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Fallen Kingdom #1

His Hollow Heart

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Bella
A pact made.
Two orphans who vowed to never part.

I was selfish.
For once, I had to be.
The last time I saw Callum he was standing at the dormer window as I sat in the back seat of the car.
His dark eyes foreign to me.
The hatred that radiated from his glare shot through me with more force than a silver bullet.
In a matter of minutes he had become a stranger.
No longer my best friend.
He was now a boy with a hollow heart who was headed down a dark path.
A path I knew I’d never cross again.
Or, so I thought.

Callum
We had a deal—always stay together.

The day Bella left, I vowed I would find her. And when I did, she would feel what I felt as I watched her pull away into a new life, with a new family.
Leaving me behind to endure a life that was wrapped inside the hands of a monster.

It’s been twelve years, but I’ve finally found her.
Now it’s time for her to bask in the darkness she’s created inside of me.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2021

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About the author

Rachel Leigh

35 books4,154 followers
Rachel Leigh is a USA Today and International bestselling author of new adult and contemporary romances.

She loves to write—and read—flawed bad-boys and strong heroines. You can expect dark elements, a dash of suspense, and a lot of steam.

Her goal is to take readers on an adventure with her words, while showing them that even on the darkest days, love conquers all.

Rachel lives in Michigan with her husband, three little monsters (who aren’t so little anymore) and a couple of fur babies. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s likely lounging in leggings, with coffee in her hand, while binge watching her favorite reality tv shows.


Rachel Leigh is represented by SBR Media. For all subsidiary rights, please contact: stephanie@sbrmedia.com


Join Rachel's Readers Group: http://bit.ly/rl_ramblers
Facebook: rachelleighauthor
Instagram: rachelleighauthor
www.rachelleighauthor.com

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Profile Image for Mali Mor ❤️ The Romantic Blogger.
433 reviews575 followers
July 11, 2022
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Callum and Isabella were inseparable in the foster home and promised they would never separate and only be adopted together... but Bella broke the promise and left after being adopted, leaving Cal behind to face a black, hard and lonely fate all alone. 🖤
12 years later, they meet again... she arrives to work in a castle on a secluded island on a 6-month contract and discovers that her new boss is really not the same boy she once knew. 😱
But was it fate that brought them together again? Or maybe everything was pre-planned?💥💥💥

📚 𝐀 𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐦𝐞. 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞’𝐥𝐥 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐞. 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫. 📚

The book had a lot of potential (did you read my first paragraph?!?! 😂) but unfortunately it did not progress as I had hoped, and even though I tried to like it, I decided to stop reading at 40%. 😬

There were illogical parts in the plot, for example, what was the deal with the contract Bella signed? And which court will ever enforce it? It was ridiculous, Cal's threat to her parents was enough to make her stay. 🤦‍♀️
There were also lots of inconsistent parts, for example, Cal brought her to the island to live a miserable life in revenge for what happened to him after she left - but kept talking about sleeping with her, bought her dresses like he promised when they were kids, bought the piano from the foster home, built a courtyard for her and even got upset that she wasn't excite enough:
"It's all right."
"All right?" I snap back. "I did this all for you and all you have to say is that it's all right?"

But the thing that bothered me the most, was the hero himself. Cal is such a creeper douchebag! 😂
His filthy thoughts and what he told her over and over made me cringe... 🙈
"I'd die before I ever had sex with you."
His tongue runs between his lips. "I prefer my women alive while I'm fucking them, but I'm willing to make an exception just for you."

I usually like the dark tormented hero who slowly opens up and falls in love, but Cal acts like a vengeful little boy who uses his power to make others miserable. Like, why don't you pull her a braids and get it over with...? 🙄

📚 "𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞." 📚

To sum up, despite the great start, this book did not work for me, but if you like resentful, childish evil heroes - this is the book for you. 😂🤷‍♀️

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Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,324 reviews9,250 followers
October 30, 2021
2e0pm6g 90ca45e7e7c6ddfa7f3d6d91a5f154bd-1-3-1
📚HIS HOLLOW HEART 📚 is the first full length romance book in the series 'Fallen Kingdom', by Rachel Leigh. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives.'

“𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝗺𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗲𝗳𝘁 𝗺𝗲.”

This was one book I was highly anticipating like no other, the blurb spiked up my anticipation eagerly awaiting for this to land in my hands, once it landed on my kindle, game over, life was put on hold and I dived in barely coming up for air. This pulled me in so easily, suspenseful goodness sending tingles down my spine. Giving me beauty and the beast vibes.

