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Saints and Sinners #1
Black Hearts
I’ve been in love with Charlie Fortier since we were seven years old and she punched me in the face for pulling on her pigtails.
She was the girl next door.
I was the punk ass kid who got in trouble.
She told me she loved me when she was seventeen. I broke her heart instead.
Then I left. And my band became one of the biggest in the world.
She was always around. On the sidelines. Being my friend.
And I’ve spent the last twelve years in love with her. She just doesn’t know.
But I can’t tell her. Because I can’t be with her.
I made too many deals to keep her safe.
I owe too many debts for those same reasons.
Now I'm back home. And she is everywhere. Staying away is too hard. But the truth is harder.
I have scars on my black heart and they all belong to her.
***TW: This book does contain darker themes and not meant for sensitive readers.
She was the girl next door.
I was the punk ass kid who got in trouble.
She told me she loved me when she was seventeen. I broke her heart instead.
Then I left. And my band became one of the biggest in the world.
She was always around. On the sidelines. Being my friend.
And I’ve spent the last twelve years in love with her. She just doesn’t know.
But I can’t tell her. Because I can’t be with her.
I made too many deals to keep her safe.
I owe too many debts for those same reasons.
Now I'm back home. And she is everywhere. Staying away is too hard. But the truth is harder.
I have scars on my black heart and they all belong to her.
***TW: This book does contain darker themes and not meant for sensitive readers.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2022
168 people are currently reading
785 people want to read
About the author
Tori Fox
21 books773 followersTori Fox is the author of romantic suspense and contemporary romance with a little bit of angst and a whole lot of sexy. When she isn’t writing, you can find her listening to true crime podcasts as she tends to her plants or singing along to Taylor Swift as she drinks champagne. Tori is living her best life in the magic of New Orleans with her dog.
You can find Tori on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
@ToriFoxBooks
You can find Tori on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok
@ToriFoxBooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
September 8, 2022
I love Jax and Charlie, absolutely love them and their story! Man was this such a great book, and I love the drama, pain, and the darkness that is their story. And the spicy scene, oh so good. This was such a great book and I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
September 8, 2022
I typically do not read books on the darker side, but I enjoy reading this author. I decided to take a chance, I knew of the triggers going in, and I needed to get out of my comfort zone. Jackson and Charlie’s story will not be for all but take a chance, and you will not be disappointed.
Jackson and Charlie have been friends since childhood, keepers of each other’s secrets. Both have it rough, and Jackson one day up and leaves. As his band is at a crossroads with new music due, Jackson or Jax returns home to find his muse again. Will they ever top the charts again?
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Jackson and Charlie have been friends since childhood, keepers of each other’s secrets. Both have it rough, and Jackson one day up and leaves. As his band is at a crossroads with new music due, Jackson or Jax returns home to find his muse again. Will they ever top the charts again?
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
September 26, 2022
I'm a HUGE fan of rockstar romances and Tori wrote an AMAZING one! From the very first page, she drew me in and I couldn't seem to put it down. This is the second book I've read by this author and I can't wait to read more.
Charlie and Jackson had some off-the-charts chemistry and when they finally collided, it was explosive! Even the side characters were equally great in my opinion, especially Janae.
There's detailed spicy scenes where she captured and wrote in delicious detail. It had so many great tropes like friends to enemies to lovers, forbidden, and suspense, just to name a few.
All in all, I am thoroughly impressed with this author and her writing. Book two can't come fast enough.
Charlie and Jackson had some off-the-charts chemistry and when they finally collided, it was explosive! Even the side characters were equally great in my opinion, especially Janae.
There's detailed spicy scenes where she captured and wrote in delicious detail. It had so many great tropes like friends to enemies to lovers, forbidden, and suspense, just to name a few.
All in all, I am thoroughly impressed with this author and her writing. Book two can't come fast enough.
September 6, 2022
This was a difficult book for me to get into. The self destructive behaviours of both Charlie and Jackson (drugs, alcohol, abusive relationships) made me feel sad and angry on their behalf but not empathetic. The trigger warnings are listed at the beginning of the book. The drug use and alcohol abuse did seem to peter off further into the book.
The sexy scenes were spicy but I ended up skimming because I wasn’t fully invested in their relationship. I did like how Jackson was able to overcome his song writing block. I even liked Charlie’s relationship with her dad.
I would like to see a more aggressive edit. There were some grammar issues and Jackson’s eyes went from whiskey coloured to green. While I appreciate the tie in of the title to the meat of the story, I felt the abundant use of “black hearts” in the book was clunky and overdone.
I received a free copy from the author. This is my unbiased review.
The sexy scenes were spicy but I ended up skimming because I wasn’t fully invested in their relationship. I did like how Jackson was able to overcome his song writing block. I even liked Charlie’s relationship with her dad.
I would like to see a more aggressive edit. There were some grammar issues and Jackson’s eyes went from whiskey coloured to green. While I appreciate the tie in of the title to the meat of the story, I felt the abundant use of “black hearts” in the book was clunky and overdone.
