What do you think?
Rate this book
Heart-Shaped Box
Jack’s idea of hell is working as a stripper in a club on Halloween, where he’ll be taking his clothes off for a room full of people who want to hurt him. But as he’s on his way to rock bottom anyway, what has he got to lose? Nothing, he thinks, until he inadvertently riles the crowd and puts innocent Lark, another stripper, in danger.
Jack’s been pushing Lark away for months, not willing to admit his feelings, but as he embarks on a drunken mission to save him, Jack’s realises he’s finally ready to fight for what he wants.
Only to discover that Lark is not at all who he seems….
Jack’s been pushing Lark away for months, not willing to admit his feelings, but as he embarks on a drunken mission to save him, Jack’s realises he’s finally ready to fight for what he wants.
Only to discover that Lark is not at all who he seems….
- GenresM M RomanceRomance
88 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2023
About the author
Suki Fleet
33 books663 followersAbout the author:
Suki Fleet is an award winning author, a prolific Reader (though less prolific than they'd like), and a lover of angst, romance and unexpected love stories.
They write lyrical stories about memorable characters and believe everyone should have a chance at a happy ending.
Their first novel This is Not a Love Story won Best Gay Debut in the 2014 Rainbow Awards, and was a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Awards. Their novel Foxes won Best Gay Young Adult in the 2016 Rainbow Awards.
If you’d like to offer your support and buy Suki Fleet a coffee you can do that here: https://ko-fi.com/sukifleet
If you would like info on upcoming releases and the occasional free story, please sign up to Suki’s newsletter: https://sukifleet.wordpress.com/newsl...
If you’re interested in reading first drafts of Suki’s new stories, or reading stories that are no longer available or cuts that can’t be published on Amazon, and other extras, please consider signing up to Suki’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sukifleet
Suki Fleet is an award winning author, a prolific Reader (though less prolific than they'd like), and a lover of angst, romance and unexpected love stories.
They write lyrical stories about memorable characters and believe everyone should have a chance at a happy ending.
Their first novel This is Not a Love Story won Best Gay Debut in the 2014 Rainbow Awards, and was a finalist in the 2015 Lambda Awards. Their novel Foxes won Best Gay Young Adult in the 2016 Rainbow Awards.
If you’d like to offer your support and buy Suki Fleet a coffee you can do that here: https://ko-fi.com/sukifleet
If you would like info on upcoming releases and the occasional free story, please sign up to Suki’s newsletter: https://sukifleet.wordpress.com/newsl...
If you’re interested in reading first drafts of Suki’s new stories, or reading stories that are no longer available or cuts that can’t be published on Amazon, and other extras, please consider signing up to Suki’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/sukifleet
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 8, 2024
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
“Jack locked eyes with Lark and he did that thing with his mouth that he didn’t do enough of and smiled.
Tears ran down Lark’s cheeks, but he smiled back. Who the fuck had forever anyway?
Maybe people like them just had to learn to live like this, heartbeat by heartbeat, breath by breath.”
If not for Suki Fleet's newsletter I would not have come across Heart-Shaped Box, a short story featuring Jack - one of the characters briefly mentioned in one of their earlier works - and the strange events that unfold at the strip club where he works on All Hallow's Eve.
It was not so much a quick read, but a very high-tense and fast-paced one. Since the moment Jack appears on stage to perform and senses how fiercely formidable and wild the energy is of the crowd, he knows that he has to do whatever it takes to get himself and Lark, the young nineteen-year-old fellow stripper that he's been steadily falling for, out of the line of danger. 😨 'Those monsters in the crowd want blood. He is not taking Lark back there.' What unfolds after is this frenzied chase of dodging danger and escalated tension that quickly devolves into mysteries and secrets unfolding concerning Lark that are completely out of the realm of conscience and stream of possibility for Jack to even fathom. 😟
But, Jack is 'a fucking survivor' - he endures and perseveres and falls in love. 'Why did hearts have to be so fucking confusing?' For that is what his heart had forgotten how to do, but Lark reminded him of where it was. Subtly, but softly, Jack and Lark's connection deepened. I was pretty unsure myself what Lark's deal was, and the truth turned out even more unpredictable and wild as anyone would have guessed. 🥺 But, somehow - it worked. It worked, because the writing was convincing; it matched the frenzied feelings of what went down at the strip club that heightened all the emotions that were escaping into the Halloween air.
“Because this boy sitting next to him was not who he thought, and yet...everything about him felt familiar. It was so fucking annoying.