For four years Bella and Callum were two young orphan children residing at 'Webster House' awaiting for parents to hopefully choose them together, they made a pact 'always stay together, until kingdom come.' But unfortunately for Callum, Bella didn't keep that promise, when she was chosen and plucked away to join a family she didn't even say goodbye.

Now Twelve years later twenty-three year old Bella has a once in a life time opportunity drop in her lap to reside on a secluded island for six months, aiding in renovating a castle which has been desolate for forty years, into an exclusive hotel. He's the mastermind behind this farce of a job with revenge brewing away in his belly, Twenty-four year old Callum has finally found Bella and he's not going to let her go this time.

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He's tragically broken and like nothing of the boy she used to fondly remember. She's a spitfire he can't tame.

Oh god I don't think I can handle waiting for the next instalment which is due out next year/February!!

                  


Profile Image for Lady Raven RAVE!.
1,827 reviews1,341 followers
October 29, 2021
3⭐️⭐️⭐️

Style: Dark Romance
Story: 3/5
Enjoyment: 3/5
Dark Level: 1.5/5
Sexual Level: GOOD
Triggers: Yes
Violence: No
Male: Sexy
Series: Book 1 (cliffy)
Pages: loc. 3794
Audio: N/A
Kindle Unlimited: Yes


STORY:
I had mix emotions with this story. The way the story started sparked my interest while reading Bella and Cal at a young age. This is where you get an idea of why Cal felt betrayed, although they were so young. As the story progressed, you become curious with the way Cal got Bella back in his life and tries to keep her there through deception. Cal for me could be intense, however, I don’t feel like his character was consistent for me. He gave me dark at times, but other times it wasn’t believable, as sometimes I wasn’t t able to put my finger specifically on why I felt the way I did about Cal. Bella, was back and forth with her emotions which gives an interesting read that could feel frustrated at times.

I think for me personally, another reason that affected my enjoyment and why it was not fully 100% there, the way the story was conveyed to me and how it flowed. With all that being said, there were also scenes that I also enjoyed and the unraveling of the plot around Cal and Bella.


SEXUAL CHEMISTRY:
Sex scenes were good. Things got steamy and I really don’t have any complaints.


SECONDARY CHARACTERS:
Secondary characters are interesting, no one stood out to me, however, I did find them interesting.


OVERALL:
I like the concept and I like the story, but I could not connect with the flow of the story fully. I enjoy some of this author’s work but for the follow up will be bowing out.



TRIGGERS:


****I don’t equate these stories to real life. It’s about personal taste and what you would or want to tolerate with the books you read. I know we all have different opinions and preferences with what we read. I based my book reviews on my preferences and what I like, and while these preferences may not be the same for others, I hope this review was still helpful.

Profile Image for Maditales.
609 reviews29.9k followers
May 13, 2022
Oh wow, this was dark but somehow cute?

First of all, every book that has flashback chapters with "then and now" scenes are automatically better. I love it when characters have a backstory and actually have a nicely developed character.
I really loved those scenes in this book. They were cute and you could tell how bella thinks and why she reacted a certain way in her situation. The same goes for Callum, even-though his past is a-lot darker and made me mad.

Now this book was dark. The snakes, the flashbacks, their own moments, were sometimes difficult to read and I had to take breaks.
Throughout the book, you can tell how Callum starts to transform back into his old self, that Bella loved. Her entire relationship with him changes drastically multiple times in the book, that were interesting as well as great add ons that in the end, only profited to the reveal of old secrets as well as their connection.

There was forced proximity in this book, that reminded me of beauty and the beast and I really enjoyed it.
I also didn't expect to like the snake scene but it was quite interesting and unique.

Overall, I really liked this book and was happy to finally read a dark romance again, that had me feel different emotions.

Now I didn't expect it to not be a standalone and was furious because I am that person that always needs to know what is going on. So now, I am sitting here, waiting for the sequel, while my brain is making up different theories.
I am very excited for the sequel and cannot wait to see what will happen.
Profile Image for Lori [semi-hiatus].
276 reviews161 followers
December 15, 2021
read this last month so the details are a bit fuzzy 🥴 but it wasn't as bad as I thought it out be.