I received a free copy from the author. This is my unbiased review.
June 4, 2024
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Love Story
Black Hearts was a nostalgic bookish surprise. This friends to lovers rockstar romance reminds me of the song Face Down by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. With a well balanced thrilling plotline that kept me engaged to the last page.
Tropes: rockstar romance, Friends to lovers, Second chance romance, No second act break-up
Spice level 3
Check Trigger warnings
Black Hearts was a nostalgic bookish surprise. This friends to lovers rockstar romance reminds me of the song Face Down by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. With a well balanced thrilling plotline that kept me engaged to the last page.
Tropes: rockstar romance, Friends to lovers, Second chance romance, No second act break-up
Spice level 3
Check Trigger warnings
April 2, 2024
Heart of black, I like that
Well that was definitely a ride and a half.
Never really read anything with these triggers before but Tori did an amazing job working with these triggers.
Loved how it was unpredictable and to me it was raw.
Well that was definitely a ride and a half.
Never really read anything with these triggers before but Tori did an amazing job working with these triggers.
Loved how it was unpredictable and to me it was raw.
December 25, 2024
It was good. I felt like I was skimming some parts so it doesn’t get higher than 3 stars for me as it didn’t pull me in as most dark romance books do
December 21, 2022
Black Hearts by Torri Fox
✨Book Review✨
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.7/5
“You always said we were born with black hearts. A gift in the dark. A secret for our scars. But without you around, my secrets do nothing but drown.”
Tropes-
-Second Chance
-Friends to Lovers
-Childhood Best Friends
-Forbidden Love
-Rockstar
I loved Charlie and Jackson’s story so such! The twists, turns, secrets, lies, and all that was in between! Such an amazing read, that made putting it down almost impossible!
And just enough details on the other band members to keep you hooked impatiently waiting for the next book to be released! I can’t wait to find out what their stories are!
I highly recommend reading this book! Especially if you love:
-Second Chance
-Friends to Lovers
-Childhood Best Friends
-Forbidden Love
-Rockstar Romance
-And a little dark
Blurb:
I’ve been in love with Charlie Fortier since we were seven years old and she punched me in the face for pulling on her pigtails.
She was the girl next door.
I was the punk ass kid who got in trouble.
She told me she loved me when she was seventeen. I broke her heart instead.
Then I left. And my band became one of the biggest in the world.
She was always around. On the sidelines. Being my friend.
And I’ve spent the last twelve years in love with her. She just doesn’t know.
But I can’t tell her. Because I can’t be with her.
I made too many deals to keep her safe.
I owe too many debts for those same reasons.
Now I'm back home. And she is everywhere. Staying away is too hard. But the truth is harder.
I have scars on my black heart and they all belong to her.
Before reading make sure to check the TW, as this book does have some things that readers may not be comfortable reading about.
September 8, 2022
Second chance romance that’s what you will get if you pick up black hearts!
Jackson and Charlie turned out to be a great couple in the end.
My thoughts on the book:
I felt like something was missing for me to truly connect with the characters. The first few pages of the book were a lot of characters and it took a minute to figure out who everyone was. Till about half way through the book I was wrapped up in their story. Then I’m not sure I just wasn’t feeling the same spark. I liked the reference of black hearts in the book but I think it was used to many times. S*x scenes were pretty spicy. 🌶🥵
Overall: I did enjoy this read and would suggest it to others. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Disclaimer- I am an arc reader the author sent this book to me for free for an honest review.
Jackson and Charlie turned out to be a great couple in the end.
My thoughts on the book:
I felt like something was missing for me to truly connect with the characters. The first few pages of the book were a lot of characters and it took a minute to figure out who everyone was. Till about half way through the book I was wrapped up in their story. Then I’m not sure I just wasn’t feeling the same spark. I liked the reference of black hearts in the book but I think it was used to many times. S*x scenes were pretty spicy. 🌶🥵
Overall: I did enjoy this read and would suggest it to others. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Disclaimer- I am an arc reader the author sent this book to me for free for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2022
Original review
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Tori Fox!
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Tori Fox!
Black Hearts is the first book in the Saints & Sinners series and tells the story of Jackson and Charlie.
"But when you meet someone with a black heart, sometimes the only one who can make it beat is someone who shares those black scars with you."
I’m a big fan of a lot of different Romance tropes, but the Rock Star Romance trope is always good. And combine that trope with second chance and best friends to lovers, and I’m game. Tori Fox is a talented Romance author and I’ve read and enjoyed a lot of her books, so it’s no surprise that I really enjoyed reading Black Hearts. It has my favourite tropes, it has some darker topics (check the trigger warning the author added at the beginning of her book), and interesting characters. Everything I need in a good Romance read!
