"You're going to get your heart broken. And not just by one man."
Hope is blooming in Four Corners. A family, torn apart for years, has been reunited. I’m falling in love again. The Steel Demons are finding a sense of home and purpose in their new surroundings.
More is at stake now than ever before. We don’t just have our club to protect, but our new friends, family members, and neighbors. And privately, Reaper is determined to protect me at all costs, due to a cryptic vision from his brother.
The gods work in mysterious ways. They are here to guide us, but cannot alter our destinies. They will nudge us along our path, yet will never tell us what we aren’t meant to know.
But I’m only human, and the heartless acts that unfold might break me.
Sons of Anarchy meets The Handmaid's Tale in this dystopian reverse harem adventure! Heartless is the sixth book in the Steel Demons MC saga. This series is full of kindle-melting steam and dangerous men who take what they want. Proceed with caution if easily offended.
4 stars I've been binging this series. And that final chapter wrecked me. I feel soo bad for Mari and Shadow. 😭 Going on to the next book, can't wait to see how it all plays out. I just want Mariposa and the men happy. :(
I love Shadow and have since he was introduced in the first book. That being said, this book has a lot to unpack. It's a continuation of Shadow's story from the last book.
I don't know what to think right now. I love all the extra time with Shadow. I don't like where he is at the end of the book.
But, hey. I get it. I understand why. I just don't like it. I'm feeling all unsettled about it and now gotta wait to find out what's next. Oh boy.
Also, I'm mad at Reaper. Again, I get why he did it. I just don't like it. Ugh. How frustrating!
Side note: yes, I am whining hahaha. I love this series so much to the point of obsession. Of course, I am a mess right now.
But Shadow! It's always about Shadow. Well... and Gunnar. Oh, and Jandro. Because I'm mad at Reaper right now.
I'm waiting on the next book even though this one (at the time of my writing this) hasn't even technically released yet.
Lord help me. This one is a keeper and this whole series is gold.
I've been sitting and just letting the end of this book sort of marinate in my head for the last 24 hours because I've been puzzling over how to write this review without spoilers. Here goes nothing...
I must say, there's something about Heartless that is really quite pretty. Now, I'm sure that comes off as a little odd, but despite (or really because of it, if I'm being honest) the blood, hospital visits, justified anger of all types, heartbreak, and dear god, why are you doing this to us? that is this book, there is also a lot that made my little book-loving heart pitter patter. I'm not sure if I think the swooning and sighing and butterflies balance out the amount of chocolate and emotional coddling I need after finishing this book, but they do help soften the sting.
If you're like me, you've been reading each installment of this series with a bit of your heart in your throat, waiting for the moment where the prophecy was going to come true. Without telling you the specifics of it, folks, that time is now, and it's both better and worse than I thought it would be. Let me assure you, because I know we readers all have different needs, that none of the men die and there are no issues with cheating or lack of faithfulness. Whether you'll consider what actually happens better or worse than those options, well, that's definitely a case of to each her own. And here's the hardest part to admit- though I don't like what happened, I completely believe it, and I'm not shocked by it, so Ash has jabbed in and twisted that knife in a way that I can't even argue with. It makes sense for her characters and who they are, and man, I can't fault her for staying true to the beautifully broken people she's created. Though I do want to smack her muse around a little bit. What I DO know is that those swoony sighs and butterflies have made me feel comforted in the wake of my well-deserved anger at the end of this book. Because what they've done is give our characters a real connection, chemistry, and foundation- and that's what they're going to need to pull of healing what Ms. Ash has done to torture these poor characters. Because she's written this series so well, her characters so well, I trust that she's going to be able to bring them back from this, and that, really, is the reason that I will be able to reread Heartless.
Not only that, but I'm still eagerly awaiting the next book in the series because there has to be some epic healing after all of this, and I just know that it's going to tug at all the heartstrings in such a lovely, wonderful way that those last little remnants of being angry at this book will fade.
Now, in the midst of all this drama that I have to hint at but can't spoil, OH YEAH, WE STILL HAVE AN IMPENDING WAR TO PREPARE FOR, and there are some twists, turns, and a few oh shit moments as far as that is concerned. So, don't worry, there's enough drama on all fronts to keep you nice and busy.
