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stephshoff88's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
alisonb's review against another edition
4.0
This is a story of two characters with deep secrets they hold close while navigating a fragile marriage. The entire book revolves around secrets, nefarious plots, suffering, and hardship.
There are moments when the story surfaced from the underlying bleakness and angst, and I felt some hope in Luke's epiphanies that slowly brought his heart back to life. Overall, this is a story of healing for Luke. Luke develops profoundly in this story as he becomes less guarded and heartless, and visibly changes in his approach to his relations with his siblings and his wife.
Anna is burdened by her secrets and so weighed down that it is palpable on the page. There were moments when I just wanted to give her the advice to confide in Luke, or anyone! But Balogh made it very clear that she had been manipulated and brainwashed by a very clever and evil person who convinced her that she would lose everything if she were to tell the truth. I felt such sadness for her and also admired her bravery as a woman who gave everything to protect her family.
I read this book as fast as I could in order to get to that safe place in which foes are slain, secrets are obliterated by the light of day, and love has room to blossom. The tension, angst, and dread was so palpable throughout the book, that I was relieved that this was a romance novel that would bring me safely to roost in a happily ever after.
If you are a Balogh fan (of which I am), I recommend reading this story in the sense that this didn't feel like a Balogh novel in the overall tone of the writing. It almost seems like the flip side of the coin as far as the plot as well. It was interesting to see a different side to her writing than I recall reading before. The aspect of this story that did display Balogh's talent-in my estimation-is her ability to dig deep with her characters and craft a character arc that is realistic and grabs you as the reader, taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
4-4.5 stars
CW/TW: References to rape (one instance is described, but not gratuitously), reference to miscarriage/stillbirth (no detail).
There are moments when the story surfaced from the underlying bleakness and angst, and I felt some hope in Luke's epiphanies that slowly brought his heart back to life. Overall, this is a story of healing for Luke. Luke develops profoundly in this story as he becomes less guarded and heartless, and visibly changes in his approach to his relations with his siblings and his wife.
Anna is burdened by her secrets and so weighed down that it is palpable on the page. There were moments when I just wanted to give her the advice to confide in Luke, or anyone! But Balogh made it very clear that she had been manipulated and brainwashed by a very clever and evil person who convinced her that she would lose everything if she were to tell the truth. I felt such sadness for her and also admired her bravery as a woman who gave everything to protect her family.
I read this book as fast as I could in order to get to that safe place in which foes are slain, secrets are obliterated by the light of day, and love has room to blossom. The tension, angst, and dread was so palpable throughout the book, that I was relieved that this was a romance novel that would bring me safely to roost in a happily ever after.
If you are a Balogh fan (of which I am), I recommend reading this story in the sense that this didn't feel like a Balogh novel in the overall tone of the writing. It almost seems like the flip side of the coin as far as the plot as well. It was interesting to see a different side to her writing than I recall reading before. The aspect of this story that did display Balogh's talent-in my estimation-is her ability to dig deep with her characters and craft a character arc that is realistic and grabs you as the reader, taking you on a rollercoaster of emotions.
4-4.5 stars
CW/TW: References to rape (one instance is described, but not gratuitously), reference to miscarriage/stillbirth (no detail).
crystald14's review against another edition
3.0
Ah the Georgian era where men wore cosmetics and heels and powdered their hair. And Lucas seemed to symbolise this all. That alone did make him a bit ugh for a moment, but that passed as soon as Lucas and Anna got married. I enjoyed Anna- Luke together. Sure, Anna did have a mask, she truly grew to adore the man. And he was supposed to be heartless, but I enjoyed the way his heart grew back.
Luke is back after 10 years of being away at home, and truly repressing every fine feeling in himself. He marries Anna because he needs a wife, but he always felt something more with her. But she has secrets from him. And I really expected the "secret" to be more heinous than it was, but it was still very creepy. I get why Anna relies on herself and doesnt tell Luke. But it is still pretty sick.