Black Hearts tells the story of Jackson and Charlie. Jackson is a rock star and is looking for inspiration for his new songs. Charlie is a bar owner and doesn’t have the best past. I really loved seeing Jackson and Charlie grow towards each other again, trust each other and finally admit their feelings for each other. I also really loved how much Jackson understood Charlie’s pain and did everything he could to ease her pain. He’s the perfect man for her. And don’t get me started on the jacob’s ladder… If you know, you know.
Black Hearts was a spicy read but it also talked about emotional and darker stuff. I really enjoyed the mix of both, and Tori Fox did such a good job with this book. At the end of the book there’s a link to a bonus scene, and damn, you gotta read it! I really enjoyed reading Black Hearts, and I cannot wait to read the next book in the Saint & Sinners series, Cruel Promises. I’m so excited for Silas’ story!
September 13, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
I've been in love with Charlie Fortier since we were seven years old and she punched me in the face for pulling on her pigtails. She was the girl next door. I was the punk kid who got into trouble. She told me she loved me when she was seventeen. I broke her heart instead. Then I left. And my band became one of the biggest in the world. She was always around. On the sidelines. Being my friend. And I've spent the last twelve year in love with her. She just doesn't know . But I can't tell her. Because I can't be with her. I made too many deals to keep her safe. I owe too many debts for those same reasons. Now I'm back home. And she is everywhere. Staying away is too hard. But the truth is harder. I have scars on my black heart and they all belong to her.
This is a dark romance. You will want to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book. It may contain triggers for some readers so you should proceed with caution.
This is the story of Jax and Charlie. I am a sucker for a friends to lovers romance and these two were not only best friends but next door neighbors growing up and he fell in love with her at seven years old when he pulled her pigtail and she blessed him out. But he broke her heart and he left to go out into the world with a rock band never expecting to be one of the biggest rock bands in the world. He might just use some of the experiences that happened with Charlie for inspiration for his new songs. Charlie is a bar owner and this girl does not have the best past in the world. As fate would have it these two come back into each others lives and begin to form a friendship again and it was amazing to see them begin to trust each other again and finally, and I do mean finally admit their feelings for each other. But things are never easy for these two and they will go through a lot and I can't tell you about it or I would ruin the book. However I loved every second of this heart breaking, mend it and put it back together again book. This book deals with drug abuse, abusive relationship and other heavy themes and at times it might be a little hard to swallow but don't give up on Jax and Charlie or you will be missing something amazing.
I've been in love with Charlie Fortier since we were seven years old and she punched me in the face for pulling on her pigtails. She was the girl next door. I was the punk kid who got into trouble. She told me she loved me when she was seventeen. I broke her heart instead. Then I left. And my band became one of the biggest in the world. She was always around. On the sidelines. Being my friend. And I've spent the last twelve year in love with her. She just doesn't know . But I can't tell her. Because I can't be with her. I made too many deals to keep her safe. I owe too many debts for those same reasons. Now I'm back home. And she is everywhere. Staying away is too hard. But the truth is harder. I have scars on my black heart and they all belong to her.
This is a dark romance. You will want to heed the warnings in the beginning of the book. It may contain triggers for some readers so you should proceed with caution.
This is the story of Jax and Charlie. I am a sucker for a friends to lovers romance and these two were not only best friends but next door neighbors growing up and he fell in love with her at seven years old when he pulled her pigtail and she blessed him out. But he broke her heart and he left to go out into the world with a rock band never expecting to be one of the biggest rock bands in the world. He might just use some of the experiences that happened with Charlie for inspiration for his new songs. Charlie is a bar owner and this girl does not have the best past in the world. As fate would have it these two come back into each others lives and begin to form a friendship again and it was amazing to see them begin to trust each other again and finally, and I do mean finally admit their feelings for each other. But things are never easy for these two and they will go through a lot and I can't tell you about it or I would ruin the book. However I loved every second of this heart breaking, mend it and put it back together again book. This book deals with drug abuse, abusive relationship and other heavy themes and at times it might be a little hard to swallow but don't give up on Jax and Charlie or you will be missing something amazing.
September 8, 2022
Charlie Fortier has owned every bit of his heart since the day they met, she was the feisty seven year old girl that punched him in the face for pulling her hair, and from that point on she was it for him. But he would never be able to have her, to claim her as his own. So he settled for friendship, figuring it was the only way to still be near her. Through the years they have remained close friends, but life has pulled them in different directions, and they've drifted in and out their friendship.
His band is struggling a bit and they need a little reboot to find the motivation to finish their latest album so their manager suggests a trip home... which is the last place that Jax wants to be. That place holds a lot of bad memories for him and is also where the woman of his fantasies lives, and he isn't so sure he's ready to face her. He's pushed her away recently because he can't deal with his feelings for her, knowing he needs to tell her how he feels, but feeling like he can't. It could cost them dearly...