Satefy:
Profile Image for Neelakshi.
460 reviews354 followers
February 19, 2022
This book istg....
I don't know if i should rate it a 3+ rating or a 1.
description

Man said we gonna kidnap the hoe
Gaslight the hoe
Manipulate the hoe
Fuck the hoe
And make the hoe fall in love

He was so mean I love it 😭

Plot:
Bella and Callum were two kids living in a foster house and they made a pact that whoever wants to adopt one of them has to take the other too.
They'll be together whichever house they go to next.
Callum got into trouble (went to the neighbouring house to bring Bella a dress she always watched when the girl there wore it and drooled over it. The boys there caught Callum and lied to their guardian that he stole some cash) the day they both were meant to meet their to-be parents. He asked her not to leave him.
But when the time actually rolled around Bella chose to leave with her new parents without Callum.
Callum ends up being adopted by a couple who very recently lost their baby boy Caden who looked VERY similar to Callum.
The new parents to Callum would beat him up and punish him because they wanted him to mould into being Caden.
He killed his father not long after his crazy mother died.
After 12 years he's build up crazy money and hires a new interior designer aka our very own Bella.
He calls her into his own private island and makes her sign a contract which said that she cannot leave the island till Callum let her leave and that she needed to marry him.
Bella is to marry Callum because when his dad died all his money was to be inherited by some woman he knocked up very early in his life.
Byron (Callum's attorney) and Callum made a deal that if Byron changes Vincent's will he'd be the sole beneficiary on his will. Callum agreed to his demand with a clause that rescinded the deal if I were to marry. That means that when Callum dies his money will be divided into two halves and will go to Byron and Peter if he does not marry also Callum dislikes Byron SO much that he's ready to do anything rather than giving him another penny. Soooooo yea she's a prisoner in his island and he wants to keep her there and own her because he's just obsessed with her like that and he wants her to feel miserable like he himself felt all these years when she was laughing around with her "family".


"Why do you want to hurt me?” I choke out.
“Because you hurt me.” His gaze dips downward and he lets out a low grumble. “For the past twelve years, I’ve wondered what you look like, what you smell like, what makes you smile, and most importantly, what it feels like to be inside of you. Your tight walls clenched around my cock.”
Bile rises up my throat, and I swallow it down. “Please move.”


description

Man said i really don't give one single fuck about you and imma fondle you on the spot because you made me mad.
This man is the PERFECT representation of a little kid who will do ANYTHING to get a candy.
Yaknow this man is literally so delusional she would say something about her and he'd make it about him lmao like bitch what-


I've ensured you will be staying here. If you don’t, your perfect little family will lose everything they own.” Warm lips press to my forehead. “Welcome home.”
“I want to go home,” Bella finally speaks through a cracked voice.
"You are home”


A true king

description

"When we were kids, you’d gawk at the Beckhams’ little girl and always said you wanted all the fancy things she had. You’d daydream about dancing in ballrooms to an orchestra. So, tell me, Bella, are you happy now?”


This man filled her whole wardrobe with ball gowns and dresses and shoes and heels and everything she always gawked at when they were kids.
JUST so he could keep her there forever and ever

description

“They took you away and fed you lies. They painted you this picture of a perfect life and stuck you in it then placed it on a shelf so you were out of reach. The world isn’t pretty for all of us, Bella. Some of us are forced into ugliness.”

I love him.
The way he's subtly saying "you're just like me"
He literally brainwashed this bitch so good I love that ahahahahahhaah
Okay some of it was okay to me because she needed that brainwash
But good god this man gets a 8/10 for the way he changed her mind 180°


She pulls back, peering up at me. “You want me to play the piano?”
My fingers slide underneath the spaghetti strap of her dress. “Take this off and play me that piece you wrote when we were kids.”


She wanted to save herself for marriage and well...

“So, you’re just a tease then? Is that what this is?”
“A tease?” I breathe out a moan. “You’re the one who made me take my clothes off.”
He keeps digging, his nails scraping inside of me, but I crave more. “And you willingly did it. You climbed on my lap and spread your legs for me, never once fighting me off or saying you don’t want this. Do my needs not matter? Only yours? You want to come around my fingers only to have me go jerk off in my room, alone?”
“No,” I choke out, his grip relentless.
“Then get on your knees and prove it.”
“I…I can’t, Cal. I have a—”
“What, Bella? A boyfriend?”
I nod slightly.
“Consider your relationship with Trent over.



description

Okay so he fucked her on the piano not knowing that she was saving her virginity till her wedding.
Sooooo he finds the blood on his boxers and my man POUNDS on her door apologising because he never wanted her first time like that
And

IN
NO
TIME
Man said

Bella isn’t a virgin anymore, and that I am certain of. I wasn’t aware the first time and should have been gentle, but now, I am free to fuck her with everything I’ve got

THIS MAN CONTINUES TO AMAZE ME WHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH

description

"you forced me to take my clothes off and stole my virginity from me without my approval.”
He gives me a side-eyed glare. “Hey now, you never told me to stop.”
“You never asked me if I wanted you to.”
“Does a thief ever ask for permission


description

Okay sooooooooo
His room is off limits.
He made it so sure but Bella decides to sneak around a little so she could know more about him.
Well she got into his room and there's this BIG ass glass wall and behind that wall were snakes.
Callum caught her and man literally pulled two snakes out and proceeded to put those snakes on her while he ate pussy.
Yes you read that right.
The woman had literal snakes around her while he ate her out.
Man also pushed a chess piece in her butt when he fucked her.