Devastating, his mind helpfully corrected. You are not annoyed right now, you are devastated. There’s a bit of difference.”
Oh, Jack - he really was in a rough place, but he was so determined to have a fighting chance for himself and for Lark and Chrys - another character I'm curious about what their history is. He's still carrying the battle scars of his past, and it shows; but what is still equally evident is how much he cares for Lark - 'Jack liked him. Had liked him, he reminded himself'. 😢 Saving Lark - protecting him was his driving force and the catalyst for whatever transpired. He slowly grew on me, and as the events unfold, you see just how much his heart has always been in the right place and the lengths he's willing to go to for those he cares about.
Lark was a man of mystery - for all the right reasons. He was lively and engaging, but still harboring a part of him that Jack wasn't privy to. Honestly, with each reveal he spilled, it kept catching me off guard. But, with this setup and how quickly the action was transpiring - somehow, in the scope of things, it made sense. 'I’ve never been comfortable with anyone like I felt with you, like, being with you was easy, like, I could be me and you didn’t hate me.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹 He went above and beyond to look out for Jack, in every way possible - dodging every figurative bullet till the outcome was inevitable but to face it - it meant something to them.
“The sane part, he told himself. The rest of him seemed far too happy he was still stuck with Lark.
Sometimes Lark was a liar and sometimes he was so open, Jack wasn’t sure his heart could handle the truth.”
I enjoyed how the story wrapped; very crazy, but still with a calming hopefulness. I liked seeing Jack and Lark talk - and more than talk, and confess to feelings they were too afraid to admit before. It's not exactly an insta-love, since they were already very much acquainted with each other before, but to see the closure they find with each other - that kindred connection of a shared traumatic past - the soft gently way Jack slowly embraces what his heart has always known - and the moment Lark allowed himself be vulnerable in front of Jack - 'I just want you to want me' - reveal his true and honest self - was definitely one of my favorite scenes. 🥹🥹
Where the story excels that while there's a lot that happens in a very short time frame- 24 hours - it is how the writing skillfully guides the narrative to each point, how each secret is unveiled, it brings both characters closer together that allows them to see how much they've always meant something more to one another. 🫶🏻🫶🏻 'Sometimes Lark was a liar and sometimes he was so open, Jack wasn’t sure his heart could handle the truth.' It is as expressive and high-strung as the emotions that are flaying in this one moment of their life that would define the rest of their lives. I liked that; the idea was interesting and even in a fleeting moment, there was still so much heart to their dynamic. Could it have been better if it was a bit longer - perhaps. But, it was still an entertaining read and I'm always fond of how Suki Fleet draws you into the setting, so I suppose, I don't have much to complain about. ☺️
“Jack locked eyes with Lark and he did that thing with his mouth that he didn’t do enough of and smiled.
Tears ran down Lark’s cheeks, but he smiled back. Who the fuck had forever anyway?
Maybe people like them just had to learn to live like this, heartbeat by heartbeat, breath by breath.”
If not for Suki Fleet's newsletter I would not have come across Heart-Shaped Box, a short story featuring Jack - one of the characters briefly mentioned in one of their earlier works - and the strange events that unfold at the strip club where he works on All Hallow's Eve.
It was not so much a quick read, but a very high-tense and fast-paced one. Since the moment Jack appears on stage to perform and senses how fiercely formidable and wild the energy is of the crowd, he knows that he has to do whatever it takes to get himself and Lark, the young nineteen-year-old fellow stripper that he's been steadily falling for, out of the line of danger. 😨 'Those monsters in the crowd want blood. He is not taking Lark back there.' What unfolds after is this frenzied chase of dodging danger and escalated tension that quickly devolves into mysteries and secrets unfolding concerning Lark that are completely out of the realm of conscience and stream of possibility for Jack to even fathom. 😟
But, Jack is 'a fucking survivor' - he endures and perseveres and falls in love. 'Why did hearts have to be so fucking confusing?' For that is what his heart had forgotten how to do, but Lark reminded him of where it was. Subtly, but softly, Jack and Lark's connection deepened. I was pretty unsure myself what Lark's deal was, and the truth turned out even more unpredictable and wild as anyone would have guessed. 🥺 But, somehow - it worked. It worked, because the writing was convincing; it matched the frenzied feelings of what went down at the strip club that heightened all the emotions that were escaping into the Halloween air.
“Because this boy sitting next to him was not who he thought, and yet...everything about him felt familiar. It was so fucking annoying.