Black Hearts is the story of two best friends who have spent the last few years avoiding one another, because they don't know how to deal with their feelings for one another. They would both love nothing more than to be a couple, but neither knows how the other feels. Not to mention it's a dangerous slope to slide down, a relationship could give them everything they have ever wanted or completely destroy what is left of their friendship. It's a tension and angst-filled tale that will keep you captivated from beginning to end! Wanting them to take the chance, but knowing it could wreak havoc on their lives at the same time is downright torturous! I really enjoyed getting lost in the pages of this one, it's words packed a powerful emotional punch and had me hooked the whole way through! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
His band is struggling a bit and they need a little reboot to find the motivation to finish their latest album so their manager suggests a trip home... which is the last place that Jax wants to be. That place holds a lot of bad memories for him and is also where the woman of his fantasies lives, and he isn't so sure he's ready to face her. He's pushed her away recently because he can't deal with his feelings for her, knowing he needs to tell her how he feels, but feeling like he can't. It could cost them dearly...
Black Hearts is the story of two best friends who have spent the last few years avoiding one another, because they don't know how to deal with their feelings for one another. They would both love nothing more than to be a couple, but neither knows how the other feels. Not to mention it's a dangerous slope to slide down, a relationship could give them everything they have ever wanted or completely destroy what is left of their friendship. It's a tension and angst-filled tale that will keep you captivated from beginning to end! Wanting them to take the chance, but knowing it could wreak havoc on their lives at the same time is downright torturous! I really enjoyed getting lost in the pages of this one, it's words packed a powerful emotional punch and had me hooked the whole way through! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 12, 2022
Charlie Fortier’s best friend from childhood is a now a big rock star. They had a thing once, but he ruined it and now they are just friends. She’s had a rough life since she was ten years old but having Jackson Knightly in her life it wasn’t too bad. Of course, that is until the abuse started at home.
Jackson Knightly has loved Charlie Fortier since the first time he saw her. Their friendship was easy, and they were tight, but when she was moved away to affluent neighborhood, he thought he’d lost her for good, but they found a way to keep in touch and they grew closer together as they got older. Until Jackson finally ruined it all, but Charlie has no idea what really happened.
This story is full of secrets, danger, betrayal, and dangerous people that have a lot of power and aren’t afraid to show you how they can use it. When Jackson Knightley becomes Jax Knight the singer/songwriter for Saints & Sinners, he and his bandmates leave New Orleans to tour. When Jax struggles to find his voice and sing for their new album he’s told to go home to his muse. He and Charlie are the only two that deny their relationship, everyone that knows them knows that they are destined to be together. When secrets come to light and danger is at every turn, Jax has to step up and show Charlie that he’s always been the right man for her. I loved the story, and the characters were great. The second chance at happiness is a leap of faith and both characters need to open their black hearts to see that their hearts are meant to beat as one. I give this book a 4-star review and I look forward to more in the Saints & Sinners Series to come. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the band’s stories.
Jackson Knightly has loved Charlie Fortier since the first time he saw her. Their friendship was easy, and they were tight, but when she was moved away to affluent neighborhood, he thought he’d lost her for good, but they found a way to keep in touch and they grew closer together as they got older. Until Jackson finally ruined it all, but Charlie has no idea what really happened.
This story is full of secrets, danger, betrayal, and dangerous people that have a lot of power and aren’t afraid to show you how they can use it. When Jackson Knightley becomes Jax Knight the singer/songwriter for Saints & Sinners, he and his bandmates leave New Orleans to tour. When Jax struggles to find his voice and sing for their new album he’s told to go home to his muse. He and Charlie are the only two that deny their relationship, everyone that knows them knows that they are destined to be together. When secrets come to light and danger is at every turn, Jax has to step up and show Charlie that he’s always been the right man for her. I loved the story, and the characters were great. The second chance at happiness is a leap of faith and both characters need to open their black hearts to see that their hearts are meant to beat as one. I give this book a 4-star review and I look forward to more in the Saints & Sinners Series to come. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the band’s stories.
September 9, 2022
Tori Fox has always written edgy, dark, and unique stories. Black Hearts in no different. There is a lot of world building in the first in this series. I think Tori did a great job of managing all the pieces of this puzzle. She left me wanting more with the series.
I will say, please read the warnings and triggers. If those aren't your cup of tea, then I recommend one of her other stories! LOL. Seriously she's an author you want to read.
Charlie has had a rough go of it. She has endured a lot. What I appreciated about the author, is it wasn't a quick fix. Charlie had to work through her trauma, but also, continue to work and grow. Behavior from trauma doesn't disappear overnight and Tori captured that.
Jackson (Jax) is the musician everyone swoons over. He knows it too in the story. I think there is so much more to him and Silas that we don't even know yet. The deals he had to make in the dark to keep those he loved safe, will haunt him. Even for all of his mistakes, his love for Charlie was absolute.
I love the side characters! Riot and Roan's story is going to be amazing. I'm curious about Silas too.
The main arc between Charlie and Jax was closed up and covered their story well. All questions I had about them was answered. The little nuggets Tori left, just mean the series is going to get good!
