "uwu'd" him a bit, SO DUMB).
Why the fuck didn't we read how they fought and got back stolen terrain instead of a whole scene of the team telling Rafael "oh we did this, and then this, and Kane said this". DUMB.
This could've been so much better. Annoying.
Okay so, first the writing was so plain. It also had a lost of errors, like grammatical and formatting errors. The were parts where I swear words were missing. It needs editing ASAP.
"Omg Kane is not at all how I supposed a kidnapper should be". After the first 2 times, I get it, BUT AFTER 20 TIMES, RAFAEL ISTFG IF YOU DON'T SHUT UP ALREADY, YOU SHOULD ALREADY KNOW THAT MAN IS NOT FULL OF "CONTRADICTIONS". LIKE WE GET IT, BUT C'MON, THINKKKKKK BOY. UGH HE PISSES ME OFF.
The sex scenes may as well not be there, like I couldn't care any less. They were the biggest MEH ever.
The romance was so ????? so rushed, shallow and it didn't even have passion nor nothing interesting at all. It was also very cringy. If it was at least characters I care about who said those cringy and corny lines... but no.
The plot was the only thing somewhat interesting, if it wasn't disregarded for more than half of the book and ruined by how convenient and easy was solving it. Viper was so fucking predictable. Why not Echo. It would've been so shocking.
Why was the final encounter like an oral exposition some kids would do in elementary school. Why was Athena such a dumb villain, why did she let Kane's team expose her like that. Why was Kane such a dumb leader. Why was he so easily "manipulated" by Rafael; like he never considered NEGOTIATING in a interrogation but suddenly a pretty boy says "hey uwu why not uwu" and HE DOES IT. Why did he only need a dumb pep talk from a guy he despised for years to get his shit together (someone whom he only talked to because his boyfriend "uwu'd" him a bit, SO DUMB).
Why the fuck didn't we read how they fought and got back stolen terrain instead of a whole scene of the team telling Rafael "oh we did this, and then this, and Kane said this". DUMB.
This could've been so much better. Annoying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
A gang leader is about to meet his match when he takes a medic to help him with an injured gang member. Neither expected to find something in the other which goes everything they had thought of the others. A bond start to form and life is going to get very interesting for them both so follow to learn more
May 5, 2026
At first I was delighted that there was so little world building - I like it when that is done on the fly. But then I started to realize that it was so spare that I had no idea why Rafael, Kane and Kane’s crew were even up to.
It was still a fascinating world; I just would have liked to understand more as I read.
It was still a fascinating world; I just would have liked to understand more as I read.
Review of advance copy
RTC
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved id!
Review of advance copy
I’d not read this author before, or really delved into cyberpunk romance, so I was intrigued when I got the opportunity to read an arc of Heart & Chrome.
For me, the world building was pretty good and gave a decent backdrop to the opposites attract relationship between Kane and Rafael. Kane is the leader of a street gang from the wrong side of the tracks in Nova City, whilst Rafael is a nurse working for the ‘big corporation’ in the wealthy Midtown area. Rafael also has no cybernetics whilst Kane has some hardware.
There are the makings of a really good storyline here with some familiar dystopian themes / plot devices: turf war politics, the all-knowing ‘Big Brother’ corporation, etc. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if they had been developed a bit more.
It’s the same with the main characters. I like them but I think they could have been fleshed out a little more, maybe? I like that Kane’s super protective of those he cares for and are in his charge; and that his leadership style is driven by the events of his past, which leads to some questionable behaviour, but it all comes good in the end. Rafael is the nurturer, sweet and caring for his patients. He’s a good guy who’s a fish out of water when he first ends up in the Outer Districts with Kane’s gang. For me, more could have been made of Rafael’s tough decision when thinking about his future. Sure, he spent time questioning but, again to me, it felt a bit superficial.
So, overall, whilst I found Rafael and Kane’s story entertaining enough and I can see their relationship, I didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped. An e-copy was provided by GRR. This is my honest opinion.
For me, the world building was pretty good and gave a decent backdrop to the opposites attract relationship between Kane and Rafael. Kane is the leader of a street gang from the wrong side of the tracks in Nova City, whilst Rafael is a nurse working for the ‘big corporation’ in the wealthy Midtown area. Rafael also has no cybernetics whilst Kane has some hardware.
There are the makings of a really good storyline here with some familiar dystopian themes / plot devices: turf war politics, the all-knowing ‘Big Brother’ corporation, etc. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if they had been developed a bit more.
It’s the same with the main characters. I like them but I think they could have been fleshed out a little more, maybe? I like that Kane’s super protective of those he cares for and are in his charge; and that his leadership style is driven by the events of his past, which leads to some questionable behaviour, but it all comes good in the end. Rafael is the nurturer, sweet and caring for his patients. He’s a good guy who’s a fish out of water when he first ends up in the Outer Districts with Kane’s gang. For me, more could have been made of Rafael’s tough decision when thinking about his future. Sure, he spent time questioning but, again to me, it felt a bit superficial.
So, overall, whilst I found Rafael and Kane’s story entertaining enough and I can see their relationship, I didn’t love it as much as I’d hoped. An e-copy was provided by GRR. This is my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy
I liked this book. it was easy to follow and they characters were lovable!!!!
May 6, 2026
I’m here for the potential.
This started out strong as we're thrown into a futuristic, dystopian world where cybernetics rule. The action is engaging, the characters have depth and the plot has promise.
However, the world building never really builds. We’re left with a smattering of information that doesn’t fully dive into the history of this world—or give us enough insight to be truly immersed.
I struggled with the conflicts, too. Without knowing more about this world (and this district in particular), it’s hard to invest. Resolutions were found too easily too.
What’s more, the romance lacks depth. The interactions between our MCs are shallow. We’re lacking emotion and purpose and the dialogue is mostly surface level (and a bit cringe). Individually, these characters are interesting. As a couple? Not so much.
But, like I said, there’s potential. This is a debut, after all. And this series is ongoing, so… maybe next time?
2.5⭐️
This started out strong as we're thrown into a futuristic, dystopian world where cybernetics rule. The action is engaging, the characters have depth and the plot has promise.
However, the world building never really builds. We’re left with a smattering of information that doesn’t fully dive into the history of this world—or give us enough insight to be truly immersed.
I struggled with the conflicts, too. Without knowing more about this world (and this district in particular), it’s hard to invest. Resolutions were found too easily too.
What’s more, the romance lacks depth. The interactions between our MCs are shallow. We’re lacking emotion and purpose and the dialogue is mostly surface level (and a bit cringe). Individually, these characters are interesting. As a couple? Not so much.
But, like I said, there’s potential. This is a debut, after all. And this series is ongoing, so… maybe next time?
2.5⭐️
April 28, 2026
A RICH IMAGINATIVE READ WITH A STORY THAT I WAS QUITE TAKEN WITH.
Rafael and Kane are interesting, and I liked them. I enjoyed the story and found the writing to be good. This is an ARC review.
Rafael and Kane are interesting, and I liked them. I enjoyed the story and found the writing to be good. This is an ARC review.
April 29, 2026
This story was a bit weirdly written, but still generally pulling enough. The romance was emotionally speaking unfelt.
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