Devastating, his mind helpfully corrected. You are not annoyed right now, you are devastated. There’s a bit of difference.”
Oh, Jack - he really was in a rough place, but he was so determined to have a fighting chance for himself and for Lark and Chrys - another character I'm curious about what their history is. He's still carrying the battle scars of his past, and it shows; but what is still equally evident is how much he cares for Lark - 'Jack liked him. Had liked him, he reminded himself'. 😢 Saving Lark - protecting him was his driving force and the catalyst for whatever transpired. He slowly grew on me, and as the events unfold, you see just how much his heart has always been in the right place and the lengths he's willing to go to for those he cares about.
Lark was a man of mystery - for all the right reasons. He was lively and engaging, but still harboring a part of him that Jack wasn't privy to. Honestly, with each reveal he spilled, it kept catching me off guard. But, with this setup and how quickly the action was transpiring - somehow, in the scope of things, it made sense. 'I’ve never been comfortable with anyone like I felt with you, like, being with you was easy, like, I could be me and you didn’t hate me.' ❤️🩹❤️🩹 He went above and beyond to look out for Jack, in every way possible - dodging every figurative bullet till the outcome was inevitable but to face it - it meant something to them.
“The sane part, he told himself. The rest of him seemed far too happy he was still stuck with Lark.
Sometimes Lark was a liar and sometimes he was so open, Jack wasn’t sure his heart could handle the truth.”
I enjoyed how the story wrapped; very crazy, but still with a calming hopefulness. I liked seeing Jack and Lark talk - and more than talk, and confess to feelings they were too afraid to admit before. It's not exactly an insta-love, since they were already very much acquainted with each other before, but to see the closure they find with each other - that kindred connection of a shared traumatic past - the soft gently way Jack slowly embraces what his heart has always known - and the moment Lark allowed himself be vulnerable in front of Jack - 'I just want you to want me' - reveal his true and honest self - was definitely one of my favorite scenes. 🥹🥹
Where the story excels that while there's a lot that happens in a very short time frame- 24 hours - it is how the writing skillfully guides the narrative to each point, how each secret is unveiled, it brings both characters closer together that allows them to see how much they've always meant something more to one another. 🫶🏻🫶🏻 'Sometimes Lark was a liar and sometimes he was so open, Jack wasn’t sure his heart could handle the truth.' It is as expressive and high-strung as the emotions that are flaying in this one moment of their life that would define the rest of their lives. I liked that; the idea was interesting and even in a fleeting moment, there was still so much heart to their dynamic. Could it have been better if it was a bit longer - perhaps. But, it was still an entertaining read and I'm always fond of how Suki Fleet draws you into the setting, so I suppose, I don't have much to complain about. ☺️
February 8, 2024
Angsty nibblet.
I have a special place in my heart for Suki's stories.
They are always unique and powerful.
Moving.
Yes, if I had to sum up Suki's books in one word, it would be moving.
I LOVED seeing Jack from one of my all-time favorites Foxes.
The pace was so speedy, that I found myself going back and rereading...making sure I wasn't missing anything.
If you haven't read Fleet before, I would steer you to other books on her bookshelf but Fleet fans will enjoy this shortie.
I have a special place in my heart for Suki's stories.
They are always unique and powerful.
Moving.
Yes, if I had to sum up Suki's books in one word, it would be moving.
I LOVED seeing Jack from one of my all-time favorites Foxes.
The pace was so speedy, that I found myself going back and rereading...making sure I wasn't missing anything.
If you haven't read Fleet before, I would steer you to other books on her bookshelf but Fleet fans will enjoy this shortie.
January 2, 2024
It’s really hard for me to separate my love for Fleet’s Foxes and my feelings for Heart-Shaped Box. Our MC, Jack, is a minor side character from Foxes, one of my favorite stories ever. Though Heart-Shaped Box can stand alone, a big part of my enjoyment of it is derived from its background in Foxes. As such, I thoroughly enjoyed HSB and seeing not only how Jack has grown in the years between Foxes and now, but getting more insight into his character and motivations in Foxes.
That said, I feel fairly confident that if I hadn’t read and loved Foxes so much, HSB wouldn’t have had the impact on me that it does. A big part of the richness of the story for me, comes from the depth of its roots in Foxes. I guess what I’m trying to say in my clumsy way is that if you want the true HSB experience, read Foxes first.
