Heartless by R.C. Martin

Jul 22, 2020 benevolent bastard rated it really liked it

Shelves: need-to-re-read, age-difference, romance, cheating, for-a-slut-like-me

***TRIGGER WARNING***

Michael and Blaine are a boy meets girl and boy falls in love story ONLY Michael is MARRIED and Blaine has a BOYFRIEND.

The heart wants what it wants. So much to say about this. I don’t even know where to start. I really loved this. I loved seeing how they met and how they quickly go from innocent to deadly. The chemistry was off the charts. I highly recommend.

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May 22, 2018 Rejane marked it as not-interested

It's not even for the cheating because it's common knowledge here. But because if I wanted realism (because let's be real, this happens A LOT in real life) I would talk to people I know. Just look in the news how many times the plot in this book happens. The very president is being accused of it. ...more

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Dec 07, 2017 Melanie (mells_view) rated it really liked it

This book is about two people falling in love when they aren’t necessarily looking for love. There is cheating in this book, and whether or not you can handle that... is up to you, but I feel like R.C. Martin does a fantastic job of not making excuses for these characters. No one becomes a villain to make the events in this story ok. You know they are flawed, you know they are making poor choices, but if you can accept a love story for what it is, all flaws and mistakes included, then I think yo ...more

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Dec 19, 2020 NMmomof4 rated it really liked it

Shelves: separation-without-other-partners, cheating, not-safe, unlikely-couple, kindle-unlimited, military-security-government, 3-5-star, famous-wealthy-popular

3.5 Stars

Overall Opinion: This was enjoyable. I didn’t feel like it was as long as it was because I was so into it and it flowed well. I did have a few minor gripes to bring it down to 3.5 stars for me. Giggling is a pet peeve of mine in stories for some reason. I know it’s a personal thing, but I have practically zero tolerance for it when it is the h doing it! So when this h was described doing this ~40ish times in the book, it really started to bug me. I personally attribute the ‘giggle’ to ...more

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Dec 18, 2017 Dri ✰ rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2017

★4 stars!!!★

“There is a comfort here that I don’t feel in my own bed. In the silence of morning, without a word spoken, without a touch given, in this stillness that only exists as one shakes off sleep, there is a sense of security that insists that I stay. That here I am safe. Here I am free. Here I am home.”

Sabe aquele livro do qual você tem certeza que não vai gostar porque tu meio que detesta o tema abordado e raramente o escolhe? Mas, mesmo assim a sua curiosidade fala mais alto e te “f ...more

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May 07, 2020 Jac K rated it really liked it

Shelves: hubs-cheating-trope, kindle-unlimited, cheating

Heads Up *This book is about an affair between a married man, and a woman with a live in BF. If you have ZERO tolerance for cheating, and are not open to cheaters getting a HEA… you should skip this one. *Also, although this isn’t a “Christian” book nor does it feel like one. (language, sex) There are several mentions about God, being a Christian man, etc. It’s not preachy, just a heads up, in case that’s not your jam …. moving on

I enjoyed this book, not because I agree with the MC’s choices; I’ Heads Up *This book is about an affair between a married man, and a woman with a live in BF. If you have ZERO tolerance for cheating, and are not open to cheaters getting a HEA… you should skip this one. *Also, although this isn’t a “Christian” book nor does it feel like one. (language, sex) There are several mentions about God, being a Christian man, etc. It’s not preachy, just a heads up, in case that’s not your jam …. moving on

I enjoyed this book, not because I agree with the MC’s choices; I’m not saying infidelity is cool; I’m a married woman myself. I’m giving this four-stars, because I found the book thought provoking, entertaining, and I thought the author did a great job. The writing is good, and she does not take the lazy way out. There are no villains or justifications for the MC’s decisions; she doesn’t make excuses, or tie it up pretty… it is what it is… Which is a story of two “good” people that make selfish “bad” choices.

Michael Cavanaugh is a 37-year-old Governor of Colorado; he’s been with his wife Victoria for 21 years. (married for 15 ish) He’s never cheated, and they are both each other’s only lover; the couple doesn’t have a “bad” marriage, but infertility issues have caused them to drift. Victoria is not a bitch, and isn’t portrayed negatively at all. Cheating aside, he’s portrayed as honest and kind; he has a great relationship with his family, and is a good man.

Blaine Foster is a 24-year-old college educated bartender; she’s in a 2-yr relationship with her BF Mateo, and he recently moved in with her. Mateo isn’t a great BF; he’s selfish, and the couple breakup early in the book. (view spoiler) Cheating aside, she’s portrayed as hardworking and kind, and has a great relationship with her father. I thought she seemed a bit immature with her toe rings, and silly T-shirts, but she handles things pretty maturely.