So, in my own long-winded way (may lightning strike me down the next time I tell my students they have to work on being more concise), I just want to say that Heartless is going to rip you to pieces, but you just have to trust that we'll all be okay in the end. Until then, there's chocolate and wine and pictures of sexy men holding kittens, and that will keep us together until the next book when Ash shows us some mercy.
Representation: Latina and Latino main characters, F/F side romance, M/M/M side romance, bisexual supporting characters
Ugh, I read Heartless with a pit in my stomach the whole time–it was so good but so nerve-wracking! I'm glad that the prophecy has finally come to fruition but talk about a book hangover! I cannot believe the book ended that way–I seriously cried for the last few chapters. The title is perfect since the plot-twist was so freaking heartbreaking.
Now, on a happier note, I love that the MC is finally settling down and that the Steel Demons have a place to defend as their home. The emotional connection and love between Mari and her husbands (and Shadow) are so freaking sweet. Their love for each other is palpable.
Heartless set some significant issues in Mari's relationships with her husbands that need to be resolved and confronted in the next book (coming March–so far away!). On top of those issues, the MC is still dealing with the General trying to kill them. Heartless is also a continuation of Mari and Shadow's developing relationship; they're taking it slow, but Mari is certain she wants Shadow as another husband.
Finally, for those who *need* to know how the prophecy comes to fruition:
The whole situation that is causing tension amongst Mari and her men is complex. Everyone has a right to their feelings, and, honestly, no one was completely in the wrong. However, I would like for Reaper to reflect on his subsequent actions and really think about why he feels comfortable ignoring what Mari wants. I think the after-effects of the situation are why most reverse harems are matriarchal:
This book destroyed me in the best of ways. It stomped on my heart and made me cry for days. I am obsessed with the intensity of this book, the development of the characters. So much happens that I know people will probably complain about or get mad about BUT HEAR ME OUT
A lot of what happens, I expected because these characters need to grow on their own and I'm waiting for it. I can't wait to see how much change they go through and how it will effect everyone else around them
Crystal Ash is an amazing author and writes human emotions like nobody else.
OH.MY.GODS!!! My heart is in a thousand pieces. This ending was an emotional rollercoaster. But Horus gave me hope. But the book hangover is killing me now. Gods, I cant wait until the next book comes out.
I absolutely love the relationship between Mari and Shadow *sigh* MY Shadow. And the amazing surprise in the start of the book was so awesome!!!! I totally had goosebumps all over. Hell yeah!!!
Good lord. That was a rough one. Since I’m pretty much reading the series for Shadow, the highs and lows here are gut wrenching. If this was a movie, I probably would have watched a lot of this behind my hands or with one one eye open. Sheesh.
Okay So I kind of hate Reaper and Gunner right now.
First of all I never really liked Gunner. I get that he has some hiccups in sharing Mari because it wasn't the norm for him , but he just gets on my nerves ! Second I don't like how he is towards Shadow , or behind his back. Yes Shadow is different, but that makes him special ( what happened with Mari and him broke my heart to be honest) okay back to Gunner , he is very jealous and very possessive, when Mari decided that she and Shadow take it in their time , he was making fun of the "scarred" guy , in my opinion he belittles him through joked and its not even funny anymore , even if Gunner himself is insecure, its not okay.
I actually didn't think that Mari was overreacting toward Reaper , yes he was scared and furious , but all in all it was Mari who should have had the last say. It happened to her and Reaper and Gunner not even willing to listen to her , how is that good communication ? Something that Reaper keeps hammering on. The only one who understood Mari was Jandro because lets be honest, those two are the only ones who really know who Shadow is.
I also do believe that Shadow standing on his own two feet will make him a better man , that it will make him stronger doesnt mean I am not crying for him though , he lost everything , just because two wanted to be Alpha males. Now its just waiting for Mari to bring him back and hopefully she won't forgive Reaper and Gunner that soon.
I know the next one will be in march , and I can't wait for Shadows story to continue on.
What the hell?? I’ve just finished reading and am sitting here thinking what??? This is an emotionally charged 6th book in this stunning reverse harem series and I just can’t get enough of it! There’s highs and lows, there’s great moments that had me laughing out loud and then there are the moments that had me bawling like a baby. Gut wrenching and heartbreaking I have loved this journey so far and the characters and am very anxious to read what comes next!
