'The Bernals aren't good people. The McQueens aren't either.'
Fans of Halle's The Artists Trilogy and Dirty Angels trilogy rejoice! We have a book about Violet McQueen and Vicente Bernal! For those of you who haven't read either of the trilogies, have no fear. This can 100% be read as a stand alone, though there is a second book coming out. When I first heard this book was being released, I was so flipping excited. Javier's son and Camden & Ellie's daughter... I couldn't wait to read it. Karina writes the best gritty and dark tales mixed with steamy scenes and the most delectable anti-heroes. Black Hearts was just what I was looking for.
Violet McQueen is a student in one of San Francisco's art colleges. She's studying photography and she's passionate about her field. She still lives with her parents because, lets face it, San Fran is a crazy expensive city to stay in! It works for her- Violet's parents are hella cool. Her dad is a tattoo artist and her mom is an artist as well. What she is missing is a connection. And she finds that one day unexpectedly when a tall, dark, and handsome man walks into her life.
Vicente Bernal is not visiting Violet's art school by coincidence. He's got his own reasons and plans. Vicente is a prodigy of sorts to his father, Javier. There are certain expectations that are cast upon him. Vicente has his own expectations and plans in mind. And for those plans to come to fruition, he needs Violet. What Vicente doesn't expect is to actually feel something for her...
I absolutely loved Violet and Vicente together. They are such a forbidden couple and it works so well. It doesn't hurt that they have an intense sexual chemistry. Seriously these two burn the pages together. Vicente is a charming and smooth guy. Violet is likable and relatable. I loved them as a couple.
There is so much going on in this story besides the relationship of Vicente and Violet. There are lies, secrets, and truths uncovered on both sides of the families. I loved that this story kept me on my toes. It was unpredictable and highly entertaining. There was just enough action and suspense mixed with the romance and steam. Black Hearts is a captivating and unputdownable read. After that ending, I'm dying to know what happens next! I'm so grateful Karina isn't making us wait long!