This isn’t a racy tale of sex; Michael hasn’t ever been tempted to stray, but when he meets Blaine, they have an instant connection. The affair doesn’t start straight away, but neither one “fights” the temptation either. The nature of their relationship (busy schedules/forbidden) did not allow them to spend a lot of time together, so it progresses to love pretty quickly.

This one had me all over the place emotionally; I cycled through all the feels. It helped me knowing going in that this was M & B’s love story (the blurb is sort of vague) so mentally I was prepared, but my heart still ached for Victoria. The author doesn’t sugar coat anything, and the fallout is brutal. Eventually, Michael pulls his head out, and handles things how he should have from the start… so by the end I felt he got it. And I felt a smidge better towards him, but I don’t really think Blaine ever understood or regretted her part in the breakdown of his marriage.

Bottom line- This genre is tough, and not for everyone. It’s a lot more to swallow compared to the typical “hubs cheating trope” then seeing the light and groveling. The wife is left broken without a HEA, and that SUCKS-big time!! I choose and rate these types of books based on the emotional connection I feel; not whether or not I feel the MC’s are moral; agree with their decisions; or get the ending I want. And this one was ugly, with flawed (yet not toxic) characters that was honest, and not easy or lazy. If you find you do enjoy the emotional marathon of this one; you might try Becoming His Mistress which has a sort-a similar feel, and is also free with KU. ...more

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May 08, 2020 Carla Bulian rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 12, 2017 J rated it liked it

Shelves: hero-cheats, cheating-involved, technically-not-cheating-but-feels, hero-is-a-zero, h-is-ow, so-who-is-the-heroine-in-this-mess, ow-felt-like-the-h-instead, cheated-after-being-with-h, love-triangle, h-pregnant-or-have-baby

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. *****************spoiler alert************
***read at your own risk - both H and h cheating -- H is married, h lives with b/f***
First off, writing was good, take away the cheating and you have a hot older man/younger woman erotic read but reading it with all the blatant cheating did leave a nasty taste. I felt sympathy for the clueless wife.
H married to her for over 20 yrs, each other's first, I think with each other since 16 or 17? marriage seems normal if not rip roaring hot but still... seems *****************spoiler alert************
***read at your own risk - both H and h cheating -- H is married, h lives with b/f***
First off, writing was good, take away the cheating and you have a hot older man/younger woman erotic read but reading it with all the blatant cheating did leave a nasty taste. I felt sympathy for the clueless wife.
H married to her for over 20 yrs, each other's first, I think with each other since 16 or 17? marriage seems normal if not rip roaring hot but still... seems things changed, wife got emotionally closed off and kept pretty busy after finding out she could not have kids. Yes she shut him out emotionally but they had other options and H didnt seem to have done much to push her to get some help. Instead, he found h and went into relationship with eyes wide open. At one point he was sexing both so he cheated on both, even kept saying the "I love yous" to wife". Very scuzzy move.
the h was also cheating initially on her lived in b/f, at least she broke it off with him (another loser ow for h jeez).

So H is politician from prominent religious family, h is bartender he met at bar one evening after work. Wife was not a bitch, physo, cruel or any of the usual negative stereotypes which was refreshing. I didnt dislike her, felft sorry for her actually. At first I thought maybe it would play out that she was cheating but no, she kept very busy I think to fill the childless void. She also worked hard to organize H's life.
H finally manned up and asked wife for a divorce, she was devastated, family also in turmoil, left h with no contact for months, she was pregnant and didnt tell him.
Reading this book was a roller coaster ride of different emotions . The writing was very good, story flowed but I just could not stomach both H/h's action - at least he should have tried harder with wife, or separated or something before starting relationship with h. I felt the lust, not the love. Anywho - my hope is to see another book with ex wife be h with a great ending for her with children - now that would be a great HEA. ...more

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Aug 27, 2018 April Reader rated it it was ok

Shelves: ebook, cheating-hero, fidelity-issues, asshat-hero

A romance novel where the heroine is the other woman and the hero is a married man.

I couldn’t get over what a selfish asshat the hero was to ever root for them as a couple.

He’s been with his wife for 20 years (married for 15) when he meets cute waitress Blaine (heroine) and starts an affair with her.

His marriage with his wife is distant after 20 years but not so terrible that I could forgive him for not fighting harder for his marriage. Actually, he didn’t fight at all. Temptation presented it ...more

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Jul 19, 2019 Tmstprc rated it did not like it

Shelves: cheating

My original review gave this 3 stars, the more I thought about it,the more annoyed I got...