description


“I’m not fucking anyone else. But if you keep this shit up, I'll lay Serena out on your bed and let her cream on your clean linen.”
“Then I’ll put your face in her mess while I fuck you from behind.”


description

There was this girl Serena that Callum used to fuck and her being around as help bothered Bella so he fired her but Callum's attorney liked to fuck her so she stayed around one time Bella caught sights of Serena and yelled at Callum asking why she's still here and man really said that
WHILE ON THE OTHER HAND he almost killed Trent (Bella's bf)

Last night was amazing. It felt like the first day of the rest of my life. I have no idea what’s in store for me, but that’s the beauty of it

Okay so after one fuck she's magically cured of all her problems and now thinks that there's still good in her bestfriend/lover, Callum.
Sis said i can fix him.

Peter (Callum's butler) ther next day escorts Bella out of the island because apparently her life is in danger and sis is BAWLING because Callum is nowhere to be found.
So yeah after a while she tried going back to the island again and when she does, Bella finds Peter dead and the Byron is the only person who's actually at the island with no contact from Callum.

(Book ends up on a cliffhanger )

This book was literally a rollercoaster ride start to finish
I really thought this would be a soft young friends to enemies to lovers which it technically was with just added a manic anti-hero.
I loved this man lmaoooooo he was SO SICK
I would slap this man and then let him fuck me over that piano.
I really hoped Bella had some kind of strong ground to fight him back. She just defended herself and was always being apologetic when she could have spat on his shoes just to spite him.

imma read the next one for sure just to see where the plot goes.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,338 reviews359 followers
November 4, 2021
Rachel Leigh has given me the most epic hangover ever! His Hollow Heart is nothing like I have ever read before. Nothing. It's an indescribable unparalleled reading experience. The unbelievable mix of deep angst, heartbreaking emotions, twisted passion and epic suspense. Callum is the antihero made of dreams and nightmares. And Bella is the epitome of sweetness and fire together. The author's writing was beyond perfection. I am still shaking my head in disbelief and shock and I am truly speechless. One of my top 2021 read.
.
Callum and Bella made a promise to each other when they were together in foster home. They will never leave each other. But by cruel twist of fate Bella was adopted first and she had to leave. Years later, Bella has gotten a big job as interior designer of the pretigious Ellis group of hotels. When she reaches the island where the old castle is being renovated for hotel, her past comes back. Callum is the owner of the company. But he is not the same man. He is cruel, dark, broken and emotionless and his only mission is to hurt Bella.
.
I am still thinking what did I read in the pages. So so unique and so brilliantly narrated. This one is a must read for all you #antihero lovers because Callum can be downright hateful and brutal and god I wanted to kill him. But the author also showed us the vulnerable side of the monster and I was dying for him. He has suffered so much and transformed himself into this devil who doesn't feel, doesn't care and doesn't hold back while destroying people. Bella is a very complex and strong character. The author perfectly pictured her turmoils. She is heartbroken for her best friend and her old love and she cannot help but be pulled towards him. But she also despises him for controlling her and ruining her life. Love and hate was so beautifully and intoxicatingly put togther. And the twists! Oh wow I still cannot wrap my head around all the facts. There are some absolutely shocking things those I have never read before. It was a thriller, an enemies to lovers romance, an erotic love story and a psychological warfare all put together. There are some triggers and some dub con elements so please proceed with caution. It was dark with a whole new nevel.
.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Rachel Leigh.
Author 35 books4,154 followers
Read
October 24, 2021
His Hollow Heart is coming November 4th!

A dark romance that will consume you!


Bloggers, Bookstagramers, ARC Readers, I'd love to have you join in the release events! Sign up here: http://bit.ly/CKHHH
Profile Image for TMR.
548 reviews724 followers
February 14, 2022
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warnings: alleged kidnapping, child abuse, emotional abuse, assault, night terrors, mental illness,

Hot damn this book. It felt like Dexter had entered the building of this book.

Freaky, mysterious and downright hot 🔥, I could not help but be drawn to this book even more. The cover had sold me on it, but the writing and intriguing clues left me like whoa...