This was emotional for sure. I was so excited to see Mari and Shadow’s relationship progress so well. I even forgot about the night terrors and dog gone pills. Clearly this was a mistake that shouldn’t be repeated. Uggh
So reaper as usual kind of got on my nerves. Like a love/hate relationship. Sometimes he is amazing and other times he is overbearing and over protective. But since he’s been this way since the beginning I can’t fault him for it. Gunner I feel like was weary of Shadow to begin with so any slip up on Shadows part would have put him on Gunners ish list anyway. Jandro is probably the only one who truly knows Shadow and knows that Shadow would have never actually done anything to hurt Mari if he was in his right mind.
Now I kept thinking back to when Noelle told Mari about Daren telling her a prophecy of two of Mari’s men hurting her. I kind of figured it would be Reaper and Shadow that hurt her. I was hoping I was wrong but I’m not surprised. I am surprised at how easily Reaper sends Shadow away knowing how loyal Shadow is. Knowing Shadow felt remorse for what he had done to Mari. And knowing that he had done similar things to Jandro. Just Jandro could defend himself against Shadow. It was like Reaper was so blinded by his own fear that he couldn’t get past it. Couldn’t see reason or didn’t care to. I hope book 7 comes with some positive growth for Shadow and some calming vibes for Reaper.
Sadly this ending overshadowed the good fortune of Reaper finding out his bio-dad Finn and mother Lisa were still alive and living in four corners. That was exciting to find out. And I was thrilled although weary because of Darens prophecy that they were still around. I wasn’t sure if Finns dad was going to be the one to cause harm or not. Obviously we now know he isn’t. But to see the love Reaper and Noelle came from has been enlightening. Explains a lot about how hard Reaper and Noelle love the ones they care for.
End of the road for me. I may revisit this series, but likely not. I'm bored and now that everything with Shadow came to fruition, I've lost interest. Honestly, I'd rather she ditch the other guys and just stick with Shadow because I really wanted the most for him and having to share with 3 other dudes seems like he'd be getting scraps. And I can't imagine how all 5 of them would fit in one bed. I was also shocked by how blase some of these family reunions are. If I found out a close family member was alive, I'd be running over immediately, not scheduling to meet for brunch the next day. So bizarre, and I think the author did that to force some conflict between other characters even if it didn't really make sense. I've noticed throughout the whole series that the author does this quite a bit. By that, I mean, characters will do or say something that doesn't really make sense, but it forces a conflict the author wanted---even if it was kinda clunky to get there. Anyway, not a bad series but the fantasy aspect is turning me off more and more, plus it's starting to feel like the author never had a plan for how this ends.
Sheesh… This one hit allll the feels. I even cried. Bleh. And I don’t cry in books. But I had a few salties running down the cheeks.
Ah poor Shadow. And Reaper. And Mari. They’re all really out through their paces in this book.
On the positive side… Shadow and Mari’s romance is blossoming, and if it isn’t the sweetest thing in the whole world then I don’t know what is. It’s like first love between teenagers. All the first touches, first kisses, those butterflies and tentative feelings. It’s just adorable.
⭐️ Plot: 4/5 🌶️ Spice: 3/5 🗣️ POV: Multiple 🛏️ Tropes: - childhood trauma - post apocalyptic setting - interfering Gods - new love - PTSD - Settling in a new town - betrayal
Wow, I can not say enough about this series and this book. This book deserves more than 5 stars. We have new characters developing. Relationships in many different areas of feelings. I cried so much in this book and yelled. The last few chapters I bawled so hard I could hardly read the words. My heart goes out to all the characters in this story. We have some wins in here too, which is great. Just how much can Mari take? Hold on to your seat, because the next book that I can't wait to read is probably going to be great too.
This book brought a whole bunch of highs. We get a consummation of a relationship we've been wanting forever and it was sweet and beautiful. We get a family reunion and lovely, hawt sex with Mari and her guys.
Then we get brought all the way low by what Big G did (Andrea better be okay!) and then a horrible, horrible set back. Those last few chapters still have me with tears in my eyes.