My first thought, it’s filled with tropes…
1. Cheating
2. Older man/younger woman
3. Politician
4. BDSM

I'm going to start by saying, I like cheating stories. They're filled with angst, and can be filled with forgiveness and redemption. HEA is not something I feel is a requirement. The ending should fit the story.

The review contains spoilers...

It’s well written and you definitely feel they’re falling in love. B My original review gave this 3 stars, the more I thought about it,the more annoyed I got...

My first thought, it’s filled with tropes…
1. Cheating
2. Older man/younger woman
3. Politician
4. BDSM

I'm going to start by saying, I like cheating stories. They're filled with angst, and can be filled with forgiveness and redemption. HEA is not something I feel is a requirement. The ending should fit the story.

The review contains spoilers...

It’s well written and you definitely feel they’re falling in love. But, they’re so selfish, and that puts a damper on the whole story. The main characters are somewhat likable, but the cheating tones that down. But, just because a story is well written it's not a given the reader is going to like what is written. For me the story deserves 2 stars, the third one is for the author's ability to write.

The wife and her sub plot (her inability to have children and unwillingness to communicate push her to be the perfect politician’s wife) feels like a forced conflict. She’s a throw away character, once he’s in love with the OW, he ceases to care, he has no real guilt until well after the truth comes out, but not enough to fix his marriage, and you don’t want him to fix it, his wife deserves better.

The husband travels a slippery slope, takes full responsibility when his marriage falls apart and doesn’t want anyone to blame the OW. There’s a great confrontation scene between the husband and his sister, where she points out the OW is just as wrong, as she should have known better and “chose” to be in the relationship. Both wrong.

I’m surprised no one mentioned the christian overtones near the end of the book… “Even in the darkness, God is here. He sees me. He knows me. He forgives me. And, He convicts me….God loves me anyway, it crushes me—it breaks me to know that I a man so undeserving am the recipient of such grace.” Even though his father is a minister, this felt completely out of left field. As much as I agree with this, it feels like a justification, a get out of jail free card. ‘I’m basically a good man God loves and forgives me, I’m good to go.’ Is this the author or the character trying to be okay what he's done.

Their HEA feels ugly. I hated the epilogue. There are no consequences, he has his HEA with his family, including his sister around him, a new baby on the way and plans to run for president. His family, the state of Colorado and now the entire country will get to embrace this amazing man. I didn’t care enough about the two characters to feel invested in their HEA and please do we really need to know the details of the governor’s playroom?

Normally, I follow the story where the author takes me, it works or it doesn’t. I think the author told the wrong story—rarely do I feel this way. If he wasn’t married, if he was a bachelor governor, and they met at the bar with him ordering the burger and her talking him out of it. They date in secret, they fall in love, the conflict could easily have been the stress of his political career and maybe their age difference. I would have happily bought into their story, with or without the playroom. ...more

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Dec 06, 2017 Elizarey rated it it was amazing

Earlier on this year I discovered RC Martin when she was recommended to me by a friend! Her book Guarded was amazing and I knew I had found an author who I would add to my one click list.

Heartless was passionate, sexy, sultry and romantic! I loved the characters and their personalities, they were all written so well! I loved the theme of the story itself, the forbidden, lust, love and stolen moments.

Recommend to anyone in the mood for a suspenseful romantic story of forbidden love!!

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Dec 16, 2017 deityreads rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I usually hate books with any kind of cheating but for some reason this book was able to reel me in right from the start. I know it was wrong and yet I understood where the MCs were coming from. I was a bit angry with the h at the beginning because she still has a boyfriend when she decided to see the H. But after their first kiss, she broke up with her bf so I was able to forgive her. The hero was with his wife since he was 17 so I also understood that though they’re not happy anymore, it’s not I usually hate books with any kind of cheating but for some reason this book was able to reel me in right from the start. I know it was wrong and yet I understood where the MCs were coming from. I was a bit angry with the h at the beginning because she still has a boyfriend when she decided to see the H. But after their first kiss, she broke up with her bf so I was able to forgive her. The hero was with his wife since he was 17 so I also understood that though they’re not happy anymore, it’s not that easy to let go of decades with his wife when everything with the h was still very new.

“There is a comfort here that I don’t feel in my own bed. In the silence of morning, without a word spoken, without a touch given, in this stillness that only exists as one shakes off sleep, there is a sense of security that insists that I stay. That here I am safe. Here I am free. Here I am home.”