Specially cause this antihero was so -vastly so- different to other antiheroes that I’d ever read that I was left actually shooketh. I mean yes he had a terrible past, (know that most of the trigger warnings apply to him) but my god the way he carried his scars was just freaky but honestly even somewhat twistedly commendable. And his kinks too especially, slithering and hissing to protect him and every scar he ever held (that should tell you about what kinks exactly he had) was downright fascinating. Despite his good years with the FMC, I guess he did embrace his villainous nature in the end. And I was so there for it.

As for the FMC, well she was a pure forgetful thing eh, but strong and determined, and slightly crazy I’ll give her that. I mean the way she tried to escape our MC that I was like..damn girl I wouldn’t have been able to. Sure she had a normal life, but sometimes we all got that crazy something in our bones, in our souls and I don’t think she knew it but eventually embraced it. Even with her dubious 🔥 encounter with the MC, still she kept strong and didn’t give up.

The side characters were charming as well - specially Peter, but not Byron - regardless, they were all pretty damn sweet and I wanted to be their best friend automatically. It was definitely platonic love at first sight.

As for the plot twist, well I was sure a goner for it - and him too. So that was something I didn’t expect but loved it anyway.

Either way, I ended up loving the book, despite its woah what can’t be moments, the writing, romance and intriguingly twisted development of characters made it all worth it.

So yeah loved it and can’t wait for more. Her broken pieces is coming February 24 2022, and I’m so here for it.

Until the next read,

-TMR
Profile Image for M.
646 reviews265 followers
November 3, 2021
Callum and Bella were each others lifeline while staying at the Webster House, a foster home for youth. They had made a pact that they would do everything and anything they could to be adopted together. Only together. Always together. "𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒍 𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆"
One didn't hold true to the promise though, instead left without a single word, let alone a goodbye.
He will never let her forget it.

Twelve years later... Bella has a job opportunity that is almost too good to be true. Packing a suitcase and getting on a ferry with her destination being a castle on an island that is being renovated. She will be there to help the secretive owner with the design - her, a nobody.
Secluded, alone and without any cell service she's easy prey.

Callum got her on 𝒉𝒊𝒔 island. Now she will be sorry that she ever left him. He will make her pay... with her mind, her body and her soul. He's not the same boy that followed Bella along like a sappy little puppy. He has been through things that changed him, molded him into this man. A man that has darkness flowing through his veins. A man without emotions. A man out for deadly revenge. He is beautifully broken, deranged and a man you don't want to cross.

Will she make it out of this in one piece or will her Callum break her beyond repair?

This book was intense and nothing like I thought it would be from the blurb. It was SO much more. Spine tingling twists, panty scorching sexiness and lies masking as half truths.

*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Valentina.
1,082 reviews308 followers
November 3, 2021
A second-chance affair

Callum and Isabella were childhood friends in foster care (orphanage) and pledged to always be together until Bella decides to leave for a permanent family – alone. She leaves behind Cal, her broody best friend three years her senior. Twelve years later, Cal, hugely successful but also coldly dark, hires Isabella for interior design at his prestigious palatial home with his company. But there is awaits reckoning and an air-tight contract.

Cal was adopted by a wealthy family of mentally, sometimes physically cruel intentions. This abuse along with Isabella’s abandonment turned him into a dark soul set on a course to make Isabella experience a taste of his trauma. Still underneath his resentment, Cal secretly still loves Bella, and Bella is still fond of him. This is a story of second chances, regret and forgiveness between a broody, prosperous yet broken soul and selfishly unawares heroine.

The plot premise was strong, especially starting out – their personalities, the foreshadowing of Cal’s horrors, Belle’s denial and guilt, and individuals they were to become. Side characters contributed interest to the story. Where the story faltered for me was main character development. While Cal seems to be intended a dark and demanding figure, he was depicted inconsistently. He seemed to indulge in the heroine’s whims most of the time with sparks of what should be commanding acts only part of the time. His behavior was hot and cold, as if he wanted to be, was supposed to be, an alpha jerk, but could not bring his darkness to fruition. His behavior felt at odds with his seemingly intended personality even allowing for character growth. Bella was overall not a likable heroine, disloyal and frankly having done the hero wrong but was later depicted with immaturity. She put up dishonest protests, pretense that created contrived discord.

At times I found the story overly descriptive, painting so many nuances of a scene that the story loss progress even if occurring mainly in the early parts of the books perhaps planned as a foundation. What the book did not lack was juicy spice, after some great chemistry build up.

In summary, for me the dissonance in the character behavior didn’t work for the story and simply a dislike of the heroine; some dark and broody hero scenes to be enjoyed for sure, and a healthy dose of spice, but simply not the book for me.
Profile Image for Lolina ⋆.
899 reviews51 followers
February 2, 2022
This book was such a genuine surprise- I really loved it.

