Brittle Heart

Memento Vivere Duet, Book 1

By: Blake Black

Narrated by: Vanessa Moyen, Silas Hart

My life has never been perfect. In fact, it’s anything but.

When my parents passed away in a car accident, I had to take care of my little sister. I supported us both as I tried to finish college and work two jobs. It’s hard to focus on my life when I have to keep myself together for someone else.

But just as I felt everything was falling apart, I landed my dream internship at the NYPD Crime Analysis Unit. Although I am guarded, my new boss is determined to befriend me, and so is her cop brother and his two best friends. As hard as it is to keep my walls around them up, they’re starting to crumble.

With my new connections in place—searching deeper into the truth of my parents’ accident—it causes unwanted attention from powerful people. Though the truth may be harder to swallow. What if the truth will change the course of everything I’ve ever known?

©2023 Blake Black (P)2025 Blake Black

Heavy themes but also lighthearted, great banter, real emotions, and just enough spice. Perfect.

I devoured this book.
This was such an emotional, slow-burn punch to the heart.
The narration is in duet by Vanessa Moyen & Silas Hart.

Tropes
Why choose MFMM
Curvy & virgin FMC
Found family

Content warnings
Car accident (mention)
Eating disorder
Bullying
Fat shaming
Abuse

Carolina is the kind of FMC who survives instead of lives—broke, overworked, emotionally closed off, and trapped with a violent abusive uncle while trying to protect her sister. Her toughness is pure defense and the guys see that she deserves the world 🥹

Josh is an absolute gem. Gentle, steady, and completely devoted, he gives Carolina safety without pressure, and their romance felt soft, healing, and very real.

I also loved the dynamic with Clay and Xander—solid MM rep, deeply in love, protective, and adding both spice and heart to the story.

The found family, the forensic mystery around her parents’ death, and the constant tension with Del Moro kept me hooked.

Great Story, Great Performance!

I love duet style! "Brittle Heart" is the first title in a duet that I hope the 2nd one comes out on audible soon. I was pleased that the MFC is plius sized, 1 of her love interest is Asian and the other 2 are queer - as I embrace diverse characters in my RH. Check your triggers - as there is physical and mental abuse - but [to me] it wasn't as bad as I have seen in the darker romances. I enjoyed Following Carolina as she finds herself, finds multiple love and I am intrigued by the burgeoning mystery surrtounding her parent's death. Vanessa and Silas were great - again, can't go wrong with duet style!

4 Starz - worthy of continuing on

Umm

I thought this was supposed to be a why choose. The story was good and the end did leave me wanting more but it def wasn’t why choose.