“My heart swells and my chest aches as I realize that while last night was the best night of my life, it does not compare to the serenity of this quiet moment; this awareness of who Blaine is to me—of who I am when I am with her. She allows me to be all that I am, and she does so with more grace and mercy than I can remember experiencing with another human being.”

“I am a husband—a husband that does not belong to her, and yet, with every passing day she gives me grace and time to figure out what the hell I’m to do with the pieces of my marriage that hold me captive.”

“It’s not that complicated with Blaine. As messy as the circumstances of our affair may be, what we share is quite simple—quite pure. It is honest and open. It is transparent and liberating. Even more, it is passionate and real—it is extraordinary.
It is all that I want.
She is all that I want.”

I loved most of the book. But towards the end I started skimming their sex scenes. It just became too much.. too repetitive that it lost its appeal already. I wish not ALL their intimate scenes were very detailed and some would just fade to black. I also didn’t like the twist at the end of her being pregnant. For me, that part just ruined everything. It was bad enough that everyone was siding with the H’s wife.. it’s bad enough that he’s the governor and thus the h will be ridiculed by the nation.. now, the fact that she was pregnant will make everyone think that he was just FORCED to marry her. So yeah... that twist didn’t help their already chaotic situation.

Overall, though this had a lot of red flags and I had major issues with the ending, I still enjoyed the majority of the story. Will definitely try the other books by this author.

3 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ...more

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Jul 04, 2017 Crystal rated it it was amazing

I've never hated to love a book as much as this one! RC Martin tackles a taboo many think is too taboo to read. But I LOVED this story!!

Michael is not your typical hero, but try as you might to not like him for the choice he makes, you will love him for what is truly inside.
Blaine is not a weak woman who falls for Michael's money and power. She is just a woman who opens her heart to a man.

Love or hate the theme of the story, you will FEEL so much while reading this book. Sometimes it will be un ...more

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Aug 23, 2019 Miri rated it liked it

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 08, 2020 Kerry added it

Shelves: cheating, infidelity, will-never-read

Note to me... DO NOT READ THIS.... EVER!!

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Dec 05, 2017 Carlene Inspired rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult, ng-group-challenge-2017, arc, reviewed-books, romance, forbidden-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Michael doesn't even realize there's room available in his life, and his heart, for anything more. He's busy being a Governor, attending his wife's events, and fitting in time with his family, giving the rest to working out. Blaine is a bartender, a beautiful girl with no real direction on what she wants to do right now. Michael sees her and knows her smile isn't genuine, that something is keeping her from really being happy. It starts as a conversation and a tip, that's all it should've ever be Michael doesn't even realize there's room available in his life, and his heart, for anything more. He's busy being a Governor, attending his wife's events, and fitting in time with his family, giving the rest to working out. Blaine is a bartender, a beautiful girl with no real direction on what she wants to do right now. Michael sees her and knows her smile isn't genuine, that something is keeping her from really being happy. It starts as a conversation and a tip, that's all it should've ever been, but it becomes something more and soon Michael is seeking a way to make Blaine's smile every day. She tries to stay honest, but something about him pulls her in and soon Blaine is wanting everything from Michael, everything he's already given to another.

"It isn't until this very moment that I realized I harbored a desire to see him again."

I have been waiting for this book for months, since R.C. Martin's last new release and the first murmurings of this book were posted online. She teased about the forbidden aspect, she posted about how much emotion and time went into it, and she posted warnings that this one may not be for everyone. Well, maybe not, but Heartless was certainly for me. I really appreciate a well done forbidden romance, because despite the fiction aspect of it, the novel is always based on a certain level of reality. Affairs and cheating happen, but we often only see one side of it and novels are one way of showing another side. R.C. Martin took on that challenge with Heartless, giving readers a glimpse into how a relationship stopped working, how another began, and how we can possibly love two flawed characters who are doing something we are told is morally wrong.

""Affair. He's having an affair. We are having an affair."

Michael and Blaine are fantastic, confident characters that independently could have had really great stories, but together have burning chemistry and a relationship that you both want and feel badly for wanting. They're interesting to read about, their relationship so intriguing, and the details about their lives together is so well fleshed out. Plus, the smut scenes between these two are HOT. Heartless is written in such a way that makes you feel sympathy for the characters, it makes you see the good in all the bad they are doing, and it makes you question your thoughts on rules and following them so rigorously. It's an emotional read with emotional characters and a significant amount of drama, but it is done so well and it really is a great read.

"How can I possibly stay? How can I possibly go?"