Ok so I just found out that book 2 isn't out yet, and I'm on my way to cry 😭😭- No bc the way that I was genuinely excited to read the next one 🤡🤡. I'm pretty sure it's coming out in February though, so I know I'm just impatient 😶.

Anyways...

It's been a while since I've read a darker, more dramatic romance, as I've mainly just been reading a lot of lighter, fluffier books recently- so this was a nice transition back into it.

I feel like on a base level I expected to enjoy the book, as it seemed very up my alley, but I definitely didn't expect to like it this much. I'm invested.

I absolutely loved the way that the story progressed, the writing really worked for me- and I surprisingly found myself feeling really bad for the younger versions of these characters- the book wasn't as dark as I was expecting it to be (it was actually pretty sweet at times), but I found it really interesting. I think that it had a lot more going for it plot-wise, in comparison to the actual romance and its development- but I'm excited to see how it progresses.

I loved Cal, and especially loved how petty he was in the situation, and how he didn't lose sight of his goals, despite being attracted to Bella (his mood swings were on another level though)- and in terms of Bella's character, I actually liked her as well- I did have some iffy moments with her, but she won me over towards the end.

But yeah, I really enjoyed the book. There were certain scenes that I wasn't a fan of, and wished that certain characters had reacted differently, but all that aside, this was so much nicer than I was expecting- I'm really interested to see where the story goes from here, and hope that some things get cleared up, as well as approaches the push and pull dynamic that the characters had- I have high hopes.
Profile Image for Tato.
181 reviews14 followers
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February 25, 2022
Es una de las protagonista más tontas que leí en mi vida.
Bueno ella va a trabajar a una isla privada como diseñadora de interiores, cuando llega le dan la mejor habitación. Y se da cuenta que algo está pasando, cuando va a ver a su nuevo jefe, no está pero él que si está es su abogado. Que le hace firmar algunos papeles que le dice que es el contrato, y ella como todo personaje estúpido no Lee el contrato solo lo firma.
Y bueno acá empieza la historia más trillada y poco original, de estás clases de libros.
Él la odia por un motivo estúpido e infantil.
Tipo ellos tienen "sexo" con dudoso consentimiento, bueno y él le da para tome las pastillas del días después.
Y QUE HACE LA ESTÚPIDA DE NUESTRA PROTAGONISTA... NO SE LAS TOMA!!!
Es una trastornada. Para querer embarazarse de un Abusador y asesino.
Tipo también está mal escrito o la escritora no tiene nada de coherencia.
Él le dice que la tiene secuestrada y que no la va a dejar irse de la isla, y que si ella intenta escaparse él va a lastimar a su familia. Y que pasa? NADA al día siguiente ella le dice: buenos días. Cómo si no la tuviese secuestrada....
También hay otra escena dónde él le dice que mató a su padre adoptivo con ácido, y ella dice que no le tiene miedo que lo ama como toda protagonista estúpida y trastornada mental.
No volvería a leer a está "escritora" y la historia ni una estrella se merece.
Profile Image for Bookgasms Book Blog.
2,837 reviews1,429 followers
April 8, 2022
His Hollow Heart was a solid dark romance. Cal and Bella were fiery and their connection was strongly felt off the pages. While I appreciated the dual narration, I did feel like being in Callum's head was a little off putting as his feelings were almost erratic and all over the place. All in all, however, this was a solid book. 4 stars! ~Ratula
Profile Image for jess.
360 reviews213 followers
November 5, 2021
His Hollow Heart is the first book of the Fallen Kingdom duet and it was such a wild ride!!

Bella and Calum have known each other since they were kids but stuff happens that has them being apart for so long, finally seeing each other again in the present. These two characters have an insane chemistry that I simply couldn’t stop reading this book. Each chapter was intense and I had to know what was going to happen next.

Overall this was a great start to their story. Both characters are interesting and their story even more intriguing. This book ends in a cliffhanger and now I NEED the second part!
October 27, 2021
Welcome to Cori Cove.
Where secrets hide and desires lurk

This book was definitely, by far one of my favorites of Rachel Leigh's creations! Whether it is a HS bully book or a dark adult enemies to lovers type, this author always keeps me on my toes and never ceases to amaze me with every book that comes out.
I was pulled in every which way from beginning, middle to end. I felt ALL the emotions!!!! I FELT Callum's anger, his hurt, his LUST, LOVE, I felt the passion they had in certain parts and I felt the brutality in others. I felt Bella's confusion,heartbreak, jealousy, love.
The memories, they hurt. OMG THEY HURT.

