BLACK HEART (Cursed Hearts #1) by R L MATHEWSON

Reviewed by Gitte

This Author is one of my favourites as she writes stories that have the perfect combination of humour, romance and great characters. She rarely disappoints and I always enjoy her stories. As a reader you know what you’re going to get as R.L Mathewson does ‘just what it says on the tin’. She’ll make you laugh, swoon and fall in love.

Black Heart is a journey into the paranormal. Ghosts in fact. Now I’m not normally an avid reader of this type of paranormal so for me to enjoy this story, seeing as it had ghosts in it, well it’s a testament to the brilliance of this Author.  Because enjoy it…..I did.

This story is book #1 in a series so expect a slow introduction and a fleshing out of many characters. Oh and there are lots of them, besides our hero and heroine….but they are gorgeous, cocky, hilarious and Irish so it’s all good!

Our main characters Tristan and Marty have known each other pretty much forever.

“He was her hero, the one she went to when she skinned her knees and the one she yelled for whenever she got stuck up in a tree. He always came for her. Always.” – Marty

As per normal with this Author’s characters, there’s a strong connection, a past and a wanting heart. This is no exception and their story truly is heart-warming yet heart-breaking at the same time. Their story is also magical, funny and frustrating.

Tristan is one hell of a cocky, funny and at times maddening guy. Yet he’s totally lovable. He’s a gorgeous bad arse cop. Not only that though, as we move along in the story, he shows a vulnerability that’ll make your heart melt. This despite being known as a “cold bastard.” 

“He was handsome, quiet and easy going, well as long as you didn’t get on his bad side.” – Marty

As for Marty, I really liked her. She is refreshingly down to earth, intelligent, sweet yet slightly naïve. She knows what she wants and she has no real fear trying to get it.

“After all these years he thought he’d grown immune to her and this goddamn connection that he felt with her….” – Tristan 

The storyline of Black Heart is packed full of twists and surprises. As I was reading, I will admit to being confused at times and thinking what?! But once I got a few answers and learnt the how’s and the why’s my doubts and questions were answered. In particular, I questioned aspects of Tristan and Marty’s relationship and their actions which brought them to the moment they admitted their feelings. It all came together and the way in which it did surprised me as it was wrapped in mystery and intrigue.

“…I didn’t want to spend one more minute on this earth without you Marty..” – Tristan

Certain scenes in this story broke my heart and they all centre round Tristan’s past. I would have liked to have seen and known more of Tristan and Marty both individually and together before the answers came. Especially them as a couple which I thought was a tad rushed.

“..Are you still going to be an asshole?” – Marty 

“Yes, he said….but you can kick my ass if I step out of line…” – Tristan

As for the laughs….well between Tristan and his Therapist and Tristan and his ‘mate’ Shayne well I was in absolute stitches!

Is this one of my favourite books by this Author…Sadly no. However, I laughed, I fell in love and I felt emotional so that makes it a good read for me. Black Heart really is chock a block with humour, suspense and romance and I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series.

Gitte : 4 Stars

Arc provided by author in exchange for an honest review