Though I’ve read Foxes three times, HSB inspires me to read it again. I’d love to see it, and Jack, through this new lens and with this new perspective.
Final note: there’s an extra scene with Jack and Lark meeting Micky from Foxes that’s available if you sign up for Fleet’s newsletter. I enjoyed that bit immensely.
3.5 stars with the expectation that I’ll raise my rating once I’ve read Foxes and HSB back to back.
That said, I feel fairly confident that if I hadn’t read and loved Foxes so much, HSB wouldn’t have had the impact on me that it does. A big part of the richness of the story for me, comes from the depth of its roots in Foxes. I guess what I’m trying to say in my clumsy way is that if you want the true HSB experience, read Foxes first.
Though I’ve read Foxes three times, HSB inspires me to read it again. I’d love to see it, and Jack, through this new lens and with this new perspective.
Final note: there’s an extra scene with Jack and Lark meeting Micky from Foxes that’s available if you sign up for Fleet’s newsletter. I enjoyed that bit immensely.
3.5 stars with the expectation that I’ll raise my rating once I’ve read Foxes and HSB back to back.
January 5, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
This is Jack and Lark’s story in a new novella from Suki Fleet and their relationship is new to this book. Jack was a secondary character in Fleet’s book, Foxes, which was released in 2016. Foxes was a heavy and intricate story and, while I do remember Jack, it has been too long for me to remember everything about him. This book picks up after Foxes and has somewhat of an expectation that the reader will know where Jack has come from. Given that, while I don’t think you fully have to go back and read Foxes, if you haven’t, it might feel that you are coming into the middle of a story.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
This is Jack and Lark’s story in a new novella from Suki Fleet and their relationship is new to this book. Jack was a secondary character in Fleet’s book, Foxes, which was released in 2016. Foxes was a heavy and intricate story and, while I do remember Jack, it has been too long for me to remember everything about him. This book picks up after Foxes and has somewhat of an expectation that the reader will know where Jack has come from. Given that, while I don’t think you fully have to go back and read Foxes, if you haven’t, it might feel that you are coming into the middle of a story.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
January 2, 2024
Suki is an absolute auto-read author for me, and I was so happy to get this ARC (thank you Suki!)
This is the story of Jack, who we first met in Foxes. He was in a bad place then, and things haven’t gotten much better. He’s pretty sure he’s steps away from rock bottom. But there is a bright spot in his life: Lark, his coworker at the strip club. Lark is bubbly and whimsical, angelic and sweet. Jack is…not. Too many bad things have brought him down. When one night at the club gets a bit too intense and Jack knows something is wrong, he’s hesitant but takes Lark’s lead to get out. This one night turns into a mad adventure, and Jack discovers that Lark is not at all who he thought.
This is an exciting and action packed story with a sweet mystery man, a guy who’s very down on his luck, and some spice and romance thrown in!
This is the story of Jack, who we first met in Foxes. He was in a bad place then, and things haven’t gotten much better. He’s pretty sure he’s steps away from rock bottom. But there is a bright spot in his life: Lark, his coworker at the strip club. Lark is bubbly and whimsical, angelic and sweet. Jack is…not. Too many bad things have brought him down. When one night at the club gets a bit too intense and Jack knows something is wrong, he’s hesitant but takes Lark’s lead to get out. This one night turns into a mad adventure, and Jack discovers that Lark is not at all who he thought.
This is an exciting and action packed story with a sweet mystery man, a guy who’s very down on his luck, and some spice and romance thrown in!
January 7, 2024
honestly this book is kinda too short for me to do a long review on. first off, a lot of things happen. right off the bat things get crazy; jack and his friend chrys escape from their boss, there's someone chasing them, there's arson, a rich guy, following said rich guy, lots of escaping, and a whirlwind romance involved.
it's definitely a bit much for a book not even a hundred pages; i'd probably bump this up like 1 - 1.5 stars if everything is expanded upon. the explanations of the motive and plans are brief, with some plot holes (why did lark have to get involved like his boss literally has so many other people hired). lark and jack's romance have potential, but it does seem quick especially since the first stages of their relationship was skimmed over.
i do like the characters: chrys, who is such a staunch ally; jack, who is so beaten down by life you can't help feeling sorry for him; lark, who is so sweet and optimistic. it's just that the plot is wayyy too wild to be contain within so little pages.
it's definitely a bit much for a book not even a hundred pages; i'd probably bump this up like 1 - 1.5 stars if everything is expanded upon. the explanations of the motive and plans are brief, with some plot holes (why did lark have to get involved like his boss literally has so many other people hired). lark and jack's romance have potential, but it does seem quick especially since the first stages of their relationship was skimmed over.
i do like the characters: chrys, who is such a staunch ally; jack, who is so beaten down by life you can't help feeling sorry for him; lark, who is so sweet and optimistic. it's just that the plot is wayyy too wild to be contain within so little pages.