The deep dark New Orleans underbelly had me messaging and saying "Umm West gets a story, right?"
This is a five-star read because it had everything I love in a story. It had action, heart, trials, suspense, mystery, steam, drama, and an ending fitting for rockstar icons.
I will say, please read the warnings and triggers. If those aren't your cup of tea, then I recommend one of her other stories! LOL. Seriously she's an author you want to read.
Charlie has had a rough go of it. She has endured a lot. What I appreciated about the author, is it wasn't a quick fix. Charlie had to work through her trauma, but also, continue to work and grow. Behavior from trauma doesn't disappear overnight and Tori captured that.
Jackson (Jax) is the musician everyone swoons over. He knows it too in the story. I think there is so much more to him and Silas that we don't even know yet. The deals he had to make in the dark to keep those he loved safe, will haunt him. Even for all of his mistakes, his love for Charlie was absolute.
I love the side characters! Riot and Roan's story is going to be amazing. I'm curious about Silas too.
The main arc between Charlie and Jax was closed up and covered their story well. All questions I had about them was answered. The little nuggets Tori left, just mean the series is going to get good!
The deep dark New Orleans underbelly had me messaging and saying "Umm West gets a story, right?"
This is a five-star read because it had everything I love in a story. It had action, heart, trials, suspense, mystery, steam, drama, and an ending fitting for rockstar icons.
September 11, 2022
Charlie and Jackson "Jax" have been friends since they were kids. They would spend time together when their home life was terrible. These two were always there for one another, and when they became teenagers fell in love. Jax was always willing to do what it took to protect Charlie, including making deals with her evil step father.
When Jax made the deal with her step-father part of the deal was that he stay away from her. Jax and his band Saints and Sinners, took off and the relationship between these two had been strained. Over the last year Jax has been off, as the lead singer and song writer, he needed to get his head back in the game. So the band went home. Back to where it all began.
Black Hearts may not be for everyone, it touches on a lot of difficult topics, but it shows how you can come out of tragedy and abuse to be a good and strong person. I typically do not like dark books but I always give Tori Fox a chance and am never disappointed. I like that she warns you at the beginning of the book of possible triggers the book may have so you do not go in unaware of what subjects are going to be brought up. I really felt bad for these characters and how the happiest time of your life was full of pain and violence. Charlie and Jax are stronger together than they are apart and their desire to follow their heart is one of the best things about this book. I love their ability to bring out the best in one another, get their heads out of the darkness. Black Hearts is a good story just prepare yourself for the trigger topics and maybe even have a box of tissues nearby.
Received ARC in exchange for honest voluntary review.
When Jax made the deal with her step-father part of the deal was that he stay away from her. Jax and his band Saints and Sinners, took off and the relationship between these two had been strained. Over the last year Jax has been off, as the lead singer and song writer, he needed to get his head back in the game. So the band went home. Back to where it all began.
Black Hearts may not be for everyone, it touches on a lot of difficult topics, but it shows how you can come out of tragedy and abuse to be a good and strong person. I typically do not like dark books but I always give Tori Fox a chance and am never disappointed. I like that she warns you at the beginning of the book of possible triggers the book may have so you do not go in unaware of what subjects are going to be brought up. I really felt bad for these characters and how the happiest time of your life was full of pain and violence. Charlie and Jax are stronger together than they are apart and their desire to follow their heart is one of the best things about this book. I love their ability to bring out the best in one another, get their heads out of the darkness. Black Hearts is a good story just prepare yourself for the trigger topics and maybe even have a box of tissues nearby.
Received ARC in exchange for honest voluntary review.
September 6, 2022
When you get a second chance at your first love, take it!
Jax Knight and his band has the world by the chain. Saints and Sinners is known for their hard rock and dark lyrics. Lately the lyrics have been lacking their usual sound. Their manager decides they need to return to their roots. Not a place he wants to go, where his first love and darkest secret both reside.
Charlotte is not a lady you want to mess with. She has her own demons to fight, but when her past blows into her bar in the form of her only real love, does she want to risk her heart and possibly her life?
Their past is riddled with nightmares. There is darkness closing in on all sides. Will their black hearts be able to survive?
I took a chance on this series, and recommend you do the same. Jax and Charlie will not disappoint. Tension is building throughout this one. The heat is incinerating. They have to not only fight their own black hearts, but also a darkness that is close to home.
It's time to rock! Though this is the first instalment, it looks to be a thrill ride for all the members of the band. There is just enough tease with the other characters to make sure you crave the next one.
Jax Knight and his band has the world by the chain. Saints and Sinners is known for their hard rock and dark lyrics. Lately the lyrics have been lacking their usual sound. Their manager decides they need to return to their roots. Not a place he wants to go, where his first love and darkest secret both reside.
Charlotte is not a lady you want to mess with. She has her own demons to fight, but when her past blows into her bar in the form of her only real love, does she want to risk her heart and possibly her life?