I love stories where the characters grow to love and understand the other, where they know the other. It was almost beautiful to see Luke and Anna, and especially the way Luke behaved with Joy. I had tears in my eyes when Luke confessed his love. It meant so much more when coming from him.
I enjoyed the mystery and was wondering how it would play out.Pretty sick what happened to Anna.
An interesting read and Im intrigued to read Emmy's story next
Takeaway : Love is joy. And it makes everything better. Never repress who you are.
Luke is back after 10 years of being away at home, and truly repressing every fine feeling in himself. He marries Anna because he needs a wife, but he always felt something more with her. But she has secrets from him. And I really expected the "secret" to be more heinous than it was, but it was still very creepy. I get why Anna relies on herself and doesnt tell Luke. But it is still pretty sick.
Spoiler
Her stalker is a sick man. And he has abused Anna so much, and blackmails her. That Henrietta is a bitch of the first order and one of the few women characters (maybe the only one) who I didnt like even as she was introduced.I love stories where the characters grow to love and understand the other, where they know the other. It was almost beautiful to see Luke and Anna, and especially the way Luke behaved with Joy. I had tears in my eyes when Luke confessed his love. It meant so much more when coming from him.
I enjoyed the mystery and was wondering how it would play out.Pretty sick what happened to Anna.
An interesting read and Im intrigued to read Emmy's story next
Takeaway : Love is joy. And it makes everything better. Never repress who you are.
lydiaewinters's review against another edition
4.0
While not quite good enough to take up a space on my permanent romance bookshelf, I thoroughly enjoyed Heartless. Balogh did a good job of keeping being realistic to the times without making me hate Lucas. (That's a reason I don't usually read regency era)
The best part of the story was easily when Lucas met his child for the first time. One of the most beautiful scenes I've ever read.
Two things have me disappointed:
One, that the sequel is apparently not very good. I loved Emily's character and would have loved to read more off her story, but after looking at the reviews I'm certain I would not enjoy the book.
Lastly, I wish we could have had more of a happy ending for Lucas' Uncle and Anna's godmother. I'm choosing to believe that they decided to finally marry and were able to have the child it seemed so clear they wanted.
The best part of the story was easily when Lucas met his child for the first time. One of the most beautiful scenes I've ever read.
Two things have me disappointed:
One, that the sequel is apparently not very good. I loved Emily's character and would have loved to read more off her story, but after looking at the reviews I'm certain I would not enjoy the book.
Lastly, I wish we could have had more of a happy ending for Lucas' Uncle and Anna's godmother. I'm choosing to believe that they decided to finally marry and were able to have the child it seemed so clear they wanted.
fi_c's review against another edition
3.75
Audio (Rosalyn Landor)
3.75
Summary: After an estrangement and lengthy period abroad, a duke returns home to care for his family - and finds himself attracted (and quickly married) to a young woman with a painful past, which comes back to haunt them.
Stats: HR-Georgian, M/F, part of a series but stands alone fine, open door
Notes: The plot gets a bit wild and strange - and the backstory is a little odd, but I did enjoy the characters - especially the MMC who suits the period's version of masculinity well - that was a nice change of pace.
Didn't take content notes
3.75
Summary: After an estrangement and lengthy period abroad, a duke returns home to care for his family - and finds himself attracted (and quickly married) to a young woman with a painful past, which comes back to haunt them.
Stats: HR-Georgian, M/F, part of a series but stands alone fine, open door
Notes: The plot gets a bit wild and strange - and the backstory is a little odd, but I did enjoy the characters - especially the MMC who suits the period's version of masculinity well - that was a nice change of pace.