I loved and LIVED FOR the possessive ruthlessness of Cal and the carnal way he lusted for Bella. He didn't just lust after her though. He BREATHED her. Everything he had done for the 12 years they were apart was centered around one goal. Bella. He went through hell and back and now that she is finally with him he wasn't going to let her slip away.
I loved the way Bella shaped him and changed him all throughout the book. Like he could still be angry at his past and the cards he was dealt yet she softened him up and gave him something to finally lean on after having nothing his whole life.

I loved watching Bella grow as a character from the time she got to the castle to the end. How she fought against it tooth and nail to finally accepting and embracing it with open arms. I relished seeing her get her sass back that she tucked deep down all these years of her life because she wanted to please everyone else. It was great to witness Callum, the one guy she desperately wanted to get away from, bring that out of her.

This book will surprise you. There will be things that happen that you may not like. There will be things that you may not agree with. But most importantly, I know that this book will light a fire in you and make you CRAVE the next one.

I cannot wait to see what happens in book two because my heart was left behind at Cori Cove and I need it back. That cliffhanger gave me a run for my money and I just know that this author is going to be answering all my questions and MORE with this next book. HEAL MY HOLLOW HEART PLEASE! 5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
1,847 reviews1,067 followers
February 23, 2022
Conflicted

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: second chance
Angst: 😱😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

So I really enjoyed the idea of this story as well as the storyline. It is dark and gothic in nature, which I really loved. I also enjoyed the tragic backstory of them as children. I just felt the pacing, especially in the beginning was off. Really off. Like he hasn't seen her in 12 years and within 2 minutes he's jamming his fingers up in her? It was just weird. And off. Call um definitely comes across as on the other side of cuckoo, which I totally don't hate, but Bella came across as a tad too self absorbed. I definitely want to read the next book to see where this is all going!
Profile Image for RomanceBookObsessedGirl.
129 reviews12 followers
October 27, 2021
Well Damn! This is definitely my favourite book by Rachel, and that ending! Not cool just leaving us hanging off that Cliff and wanting more!

Bella & Cal where childhood friends in foster care, where they made a promise to be together forever. Unfortunately that didn’t happen and Bella left the home, leaving Cal Behind. 12 years later Cal finds Bella and will stop at nothing to have her and make her pay for breaking their promise.

The push and pull between Cal & Bella is something else. One minute they hate each other, and cal is a dick to her, the next they can’t get enough of each other. I love that, it just makes me want more. There is so many secrets Cal is keeping from Bella, into why he’s keeping her and getting revenge. Bella will stop at nothing until she is free and gets the answers she’s looking for.

I can’t wait for book 2, to get more answers to the many unsolved questions within this first book. This book is dark with a broody as hell Alpha, so if you’re into that then you’ll love it.
Profile Image for Jess McDaniel.
898 reviews50 followers
October 27, 2021
You guys need to read this book. It is definitely a favorite of mine! Like all time one of the top books I've ever read. Bella and Cal are pure 🔥🔥🔥 and just *sigh* 😍😍

Bella and Cal have been separated for 12 years. A lot has happened between the last time they saw each other and now. Cal is very closed off, but he has his reasons. Cal will do anything for Bella and even if he can be cruel and a bit of an alphahole at times, he's definitely swoon worthy.

The world building and character building are phenomenal. There's mystery, suspense, secrets, lies and steam... oh the steam!!!! 🥵🥵🥵 these two are just.. gah! The tension and the angst! I don't have words for it...

I am blown away by His Hollow Heart. I have lots of questions. And after that cliffhanger, I need lots of answers. I absolutely love HHH and cannot wait to see what happens next!

Absolutely amazing, Rachel!!
Profile Image for The Lushy Reader.
794 reviews22 followers
October 25, 2021
Since childhood, Cal and Bella may have been written in the stars, but a lot can happen in 12 years. Both live different lives and whether it’s fate or someone forcing fate, they find each other again. Same connection, but different people.

My heart bleeds for Cal…well, both of them actually. Cal may be in his 20’s but can be still a boy in so many ways. What he’s endured haunts him every single day. He’s broken in so many ways and is starving for some kind of happiness. Bella has lived a good life with good people. But was she ever truly living…

This is a dark story, filled with that kismet kind of love, that has you rooting for the villain (is the villain truly the villain!?) and crossing your fingers that these two get their HEA.
Profile Image for Shawna Jimenez more.books.forever.
1,773 reviews78 followers
October 26, 2021
Ma’am!!! GTFO!! This is by far my favorite book from this author! Cal and Bella give me freaking life. Their story is everything pain, heartache, love. What these two share with one another cannot be duplicated its that kind of bond and love that runs soul deep and pours out of you. This is not just a love story but so much more. Two people that have grown up in very different circumstances but both still seem to be a bit broken and these two broken souls call to one another. These two have the power to heal and build something truly beautiful. This book is filled with tension, amazing chemistry, drama and will have you rooting so hard for these two to have their HEA!!! AMAZING!
Profile Image for Stital.
929 reviews23 followers
October 28, 2021
Intriguing, intense and incredibly sizzling, His Hollow Heart is a captivating read.