January 6, 2024
Jack is diving towards rock bottom; he’s done caring about anything and ready to sink into oblivion. He doesn’t think he’s a good person, and his life has been fucked up since his mom died and his step-dad started abusing him. He’s told himself not to get close to anyone, especially the cherubic new dancer Lark, but when he’s blackout drunk, he shares all of himself with Lark. Lark is a sweet young man, who has fallen for the broken man who shows his vulnerable side only when drunk. Lark has secrets he think will make Jack walk away, but they can’t help trying to save each other even if they don’t need saving.
This novella is really hard for me to rate. I didn’t hate it and think it’s better than just ok, but I can’t really say I liked it either? I just wasn’t feeling it. Since it’s told from Jack’s POV, he’s more fleshed out, but only in terms of his character arc. He starts broken and closed off, then learns being connected to people may work out and he may not be a terrible guy. But that is his entire personality. Lark’s personality is comprised of only sad boy backstory too. Lark is sweet and helps Jack with big beautiful eyes and helps Jack when he gets Jack into trouble with big beautiful eyes. He’s sad he’s lost his dad, that his mom doesn’t want him and that his uncle despises him, but he loves Jack.
They are light and dark so made to fit together thematically, but I didn’t feel their connection or chemistry. Additionally as this story has no real plot, the characters need to be developed and/or charismatic enough to carry the narrative, and to me they weren’t. Since this is a short getting together story where Jack spends most of it worried about/searching for Lark; Lark’s main dialogue contribution is to hint at secrets then meanderingly tell them; Jack knows nothing about Lark until almost the end; and me wishing there was more to the characters, I wasn’t invested enough in the story. However, the writing is solid, and if you’re looking for angst, Jack is super angsty. He’s also endearing in his single-minded attempts to help Lark as his shell crack opens.
This novella is really hard for me to rate. I didn’t hate it and think it’s better than just ok, but I can’t really say I liked it either? I just wasn’t feeling it. Since it’s told from Jack’s POV, he’s more fleshed out, but only in terms of his character arc. He starts broken and closed off, then learns being connected to people may work out and he may not be a terrible guy. But that is his entire personality. Lark’s personality is comprised of only sad boy backstory too. Lark is sweet and helps Jack with big beautiful eyes and helps Jack when he gets Jack into trouble with big beautiful eyes. He’s sad he’s lost his dad, that his mom doesn’t want him and that his uncle despises him, but he loves Jack.
They are light and dark so made to fit together thematically, but I didn’t feel their connection or chemistry. Additionally as this story has no real plot, the characters need to be developed and/or charismatic enough to carry the narrative, and to me they weren’t. Since this is a short getting together story where Jack spends most of it worried about/searching for Lark; Lark’s main dialogue contribution is to hint at secrets then meanderingly tell them; Jack knows nothing about Lark until almost the end; and me wishing there was more to the characters, I wasn’t invested enough in the story. However, the writing is solid, and if you’re looking for angst, Jack is super angsty. He’s also endearing in his single-minded attempts to help Lark as his shell crack opens.
January 5, 2024
3,5*
Une nouvelle qui a eu un impact assez fort ! Woow en peu de pages, Suki Fleet est parvenue a sacrément me remuer...
Je m'en veux sacrément car je n'ai toujours pas lui Foxes, pourtant dans ma PAL depuis un sacré bail, et Heart-shaped heart nous racontre l'histoire d'un des personnages secondaires de ce roman. Je pense sincèrement que j'aurais davantage aimé ma lecture si j'avais fait la connaissance de Jack auparavant.