Their past is riddled with nightmares. There is darkness closing in on all sides. Will their black hearts be able to survive?
I took a chance on this series, and recommend you do the same. Jax and Charlie will not disappoint. Tension is building throughout this one. The heat is incinerating. They have to not only fight their own black hearts, but also a darkness that is close to home.
It's time to rock! Though this is the first instalment, it looks to be a thrill ride for all the members of the band. There is just enough tease with the other characters to make sure you crave the next one.
September 12, 2022
Black Hearts is the story of estranged best friends Charlie and Jax. Jax is the lead singer of Saints and Sinners and is struggling to write their new album. The guys return to their hometown, hoping to find the inspiration needed to finish their album.
Charlie is the owner of Talisman in New Orleans and has been hopelessly in love with her best friend. She has pushed down her feelings and tries to move on but is stuck in a vicious circle of abusive relationships. With the band's return, old feelings are lingering for many, and they may just bubble over.
This is my first book by this author, and I really wanted to love it. Instead, I could not find a way to emotionally connected with the characters and wasn't overly invested in the story. I found it challenging to understand the dynamics between many characters, mainly between Charlie and just about everyone.
All of that aside, that's not to say I did not enjoy it. I did like the idea of the story and the paths to redemption taken by the characters. I am curious as to how the rest of the series unfolds.
Voluntarily reviewed after receiving a free copy courtesy of the author, Tori Fox.
Charlie is the owner of Talisman in New Orleans and has been hopelessly in love with her best friend. She has pushed down her feelings and tries to move on but is stuck in a vicious circle of abusive relationships. With the band's return, old feelings are lingering for many, and they may just bubble over.
This is my first book by this author, and I really wanted to love it. Instead, I could not find a way to emotionally connected with the characters and wasn't overly invested in the story. I found it challenging to understand the dynamics between many characters, mainly between Charlie and just about everyone.
All of that aside, that's not to say I did not enjoy it. I did like the idea of the story and the paths to redemption taken by the characters. I am curious as to how the rest of the series unfolds.
Voluntarily reviewed after receiving a free copy courtesy of the author, Tori Fox.
September 7, 2023
I can only think to describe this book using this situation-
The author is making the couple climb a steep mountain and instead of creating bumps and falls, she creates cliffs in the middle of that climb. Which means the characters and the story just go splat again and again.
It was fucking frustrating.
I mean, there are a lot of chapters that show tension between Charlie and Jax because of their secrets. And instead of making them figure shit out and creating much-needed drama, suspense, and angst, the author does a total 180.…... Charlie suddenly "knows" that Jax wouldn't hurt her without a
reason and she starts to trust him again without even asking him for an explanation… he cheated on her with her best friend for fuck's sake!!!! Not to mention the half-second scene Ms Fox provided to magically solve all of Jax and Charlie's problems. Get outta here.
It could have been a really nice story but unfortunately, it wasn't a good experience for me. Not continuing with the series.
The author is making the couple climb a steep mountain and instead of creating bumps and falls, she creates cliffs in the middle of that climb. Which means the characters and the story just go splat again and again.
It was fucking frustrating.
I mean, there are a lot of chapters that show tension between Charlie and Jax because of their secrets. And instead of making them figure shit out and creating much-needed drama, suspense, and angst, the author does a total 180.…... Charlie suddenly "knows" that Jax wouldn't hurt her without a
reason and she starts to trust him again without even asking him for an explanation… he cheated on her with her best friend for fuck's sake!!!! Not to mention the half-second scene Ms Fox provided to magically solve all of Jax and Charlie's problems. Get outta here.
It could have been a really nice story but unfortunately, it wasn't a good experience for me. Not continuing with the series.
September 4, 2022
Jackson and Charlie are childhood friends but Jackson up and left with his band one day and things have been strained between them since. Now the band is returning home and Jax is returning to his muse. Charlie inspires the best in Jax. With her around he writes chart topping music.
Charlie has really gone through some stuff. She’s been in a “relationship” with a total douche who crosses lines and luckily now Jax is there to save her, though she’s tough and can handle her own.
This book has a darker feel to it. There’s so much angst and turmoil for the characters. They can’t be together because of deals made on Jackson’s side, he would risk loosing the band. However they are hopelessly in love with each other and determined to break down all barriers.
I love the band and all the guys we meet in this first book. There’s a lot to look forward to from this new series from Tori Fox. These guys are not to be ignored!
Charlie has really gone through some stuff. She’s been in a “relationship” with a total douche who crosses lines and luckily now Jax is there to save her, though she’s tough and can handle her own.
This book has a darker feel to it. There’s so much angst and turmoil for the characters. They can’t be together because of deals made on Jackson’s side, he would risk loosing the band. However they are hopelessly in love with each other and determined to break down all barriers.
I love the band and all the guys we meet in this first book. There’s a lot to look forward to from this new series from Tori Fox. These guys are not to be ignored!