Okay okay, I know I am getting some looks for saying I loved this book and yet I am giving it 4 stars. I love R.C. Martin's books and it has nothing to do with her as an author. It isn't about my enjoyment of the book either, I was 100% into it, but there were some points that logistically didn't work out and that I expected a bit more from. A person in a position of political power wouldn't have gotten away with it all so easily, at least where I am from. I expected more politics in Michael's life and I expected more details into how an affair, a divorce, or even a new relationship down the line would make people react about their governor. On top of that, I wish I could've seen more of what each character was up to when separated. I feel like both characters were such strong individuals and they weren't given time apart to show those strengths as single characters, but rather only seen as strong together. Especially when Michael was dealing with his wife, I would've loved to see more about that. I do have to say I love that we get to see both characters perspectives as they work through the relationship and how they come to terms with the affair. It's nice to not see characters in negative light during and after a forbidden romance.

Heartless is a bit of a deviation from R.C. Martin's usually fare, but it also features her stunning knack for detail, her strong devotion to her belief's, and a pile of emotion and romance. It's the sort of book that you can visualize, your imagination able to picture it like a movie. It makes you feel, it makes you desire, and it makes you want to read for hours on end. R.C. Martin is the sort of author you can depend on and despite it's taboo topic, Heartless is one of those books you need to find time for.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Jul 15, 2020 Yuyu Hakusho added it

Shelves: u-are-married-u-douche, miscommunication-x1f644, brat-for-a-heroine, weak-hero, selfish-main-characters, cheaters-got-their-hea, somewhat-realistic, heroine-does-not-have-real-characte, total-penectomy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This author really thought cheaters needed more representation. Aww. Lemme make main characters out of villains. Are we supposed to applaud this hero for thinking wives are disposable? Remember when he said, “I’m not just going to throw her in the streets just because I don’t feel that way about her anymore”. Objectification of not just any woman but his own wife! This hero manipulated us into thinking that he was the martyr in his first marriage. That he was the only one compromising and commun This author really thought cheaters needed more representation. Aww. Lemme make main characters out of villains. Are we supposed to applaud this hero for thinking wives are disposable? Remember when he said, “I’m not just going to throw her in the streets just because I don’t feel that way about her anymore”. Objectification of not just any woman but his own wife! This hero manipulated us into thinking that he was the martyr in his first marriage. That he was the only one compromising and communicating in that first marriage. Good job! U’r 100% innocent when it comes to the demise of your marriage. And on the other hand, we have a heroine who disrespects other people’s relationships and does not have an ounce of empathy in her bones. She does not respect herself either. I’m almost tempted to liken her to a dog. Why? Because all she does is wait for the hero to show up at her condo. 🙄 that was how she was written and that is not okay in this century. Girl code yo. Women protect other women. But it’s not her who broke those sacred vows so let’s not blame her- she just enabled the fucker who did. And she just got out of a ‘toxic’ relationship herself so she’s vulnerable and more susceptible to becoming a victim of hero’s love bombing. And the creeper hero took advantage of that.
Don’t worry these two are good people but because of love, they just could not help themselves. Well, love ain’t selfish kiddos. And love? Hahahahahha 1 word: limerence. Make that 2. Toxic. Or 3. Problematic. Flawed humans? More like downright evil.

I understand that people change and the hero and his first wife probably do not fit each other anymore like they used to in the beginning of their marriage. And that’s completely valid especially when they married young. Hero’s repressed feelings of disappointment regarding his dream of having a family with kids and not being heard are all valid. But he did not make himself heard enough because ultimately he would rather feel safe than fight it out with his wife. That caused resentment and loneliness. And you will sympathize with him because of that. however, when he started cheating and outright lying to his unsuspecting wife, u lose all that sympathy.
The hurt the hero caused the first wife was unnecessary. One time cheating, go ahead. Not that that makes it any less hurtful since betrayal is betrayal. But I mean, if he was more compatible with the heroine, go ahead. People fall in and out of love. But this guy cheated over and over. And in a very callous way too. One time he suggested his wife go to San Diego to visit her sickly father. You’d think him thoughtful for doing that, right? Not quite. The guy suggested that so he can romance his mistress. Are u serious? Is that romantic? Is that supposed to make readers swoon? This hero is the type of dude who would leave his wife when she gets sick. And I kind of feel bad for the heroine because she would be saddled with this kind of middle aged idiot for a husband now. But worry not, his midlife crisis is over with her. So good for her. Unless he has another one at 80 or something. That wouldn’t be midlife anymore. Oh yeah. What if Blaine becomes too busy with the kids and her “role” as the First Lady? This fuckface is also gonna tell her, “you take care of yourself more” like he accused his first wife. He did not even take care of his First wife either so the audacity to call her out on taking care of herself. The ego of this male boy is unparalleled. U ain’t shit boy. He focused on everything that’s wrong with Vee instead of appreciating her efforts. Ughh if I can murder a fictional man child, I would have!