The push and pull between Bella and Cal is just phenomenal. Their story is filled with so much raw emotion, pain, heartache, redemption and betrayal I was completely engrossed and felt everything.
With beautifully written characters that perfectly develop through the storyline, we get a glimpse into the ominous darkness surrounding Cori Cove, though there are still so many secrets yet to be uncovered.

5 stars and a snake
Profile Image for a♡.
24 reviews6 followers
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January 6, 2024
Dnf. It wasn’t bad, just really boring.
Author 42 books533 followers
October 28, 2021
Oh man, there is nothing better than a dark, broody, dangerous man who can only love one person. Bella and Cal were everything and their chemistry was off the chain.

His Hollow Heart was a perfect blend of angst, emotion, steamy and darkness. If you like possessive alpha-a-holes, then Callum is your MF man.
636 reviews74 followers
November 3, 2021
I absolutely loved the premise of this book with it's betrayal and revenge themes as well as low key beauty and the beast vibes. The plot was quite engaging and the chemistry was there. However, something just wasn't clicking for me with the narrative and the connection between Bella and Cal. There was too much push and pull and betraying body on both ends. While I can understand the reasons for it, I still couldn't get behind Cal's mood swings and hot and cold attitude towards Bella. The mystery surrounding Bella and Cal was intriguing and kept me turning the pages, but the romance just didn't work for me.
Profile Image for TINA | DejaLu✨.
601 reviews12 followers
October 26, 2021
“Because you were the only person in the entire world who ever gave a damn about me, and you left me.”

Bella and Callum are orphans. Four years they stuck together and became best friends. They had a deal – always stay together.

Bella and Callum were inseparable. They found themselves dropped off at the same foster home and quickly became best friends, thick as thieves. As they grew older their friendship started to grow stronger. As young teenagers they were just beginning to see things change between until the day came that Bella left. Despite all the promises, she left Callum behind for her new family. Skip forward 12 years and we find Bella heading out to start a new chapter in her life. Starting a new job for a soon to be new hotel on a private island. It was a perfect escape. Perfect for her to figure out exactly what she wanted from this life where she felt something was missing.

Mysterious island? CHECK.
Mysterious Castle? CHECK.
Mysterious Boss, aka former childhood best friend? CHECK.

This book is really so good with a bit of mystery and… creepy? Not really creepy but the eeriness of the seclusion of the castle and everything that surrounds it so gripping! Bella is a naïve girl. She seems to have been quite sheltered in her normal little life after she left the foster home. She’s a very likeable character and you get sparks of her coming out, almost like she had changed herself and is trying to get back to her. And then there is Callum. Callum is rich and handsome but what he hides is a monster. He blames Bella. It took him years to finally find her and once he does, he doesn’t plan on ever letting her go. I loved this storyline so much, it’s so intriguing with a little bit, ok more than a little, of depravity. The hate and want between these two is so palpable. It’s just fantastic! This book ends with a big-time cliffhanger so prepare yourself to scream!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Crissy.
2,510 reviews5 followers
October 25, 2021
I absolutely love the cover of this book. I wish I loved this book as much as I do the cover but unfortunately I didn't love it the same. The story was an okay read but it's also a one time read for me and it didn't leave me wanting to read the next book in this series. The beginning of the book was intriguing and the main characters Isabella and Callum were okay. The back and forth between them was too much at times. It was like watching a never ending game of ping pong with them. I couldn't connect with these characters although they had no trouble connecting with each other. The sex scenes were good and steamy as h-e-l-l but I needed more. One minute Bella hated Callum for good reasons, yet as soon as he touched her, her panties was soaked. They were soaked even when he forced himself on her. This story had suspense, revenge, betrayal, jealousy and more but it also left me with a lot of unanswered questions with the cliffhanger ending. Unanswered questions regarding what happened at the end of the story that threw me for a loop because it defintiely came out of the left field and it happened and ended so fast. Although this story ended with a cliffhanger it didn't leave me wanting to read the next story. This wasn't a terrible story hence my 3 stars, it's just that I was expecting to love it more. With that being said, it doesn't mean that I wouldn't recommend this story. I think that readers should read any book they think they might enjoy and form their own opinion about a story. It because it wasn't the story for me doesn't mean that it won't be the story for you.
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