September 16, 2022
Jackson & Charlie were friends since they were kids until they weren't as they loved each other. However, he breaks her heart & that's that for many years. Nowadays he's a rock star called Jax who has lost his mojo so he comes back to find it again in order to start writing more songs bringing him face to face with Charlie again. Charlie is now the owner of the Talisman, but never got over Jax. She's not been able to pick a decent man to save her life, and frankly, she lost me when she kept taking what the latest man is dishing out. I know she had quite the traumatic past & all, but seriously, I felt like she should have put up a little bigger fight in it all. Now that her true love is back in town, will they finally work out their past & maybe just maybe have a future together?! Tori Fox has an engaging writing style, and despite the couple of personal dislikes in the story, I couldn't put it down so I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
September 9, 2022
Tori Foxx nailed this one out of the park. I could not put this one down and it just makes me want more from this new series. Jackson and Charlie have been best friends since childhood, when things happen to Charlie he makes the ultimate choice that changes things. Now his band is number one and he's struggling to get some tracks done. Going home is the last thing he and his bandmates want to do. However, they don't have a choice. Now he has to face not only Charlie, but the questions she has, and the past. Charlie has fought so hard to become who she is. She still struggles but she gets through it. When Jackson comes back into her life things are about to change again. Can these two get their friendship back and become the more they have always wanted?
*Please note there are some triggers in this story*
*Please note there are some triggers in this story*
February 16, 2024
Amazing read
Love this book. Love Jackson and Charlie’s romance story. Jackson and Charlie have been childhood best friends and they even dated in high school but had a falling out. They are back to being friends. Jackson is the lead singer for the band Saints and Sinners. He ends up going through writers block. The bands manager ends up telling the band to go back home. The manager specifically tells Jackson to find his muse. Jackson left his home town several years ago and hasn’t set foot back in town. He doesn’t want to go back home but he ends up going and he finds his muse and starts writing songs again. His muse ends up being Charlie. The songs are even about Charlie. Throughout the book, readers learn why Charlie and Jackson had their falling out and the lengths Jackson would go to make sure Charlie is safe. Love how these two end up together. Worth the read
Love this book. Love Jackson and Charlie’s romance story. Jackson and Charlie have been childhood best friends and they even dated in high school but had a falling out. They are back to being friends. Jackson is the lead singer for the band Saints and Sinners. He ends up going through writers block. The bands manager ends up telling the band to go back home. The manager specifically tells Jackson to find his muse. Jackson left his home town several years ago and hasn’t set foot back in town. He doesn’t want to go back home but he ends up going and he finds his muse and starts writing songs again. His muse ends up being Charlie. The songs are even about Charlie. Throughout the book, readers learn why Charlie and Jackson had their falling out and the lengths Jackson would go to make sure Charlie is safe. Love how these two end up together. Worth the read
September 9, 2022
Black Hearts is the story of two best friends who have spent the last few years avoiding one another, all because they don't know how to deal with their growing feelings for one another even though they both want to be a couple.
Unable to communicate their feelings for each other neither one of them knows how the other feels so they continue avoiding their feelings in order to keep the other in their lives.
Black Hearts is full of tension and angst. The beginning is a little slow but once you get going you can't help but become invested in this story. I kept waiting for them to take the chance they were both so desperately seeking even if it'd ruin everything in the end but no spoilers so you'll just have to pick it up to find out for yourselves.
Unable to communicate their feelings for each other neither one of them knows how the other feels so they continue avoiding their feelings in order to keep the other in their lives.
Black Hearts is full of tension and angst. The beginning is a little slow but once you get going you can't help but become invested in this story. I kept waiting for them to take the chance they were both so desperately seeking even if it'd ruin everything in the end but no spoilers so you'll just have to pick it up to find out for yourselves.
September 9, 2022
OMFG - there are seriously no perfect words to describe all the things I loved about this amazing book . Black Hearts is the emotional journey of Jax and Charley and when I say that it’s a emotional rollercoaster in every sense of the word well that’s an understatement. The Drama , the pain , the darkness , the heartbreak, the tragedy the secrets , the steamy moments And entwined with all of that is the most beautifully written love story . A love story of two people who have not had the easiest of lives yet somehow fit so perfectly together. I don’t want to give anything away but what I will say is that it’s not often I come across a book or author that captivates me quite like Tori Fox’s books do . If you have yet to read Them your really missing out . Do not miss this phenomenal book
September 15, 2022
Good Start to a Rock Series
With enough about the other band members to keep you wondering about them, especially Roan and the band's manager Riot. Jax and Charlie are best friends since second grade and more until he broke het heart 10 years ago. I liked Charlie in the beginning of the book. She's a badass business woman and a good friend and boss. SPOILER
But I hated how many times she allowed herself to be physically abused by Eli not only that given her upbringing, but literally allows him to get away with it. Jackson is sex, drugs and rock n roll
and only Charlie can bring out his creativity. After being apart for years it's was time to face the past and right some wrongs and become the love of each others life.