Anyway, I hate how the first wife was just a lesson so he could do better for the heroine. Why was he able to give the heroine everything he did not give the first wife. And I get that it isn’t a competition between the two women but some of the inner monologue was of him comparing the two which was completely unfair. Also, he said he does not have any regrets. At least regret giving your first wife additional trauma. So mean. That woman was part of your life for a long time, supported your dreams and everything.

The ending. That was an undeserved HEA. The first wife should have been the one to get the HEA. She’s the one who was wronged. I mean, her HEA, I guess, is she’s finally rid of the bastard husband who never appreciated her efforts. Because the only thing this author convinced me of thinking is that the first wife deserves better. I mean, I did not really want them to reconcile because they are incompatible (or so the hero says in his never ending rumination). But I wanted the wife to get something out of all the hurt. Well. She did not. In addition to her trauma from being infertile, she was given another trauma called betrayal trauma. Yay. Add one more, Michael, the emotional manipulator!

And the audacity to make this hero run for president? Would people actually want a leader who deliberately hurt someone he used to love? I mean, if he could do that to his wife then of course he could screw complete strangers over too. But no, apparently people voted for this dude again. Because God forgives him. Or so he thought. I’m all for moving on and forgiving yourself but this guy was just written like a true politician. Anyway. Pack it up John McCain.🥴

Lastly, infertility causes trauma similar to PTSD. If the author is going to include a heavy topic like that in her book at least have the decency to research it well. Don’t undermine and dismiss other people’s trauma as something they should just get over. Infertility is a recurring grief, you just don’t get over it! And I mean, money is no object here so why weren’t they able to try out other options? Michael is a freakin leader. He should have been able to persuade his wife to sit down and talk about this. Not wait like a Beta Bitch. But no, apparently Veronica is afraid to feel. Yo, try living with that unprocessed trauma, Michael and Blaine. Your wife was living in auto pilot but u just stood there and watch. What a hero. And the most disrespectful part at the end was when Blaine said she was happy she was able to make Michael a father. Awww. So frustrating and insensitive. But u know what, whatever. Them not having a child is actually a blessing in disguise. They grew up(at least Veronica did cause woman has Big Dick Energy) and apart, and will probably end up divorced no matter what. Veronica can just try her options with a Nick Jonas or someone else. Or u know what, men ain’t shit so I want her to get a PhD. Go get that degree, babe. Because u are enough! U were just delivered at a wrong address. There is beauty in second life too. And listen to Taylor’s Happiness. That song was written for u. Sans the part when she said “No one teaches you what to do when a good man hurts you, and you know you hurt him too”. Haha

I know it’s fiction. And I don’t often take stories like this too seriously but this made me MAD. Like RAGE. I read forbidden/taboo stories and usually don’t get pressed but this book just made me so maddddd! I’ve read cheating books before and those did not make me mad so I guess that makes me a giant hypocrite. Whatever. I hate this. Anyway, I’m over it. I’m just venting at this point. Haha. I would like to say that this should’ve stayed in the author’s imagination but that’s not right, and her writing is actually pretty good. And I guess I begrudgingly give the author props for Michael’s character development at the end. I hate him still but he had a realization at the end that he ain’t shit and that he needed to get his shit together. And he did. Kinda. Cheaters rarely get karma in this lifetime. I guess as long as he doesn’t do it to his second wife too then I can’t discredit his stupid face for choosing to be better. Lucky bastard has two fucking soulmates in his lifetime so annoying. I wish the author would write the wife’s story because this author actually has a knack for exploring emotions in a deeper level, and I want to figure Veronica out. I wanted her to see that relationship for what it truly was, and that what the two of them were doing there was just settling.

...more

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Jan 03, 2018 Wit & Wonder Books rated it it was amazing

*** ARC provided by the author for an honest review ***

What do you do when you fall in love with another person, but you are already in a relationship? RC Martin gives one interpretation of this in Heartless. Michael and Blaine must come to terms with their current relationships and their love.