Il n'empêche que j'ai été a happé par cette ambiance assez sombre qui nous plonge dès le départ dans un club de strip-tease sordide et dont le propriétaire est un vrai pourri. Jack et ses autres compagnons d'infortune, notamment l'angélique Lark, se préparent à entrer en scène pour une soirée où les monstres sont de sortis et qui s'annonce horrible. Mais tout ne déroulera pas comme prévu, une course poursuite endiablée s'en suivra... Les héros feront face à bien des dangers et auront droit à une sacrée montée d'adrénaline, les pages regorgent d'action et de dangers. Mais au coeur de ce chaos, Jack et Lark se rapprocheront... J'ai beaucoup aimé l'intensité de leur relation, ils sont l'ombre et la lumière et la bauté de ce qu'ils partagent dans cet univers sombre et chaotique dans lequel ils vivent. Alors oui, j'aurais vraiment préféré avoir un roman car j'ai l'impression que tout le potentiel de ces héros n'a pas été assez exploité, des scènes essentielles sont absentes ou auraitn méritées d'être davantage explorées mais c'est souvent le cas avec les nouvelles...
Une chose est certaine : je vais faire remonter Foxessur le dessus de ma pile à lire !
Une nouvelle qui a eu un impact assez fort ! Woow en peu de pages, Suki Fleet est parvenue a sacrément me remuer...
Je m'en veux sacrément car je n'ai toujours pas lui Foxes, pourtant dans ma PAL depuis un sacré bail, et Heart-shaped heart nous racontre l'histoire d'un des personnages secondaires de ce roman. Je pense sincèrement que j'aurais davantage aimé ma lecture si j'avais fait la connaissance de Jack auparavant.
Il n'empêche que j'ai été a happé par cette ambiance assez sombre qui nous plonge dès le départ dans un club de strip-tease sordide et dont le propriétaire est un vrai pourri. Jack et ses autres compagnons d'infortune, notamment l'angélique Lark, se préparent à entrer en scène pour une soirée où les monstres sont de sortis et qui s'annonce horrible. Mais tout ne déroulera pas comme prévu, une course poursuite endiablée s'en suivra... Les héros feront face à bien des dangers et auront droit à une sacrée montée d'adrénaline, les pages regorgent d'action et de dangers. Mais au coeur de ce chaos, Jack et Lark se rapprocheront... J'ai beaucoup aimé l'intensité de leur relation, ils sont l'ombre et la lumière et la bauté de ce qu'ils partagent dans cet univers sombre et chaotique dans lequel ils vivent. Alors oui, j'aurais vraiment préféré avoir un roman car j'ai l'impression que tout le potentiel de ces héros n'a pas été assez exploité, des scènes essentielles sont absentes ou auraitn méritées d'être davantage explorées mais c'est souvent le cas avec les nouvelles...
Une chose est certaine : je vais faire remonter Foxessur le dessus de ma pile à lire !
December 31, 2023
Heart Shaped Box by is an emotional adventure.
MC Jack is a puzzle. He hates his job stripping at a seedy club, but it pays the bills, and he doesn’t care enough to find something else. He’s a lone wolf, not needing or wanting anyone. So why can’t he stop thinking about Lark?
Lark doesn’t seem to belong in the club, but he stubbornly resists Jack’s efforts to get him to protect him.
On Halloween night their boss Tommo has put them all in danger, granting the rowdy crowd permission to grope, maul, and mistreat the dancers.
Cold, uncaring Jack finds himself worried what will happen to innocent Lark if the audience gets hold of him. Their escape into the London night is thrilling, gritty, and eye-opening. The slight, angelic Lark that Jack is so keen to protect proves more than capable of taking care of himself. And Lark has more than a few secrets of his own he’s been keeping…
There are plenty of twists and turns, and it isn’t easy. But Jack and Lark do get their HEA. It’s not a fairy tale, but it’s theirs.
When Lark whispers “I’m really, really, happy right now” you believe him. And Jack eye-rolling in agreement proved just how right these imperfect men are for each other.
There’s an almost poetic delicacy in the way Suki writes. As harsh as her characters lives may be, she imbues them with such dignity. I always appreciate the realism in Suki’s stories- even when she’s breaking my heart. Thank you Suki for sharing an ARC of Jack and Lark’s story with me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
MC Jack is a puzzle. He hates his job stripping at a seedy club, but it pays the bills, and he doesn’t care enough to find something else. He’s a lone wolf, not needing or wanting anyone. So why can’t he stop thinking about Lark?
Lark doesn’t seem to belong in the club, but he stubbornly resists Jack’s efforts to get him to protect him.
On Halloween night their boss Tommo has put them all in danger, granting the rowdy crowd permission to grope, maul, and mistreat the dancers.