With enough about the other band members to keep you wondering about them, especially Roan and the band's manager Riot. Jax and Charlie are best friends since second grade and more until he broke het heart 10 years ago. I liked Charlie in the beginning of the book. She's a badass business woman and a good friend and boss. SPOILER
But I hated how many times she allowed herself to be physically abused by Eli not only that given her upbringing, but literally allows him to get away with it. Jackson is sex, drugs and rock n roll
and only Charlie can bring out his creativity. After being apart for years it's was time to face the past and right some wrongs and become the love of each others life.
September 11, 2022
Stephannie's 5-Star Review:
This one is an edgy, dark, and great story. I loved it. Charlie experienced trauma and she is working through it. Jax is the love of her life but he broke her heart and now he is back in town working on his new album. Jax made mistakes in the past with Charlie but he does love her and she is it for him. He made a deal to protect her and that made him break both of their hearts. These two have a twisted past and now that he is in her orbit there is no turning back now.
I really enjoyed and loved this story. I love a good fast pace story that is dark and twisty and this one doesn't disappoint. I can't wait to read the next one about West.
This one is an edgy, dark, and great story. I loved it. Charlie experienced trauma and she is working through it. Jax is the love of her life but he broke her heart and now he is back in town working on his new album. Jax made mistakes in the past with Charlie but he does love her and she is it for him. He made a deal to protect her and that made him break both of their hearts. These two have a twisted past and now that he is in her orbit there is no turning back now.
I really enjoyed and loved this story. I love a good fast pace story that is dark and twisty and this one doesn't disappoint. I can't wait to read the next one about West.
September 12, 2022
What a trip!
I absolutely adored Jackson and Charlie. I loved how protective he was of her, how he’d give up anything to save her from the evils in her life.
And let’s talk about how bad ass Charlie is, weaponizing her trauma and getting what she wanted out of life! Her past broke my heart, but I loved how despite that she was able to see her parents as the broken humans they clearly are who made mistakes. And you know, the Justice delivered to a certain POS Richard was worth it.
I actually really loved the side characters (And I really really want more on Carter 😂). The storyline was engaging, too, and I cannot wait for more books about the Saints and Sinners!
I absolutely adored Jackson and Charlie. I loved how protective he was of her, how he’d give up anything to save her from the evils in her life.
And let’s talk about how bad ass Charlie is, weaponizing her trauma and getting what she wanted out of life! Her past broke my heart, but I loved how despite that she was able to see her parents as the broken humans they clearly are who made mistakes. And you know, the Justice delivered to a certain POS Richard was worth it.
I actually really loved the side characters (And I really really want more on Carter 😂). The storyline was engaging, too, and I cannot wait for more books about the Saints and Sinners!
September 30, 2023
black hearts
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
rockstar ☑️
friends to lovers ☑️
forbidden romance ☑️
this story is full of drama, spice, pain, love, mystery and heartbreak. all these aspects were woven into the story exceptionally well from the beginning.
both jackson and charlie have been in love with each other for over two decades but things keep getting in there way to finally be happy. throughout this story you’ll find out all the reasons why it took so long for them to finally have their happily ever after - if you want to call it that when they have another shoe that still needs to drop.
it was definitely a bumpy road reading their story back to each other but it was heartwarming all the same.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
rockstar ☑️
friends to lovers ☑️
forbidden romance ☑️
this story is full of drama, spice, pain, love, mystery and heartbreak. all these aspects were woven into the story exceptionally well from the beginning.
both jackson and charlie have been in love with each other for over two decades but things keep getting in there way to finally be happy. throughout this story you’ll find out all the reasons why it took so long for them to finally have their happily ever after - if you want to call it that when they have another shoe that still needs to drop.
it was definitely a bumpy road reading their story back to each other but it was heartwarming all the same.
Read
August 31, 2022Jax and Charlie have managed to take up space in my head and heart. They have a history but what caused them to drift will break you.
This book is not one you should start if you have plans because you'll forget them all and let these characters stand on their stage and sing their tragic song into your memory.
The storytelling was brilliant. Getting to know these characters was a rush yet had my heart hurting. I could see and feel the highs and lows.
I can't wait to get more stories from Saints and Sinners. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
This book is not one you should start if you have plans because you'll forget them all and let these characters stand on their stage and sing their tragic song into your memory.
The storytelling was brilliant. Getting to know these characters was a rush yet had my heart hurting. I could see and feel the highs and lows.
I can't wait to get more stories from Saints and Sinners. I received an ARC for an honest and voluntarily review.
September 12, 2022
I thought Black Heart was a interesting story , when I read the blurb I couldn't wait to get my hands on it . The characters were really frustrating for me it just felt like way to much drama but overall this was a good book with a great story line that kept my action from start to finish . This would be the first time reading a book by Tori Fox I'm looking forward to reading more by the author in the future she had a interesting way of drawing me into the story even though it did frustrate me a time or two .
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