Michael is governor of Colorado. Middle child of his parents, he has been happily married for sixteen years. Things aren’t all perfect, but that is the way that life is. He is looking to move forward in h ...more

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Jan 17, 2018 Loz rated it it was amazing

a lot of readers have a hard limit with cheating in their books and that's fine but i don't. this situation in real life and my love of romanctic fiction is separate so i have no problems reaching for this type of book because it can add a layer of hurt and angst that tbh sometimes i just live for. this was not overly angsty but definitely addictive. i loved our hero and heroine regardless of their indiscretions. i rooted for them wholeheartedly whilst knowing their relationship was wrong. ficti ...more

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May 27, 2019 Ana Laura added it

Shelves: disgusting, the-brutes-loves-too, disgusting-shït, love-you-but-fuck-others, puh-lease-someone-just-shot-me, this-is-not-a-romance, disgusting-cheater-hate-this-sh-t, bunch-of-crap, not-safe-not-safe-not-safe-not-safe, sick-author

The "couple" gets their happy forever about someone else's suffering. I do not know what these writers have in mind. This is simply repulsive. If it was an auto bio I doubt very much that the outcome would have been like this shit. ...more

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Jul 17, 2019 Katie L. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: age-gap, cheating-husband

Spoilerish review. So many thoughts on this one. A sweet and sour story that was very well written, realistic (aside from the celebrity component), and thought-provoking.

On the surface you have your asshole, cheating politician and his young, beautiful, home-wrecking mistress (a bartender no less). Add in the partner of 20 years who can’t give him babies, and yikes, too much cliche and heartbreak to handle. Fitting title!! But it’s so much better than that.

This story is not without the deceit, ...more

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Jul 26, 2019 Selina rated it liked it

Shelves: illicits, g-she-is-the-ow, miss-20-25, she-has-a-boyfriend, g-she-is-desperate, g-she-is-pathetic, mr-rich, 3-stars, g-she-easily-melts, r-forbidden-loves

Cheating.
This book has it and it’s clear from the blurb and so many people already skipped this.

The H is a governor. He is married....not happy though. His wife is kinda uptighty cold business minded woman. They don’t even have sex for weeks. Whenever the H tries to get close to her she pushes him away. (view spoiler)

The H and his wife are together since twenty one years. But the love is almost nonexistent. T ...more

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Aug 10, 2019 Aryheen rated it really liked it

Damn, I'm heartbroken and so angry. I HATE CHEATER. For whatever reason, the bitch should not pursue a married man. The way he cheated on his wife and the reason for cheating is absurd. You damn asshole yourself been busy with your duties as a governor and often neglected your wife. Instead of having a discussion to work out the problem with the marriage he chooses to fuck around. I hope Hero and OW will rot in hell #LMAO ...more

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May 21, 2018 Mas rated it liked it

Shelves: dislikable-mc, angsty, cheater, forbidden-love

The writing was good but I never really warmed up to either MC. They should have suffer more when the whole thing came crashing down. Instead, it all was nicely 'resolved' as ideal as possible. ...more

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Nov 30, 2017 LaDonna rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, 5-star, arc, rc-martin, favorite-authors, rockstar-romance-authors

For those familiar with my reviews, you will know that I am quite enamoured with RC Martin- since I lucked into the first novella of hers I read, her books have challenged, enlightened and entertained me. All that being said, I knew this one would be heavy on the challenge part - but I didn't doubt that she would succeed. And she did. Your warning now, it is not easy to read in places - doubly hard for me as the hero's occupation is not one of my favorites- but she has pulled it off with class a For those familiar with my reviews, you will know that I am quite enamoured with RC Martin- since I lucked into the first novella of hers I read, her books have challenged, enlightened and entertained me. All that being said, I knew this one would be heavy on the challenge part - but I didn't doubt that she would succeed. And she did. Your warning now, it is not easy to read in places - doubly hard for me as the hero's occupation is not one of my favorites- but she has pulled it off with class and style. Like real life, all is not always pretty or clean. It has its highs and lows, and questions of right and wrong, questions of morality, spirituality, and the power of love. It is romantic fiction - it takes all of the highs and lows to the extreme, but the talent Ms. Martin possesses allows us to follow our couple, first and foremost. Forgiveness is not asked - truly, it is not our place, in fiction or reality, to judge the actions of others - but the tale is told in a way that understanding that life is more often lived in shades of gray, no matter who you are. Life is messy ... and wouldn't it be boring if it wasn't? Foregoing what I think I might do or not do in the situation, the story is beautiful. Heartwrenching at times, incredibly romantic at many, reflective of questions that we may often think are black and white. If I had to sum up my reaction in two words (which we all know would be truly impossible for me) they would be extremely evocative. In theory this should easily be my least favorite book of Ms. Martin's, but I truly can't say that it is. It is such a pleasure to watch her grow with each new work. Yeah, black and white, I might not have picked this up as we all know my heroes tend to wield musical instruments, I am a happily married woman who doesn't condone a line crossed, and frankly the very, very steamy moments don't fall in line with my personal preferences. But theory and reality often differ because they are such seperate species. All the apples and oranges in the world at my feet, I would choose to read this one again. There is your bottom line; I truly enjoyed this trip outside my comfort zone. I am having a little more difficulty with my recommendations because I honestly understand why many readers will not want to push their boundaries, but I will say that if you are willing to, this is an excellent choice for doing so. The writing is excellent, the story unforgettable. ...more