Cold, uncaring Jack finds himself worried what will happen to innocent Lark if the audience gets hold of him. Their escape into the London night is thrilling, gritty, and eye-opening. The slight, angelic Lark that Jack is so keen to protect proves more than capable of taking care of himself. And Lark has more than a few secrets of his own he’s been keeping…
There are plenty of twists and turns, and it isn’t easy. But Jack and Lark do get their HEA. It’s not a fairy tale, but it’s theirs.
When Lark whispers “I’m really, really, happy right now” you believe him. And Jack eye-rolling in agreement proved just how right these imperfect men are for each other.
There’s an almost poetic delicacy in the way Suki writes. As harsh as her characters lives may be, she imbues them with such dignity. I always appreciate the realism in Suki’s stories- even when she’s breaking my heart. Thank you Suki for sharing an ARC of Jack and Lark’s story with me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
January 8, 2024
My first time reading this author and I really enjoyed this jam packed novella. There were some amazing characters in this story and the storyline kept me engrossed the entire time. It is a quick read with a HEA. Not a lot of steam but the storyline certainly kept me on my toes.
The story spends a lot of time on Jack, his backstory and his POV of the events that happen over the course of the book. Jack has closed himself off from so much of life and drowns his sorrows. The events of the story and his concern for Lark push him out of his comfort zone and force himself to open up more than it seems he ever has. We don’t get a lot of information about Lark until towards the end. I wished I had more time with these characters, particularly Lark and I felt like their story was too short for my own selfish needs. I am glad that both of these characters got a well deserved HEA.
I definitely want to go back and read Micky’s story and get a glimpse of Jack’s character. I’m also hoping to see more of these characters and hope that Chrys gets their own story. They seem like they have an interesting backstory and hope they get their own HEA. I read a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and fair review.
The story spends a lot of time on Jack, his backstory and his POV of the events that happen over the course of the book. Jack has closed himself off from so much of life and drowns his sorrows. The events of the story and his concern for Lark push him out of his comfort zone and force himself to open up more than it seems he ever has. We don’t get a lot of information about Lark until towards the end. I wished I had more time with these characters, particularly Lark and I felt like their story was too short for my own selfish needs. I am glad that both of these characters got a well deserved HEA.
I definitely want to go back and read Micky’s story and get a glimpse of Jack’s character. I’m also hoping to see more of these characters and hope that Chrys gets their own story. They seem like they have an interesting backstory and hope they get their own HEA. I read a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and fair review.
December 31, 2023
Heart Shaped Box - Time to Let Go
“When I started working at the club, I’d never taken my clothes off in front of anyone before.” Lark’s cheeks burned. “Some of my uncle’s employees got off on it, I heard them talking, it was awful.” A wave of rage swept through Jack’s stomach, but Lark kept on speaking as though he couldn’t stop, as though the words were now sweeping through him like a sea. “But meeting you made the humiliation worth it. You…I don’t think I can explain it, but…I’ve never been comfortable with anyone like I felt with you, like, being with you was easy, like, I could be me and you didn’t hate me…”
Suki Fleet has written a beautifully told story of characters with flaws and painful pasts, who are able to climb out of their horrors and choose their future together.
Jack is desperate to refuse his attraction to fellow stripper Lark, but when he feels he is in danger, he chooses to push past his emotions and is drawn into an underworld of deception.
Heart Shaped Box is another fabulous story that is filled with feeling!
“When I started working at the club, I’d never taken my clothes off in front of anyone before.” Lark’s cheeks burned. “Some of my uncle’s employees got off on it, I heard them talking, it was awful.” A wave of rage swept through Jack’s stomach, but Lark kept on speaking as though he couldn’t stop, as though the words were now sweeping through him like a sea. “But meeting you made the humiliation worth it. You…I don’t think I can explain it, but…I’ve never been comfortable with anyone like I felt with you, like, being with you was easy, like, I could be me and you didn’t hate me…”
Suki Fleet has written a beautifully told story of characters with flaws and painful pasts, who are able to climb out of their horrors and choose their future together.
Jack is desperate to refuse his attraction to fellow stripper Lark, but when he feels he is in danger, he chooses to push past his emotions and is drawn into an underworld of deception.
Heart Shaped Box is another fabulous story that is filled with feeling!
January 6, 2024
Jack is a stripper in a club, where on Halloween he is asked to allow those present to hurt him. Unfortunately, his actions rile the crowd and that puts other strippers in danger. Lark is one of those in danger and Jack cannot allow that, even though he has been fighting his attraction to him. Jack embarks on a mission to save Lark only to find out Lark is so much more than he thought.