Didn't take content notes
writer595's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Sexual violence, and Emotional abuse
excel_spreadsheet_book_nerd's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kaitykat's review against another edition
2.0
“Zounds!” I did not enjoy this as I thought I would. :( I had high hopes for our dandy Duke, Lucas, and our lovely heroine, Anna, but this book just fell flat for me and was just a bit icky. We follow our 25 year old spinster heroine, Anna, and a fashionable dandy of a duke, Lucas, who has just returned from a long stay in Paris. Lucas needs to get married, Anna is being pressured to get married. She has secrets. They meet. They get married like three days later. Anna doesn’t tell Lucas she is already promised to a man to marry but he has gone MIA - misunderstandings, chaos, and wackiness ensue. And that’s just the first 50 pages!
So! I found our ensemble bland. I didn’t connect with any of the characters - I had with Anna at first, given we’re the same age, but her keeping of secrets leading to misunderstandings was a turn off. She also had no personality once she got married. Her cute flirtiness and ease about her just went poof. I didn’t find Lucas romantic either, just cold; I understand he’s supposed to be “heartless” but mehhHhHh. I love a broody hero but he wasn’t even broody. Their chemistry just wasn’t there, and their love scenes were just.. idk, how many times Anna begged “make love to me!” and Lucas was like “okay.” It just was - listen, I can’t even explain it, something was off. No one fell into each other’s arms from true love and passion! (Also, Lucas took advantage of her at one point during an argument?! Am I wrong?!)
A lot of this book involved other characters, siblings, parents, annoying aunts and uncles, but the one who earned my Most Loathed award was Henrietta. Henrietta, Lucas’ sister-in-law, and ex lover, and widow. I’m really not a fan when ex’s are in books unless it is a necessity, not just to cause trouble, and boy, was Henrietta trouble. SHE WAS GRATING. She is so jealous of Lucas and Anna’s relationship, and she was so vengeful! Making moves and being a little home wrecker. Also, our villain was so gross, as was the assault Anna endured on his behalf. Just so so gross. Anna was dehumanized and it made me feel icky. Things just never sat well with me in this book and I didn’t feel the love between anyone.
My favorite character ended up being Emily! She is deaf and mute and the smartest most loving character in this book. LITERALLY. She’s the only one who ever notices anything and has a better sense of Anna’s own emotions than her own husband does and she is a child! Bruh! Little Emily is queen. She is the true hero of this book and she is lovely. I love that Ashley, whom I didn’t care for tbh, calls her “Little Fawn,” it’s adorable.
So! I found our ensemble bland. I didn’t connect with any of the characters - I had with Anna at first, given we’re the same age, but her keeping of secrets leading to misunderstandings was a turn off. She also had no personality once she got married. Her cute flirtiness and ease about her just went poof. I didn’t find Lucas romantic either, just cold; I understand he’s supposed to be “heartless” but mehhHhHh. I love a broody hero but he wasn’t even broody. Their chemistry just wasn’t there, and their love scenes were just.. idk, how many times Anna begged “make love to me!” and Lucas was like “okay.” It just was - listen, I can’t even explain it, something was off. No one fell into each other’s arms from true love and passion! (Also, Lucas took advantage of her at one point during an argument?! Am I wrong?!)
A lot of this book involved other characters, siblings, parents, annoying aunts and uncles, but the one who earned my Most Loathed award was Henrietta. Henrietta, Lucas’ sister-in-law, and ex lover, and widow. I’m really not a fan when ex’s are in books unless it is a necessity, not just to cause trouble, and boy, was Henrietta trouble. SHE WAS GRATING. She is so jealous of Lucas and Anna’s relationship, and she was so vengeful! Making moves and being a little home wrecker. Also, our villain was so gross, as was the assault Anna endured on his behalf. Just so so gross. Anna was dehumanized and it made me feel icky. Things just never sat well with me in this book and I didn’t feel the love between anyone.
My favorite character ended up being Emily! She is deaf and mute and the smartest most loving character in this book. LITERALLY. She’s the only one who ever notices anything and has a better sense of Anna’s own emotions than her own husband does and she is a child! Bruh! Little Emily is queen. She is the true hero of this book and she is lovely. I love that Ashley, whom I didn’t care for tbh, calls her “Little Fawn,” it’s adorable.