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Jun 28, 2019 Madeleines rated it it was amazing

I was dying , dying to read a good cheating romance !! Finally found it .
I was captivated by this story . Still thinking about it actually....
The hero is married and he's the Governor of Colorado ,and the Heroine has a boyfriend and works at a trendy bar . This was so real life !!! I know I would have the same reactions as some of the characters from this book. But I still cheered them on!!! I needed their HEA. That's how well it is written . I loved Mike and Blaine ! They were just made for eac ...more

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May 02, 2020 Candid Girl Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: adult-romance, age-gap-romance-om-yw, sexy-ass-lawyer, cheating-cheating-and-more-cheating, forbidden-romance, omfg-yes, 2020-reads

Heartless by R.C Martin
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
ⓑⓞⓞⓚ ⓡⓔⓥⓘⓔⓦ
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Rating ~ ★★★★⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Characters: 4.5/5
Sexy Scale: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Genre: Forbidden/Age-Gap Romance
Details: Standalone, Duel POV

𝖳𝖧𝖮𝖴𝖦𝖧𝖳𝖲:
I was looking for a particular story the other day and someone recommended Heartless and holy moly was it on the money. The writing was phenomenal and the story of Michael and Blaine had me enthralled from chapter one. The past couple of weeks I’ve felt like I’ve been in a bit of a book slump, not being able to find the rig ...more

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Jun 12, 2020 Mindy Guerreiros rated it really liked it

A new favorite

Even though a forbidden romance such as this is complicated and messy, it without a doubt still left my heart so full. Such a captivating story. This was my first book by this author and it certainly won't be my last. I'm eagerly looking toward to reading more of her great writing. ...more

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Nov 08, 2020 Techdivakt rated it it was ok

Shelves: ku-good-did-not-purchase, cheat

Age gap, h very juvenile, giggles a lot, bites her cheek all of the time. H after bdsm sex never expressed his preferences to wife. Not believable.

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Dec 06, 2017 Beth rated it it was amazing

Shelves: great-feels, arc, secrets, not-for-under-18, family-drama, forbidden-love, great-secondary-characters, shattered-dreams, finding-forgiveness, dirty-talker

I am at a total loss of what to write. I read the book cover to cover and I immediately wanted to read it again. I absolutely loved it. I loved the characters flaws and all. The writing was impeccable. I was held captive chapter to chapter. Wanting more. Craving more.

Yes, this is a forbidden romance between Michael a married 37-year-old Governor and Blaine a 24-year-old college educated bartender, who is also in a relationship, that works at an upscale bar and restaurant where they met. This is I am at a total loss of what to write. I read the book cover to cover and I immediately wanted to read it again. I absolutely loved it. I loved the characters flaws and all. The writing was impeccable. I was held captive chapter to chapter. Wanting more. Craving more.

Yes, this is a forbidden romance between Michael a married 37-year-old Governor and Blaine a 24-year-old college educated bartender, who is also in a relationship, that works at an upscale bar and restaurant where they met. This is not a torrid tale of just wanting an affair for sexual gratification, its about meeting someone and finding an instant connection. Michael had been with Veronica for 20 years, married for 15 of them and never once strayed. Never had the urge or need to. The journey I took watching this love affair unfold tore at my emotions. My heart ached for them and for Michael’s wife Veronica. Families torn apart, living in secret, stolen moments and periods of silence. I felt all the emotions! Beautifully written.

I know there are people that don’t read books that have spouses cheating and I respect that, but this book brings you right along with the characters as they go through so much conflict, turmoil, grief over a loss of a relationship, regret, and I also felt a love that was so profound and deep. I felt the connection that was soul deep, it was a once in a lifetime love. I laughed, I cried, yes, sobbing at the loss that they were going through.

I don’t want to give away anything because you need to read this beautiful book for yourself. It is told in dual POV, so you are in the characters heads, which I loved. I want to leave you with a portion of the Author’s Note at the end of the book, “By nature, forbidden love is complicated, messy, ugly and sometimes wrong. Nevertheless, we all have our stories to tell, our crosses to bear, and the grace to try again, to grow and to be better people with the dawning of each new day.” Never has a truer word been spoken!

I highly recommend this beautiful and heartfelt forbidden romance.

ARC kindly provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest review. ...more

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