I have to see if she can convince him to come back, but I know he has to heal. Mari said some very terrible things to Reaper in the heat of the moment and I don't know how she takes that back. I don't know how they all heal from this.
Thank goodness book seven is out by the time I decided to do this catch up.
4.8 stars. Fuccckkkkkk. I fuckin knew the angst was gonna be bad, but damn. This was fuckin so happy and sweet, and then, Bam! Fucking total devastation.
I can’t wait to see how they all get through this shit. I know there’s still sooooo many books left but I am ready for the HEA more than anything.
This book was everything I’d hoped when thinking about these two!! Where is MY Shadow!? I love that this book has enough foreshadowing to keep you worried, but OK at the same time because you know. I’m heartbroken, ultimately. MUST HAVE THE NEXT BOOK!
I don't think anyone is happy with such a heartbreaking ending. It is understood that actions always have consequences, but, still, it doesn't stop hurting that it happened.
However, I am a believer that it had to happen because there is a plan for each of those men and Mariposa, so on their side they must be mentally and physically prepared to deal with it.
I loved that the story was centered around Shadow and Mari. Those scenes were filled with love, tenderness and a lot of warmth.
I have been so anxious for this book, to read more of the sweetness of Shadow and Mari blooming romance. And Crystal Ash does not disappoint in that. The way they are together, the way the whole group just seems to fit is beautiful.
Except then Crystal Ash reaches into my chest and pulls my heart out in one swift move. Fair warning the emotional roller coaster of this book is real, it’s strong and it will leave you wailing in a heap. Just like I was.
I’ve been hesitant since book 1, but I’ve heard so many good things about this series and thought the weak FMC would set her up for some impressive character growth!! *womp womp womppppp*
Now I’m extremely mad that I did.
Book 1 had me falling in love with everyone….except Mari & & Things have only gotten worse.
I thought she was supposed to be a strong FMC? She’s probably one of the weakest I’ve ever read and I’ve read over 200 books this year…
The ONLY thing she excels at is being a medic… and while that’s admirable… one, barely redeeming, quality doesn’t balance out all the VERY distasteful qualities she has.
Weak Naive Contradicting Just plain stupid..
There is NOTHING special about her that would support the idea of all these big bad bikers being obsessed with her… nothing. & I’m SO tired of the: ‘oh this looks suspicious.. I should probably remember to remember this later so I can think about all the ways this could probably be bad... I’m just too tired right now and something completely unimportant has now distracted me’
GIVE. ME. A. BREAK.
And the way the situation with Shadow played out?!?!?!?!??????!!!!!
NONE of them freaking deserve that beautiful human. NONE of them.
I wish these characters were real just so I could cuss them out in real life instead of on my freaking Kindle.
UNFORTUNATELY I’m already through book 6 and I’m not one of those people who can just drop a series and not find out what happens. So I will be reading the rest of the series simply for Shadow and the pointless hope that somehow Mari will die 🙃
Oh Gosh.. this book opened the tear dams for me! I can't remember the last time I got so emotionally vested that I couldn't stop crying when shit happened in the story! How will the story proceed now?!!
I really wanted to rant about this one, all the cryptic stuff from the god is getting boring fast. Feel like at this point we should get certain insight into the involvement with the gods, but instead we just get more cryptic shit one after another. Also it's getting annoying how everyone just falls into situations that the god literally just warned them not to. By the end of the book I'm not even sympathetic anymore. God tells reaper to do one this his name is meant for, and he doesn't do it and shit happens. Reaper tells Jandro not to leave Mari's side, and what does he do? Leave her side and shit happened. Seriously it's almost as if all the characters have to do the opposite and force themselves to get into stupid situations....ok, end of rant
Reaper is a piece of shit and I don’t understand how he’s the main “husband” or whatever. He’s constantly being as ass to Mari, has been since the beginning, and there are no consequences to his actions. Mari FINALLY tells him off but then regrets it the next morning. No! Grow a spine!
Everything is so intentionally vague with the gods and it’s annoying. They’re these all knowing beings but everything out their mouth is so evasive. “Kill but I won’t tell you why.” “Break the door but I won’t tell you when or why or who”
The ending with Shadow was so ridiculous. I don’t want to read about anybody other than Shadow so the future of the series is looking bleak for me.