Jack has had a rough life and has enclosed his heart into a box which he will not allow to be opened. Lark tempts him and in trying to keep him safe, he opens himself up. Jack feels as if he has hit rock bottom and the only bright spot in his life is Lark. Lark is an intriguing character who has had his issues in life. The two together are fantastic. I did not read the book where Jack is introduced and still enjoyed this book. In fact, I am thinking of going on to read that series. Pick up Heart-Shaped Box and enjoy meeting Jack and Lark. You will be glad you did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and it was my pleasure to voluntarily leave this review.
Jack has had a rough life and has enclosed his heart into a box which he will not allow to be opened. Lark tempts him and in trying to keep him safe, he opens himself up. Jack feels as if he has hit rock bottom and the only bright spot in his life is Lark. Lark is an intriguing character who has had his issues in life. The two together are fantastic. I did not read the book where Jack is introduced and still enjoyed this book. In fact, I am thinking of going on to read that series. Pick up Heart-Shaped Box and enjoy meeting Jack and Lark. You will be glad you did.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and it was my pleasure to voluntarily leave this review.
December 22, 2023
We're not only in familiar territory of dispossessed youth that Suki Fleet captures so brilliantly, but also with familiar characters. I straightaway recognised MC Jack as a minor character in the wonderful Foxes and it was great to see him come into his own in this superb story.
We're plunged into Jack's personal hellscape, stripping in a dodgy club at the age of twenty-four after a dreadful childhood and a series of poor decisions. There seems to be no way out until he is rescued by fellow stripper, Lark. I loved the way that mysterious Lark seemed almost angelic compared to Jack's self-disgust, which drives him to keep Lark at arm's length.
The twists turns and discoveries in this story are driven by the connection between these two, which Jack can't resist however hard he fights. Heart-Shaped Box is a beautiful, memorable, complex coming-of-age story that neither plays down life's hardships nor its unexpected sweetness.
We're plunged into Jack's personal hellscape, stripping in a dodgy club at the age of twenty-four after a dreadful childhood and a series of poor decisions. There seems to be no way out until he is rescued by fellow stripper, Lark. I loved the way that mysterious Lark seemed almost angelic compared to Jack's self-disgust, which drives him to keep Lark at arm's length.
The twists turns and discoveries in this story are driven by the connection between these two, which Jack can't resist however hard he fights. Heart-Shaped Box is a beautiful, memorable, complex coming-of-age story that neither plays down life's hardships nor its unexpected sweetness.
December 29, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. And I kind of did. Maybe?
Except it was confusing and a bit disjointed. The pacing was okay but I didn’t really know what was going on a lot of the time. Especially in the beginning. Even at the end, I didn’t feel like it was all spelled out.
Maybe if this had been novel length and we had more time to meet and get to know the characters. But I didn’t feel any connection to them at all.
It’s labeled as a standalone but I felt like I was missing a lot of information, like the beginning of the story was missing. Then I realized Jack was introduced in a different book by the author. Maybe if I’d read that, Jack wouldn’t have felt so flat.
I’m still kind of confused about what actually happened and the motivation and reasons why the characters did things. I feel like too many questions were still unanswered.
I’m not *mad* that I read it but not something I’d re-read.
Except it was confusing and a bit disjointed. The pacing was okay but I didn’t really know what was going on a lot of the time. Especially in the beginning. Even at the end, I didn’t feel like it was all spelled out.
Maybe if this had been novel length and we had more time to meet and get to know the characters. But I didn’t feel any connection to them at all.
It’s labeled as a standalone but I felt like I was missing a lot of information, like the beginning of the story was missing. Then I realized Jack was introduced in a different book by the author. Maybe if I’d read that, Jack wouldn’t have felt so flat.
I’m still kind of confused about what actually happened and the motivation and reasons why the characters did things. I feel like too many questions were still unanswered.
I’m not *mad* that I read it but not something I’d re-read.
January 2, 2024
This is a dark, well-written, suspenseful, emotional, and raw short story that will resonate with readers on a deep level.
Both main characters are broken and flawed, yet surprisingly perfect in combination with each other. In the world around them, full of wrong, pain, and darkness, their love shines through as a beacon of love.
Though short in length, the writer masterfully takes you on a surprisingly rounded journey rich with emotions.
The characters are lovable and relatable despite their damaged and broken lives. The depth of their emotions and experiences is impressive, even more so in such a short story.
The writing and narrative of this story are eloquent and perfect, leaving a reader wishing for more.
This book is for you if you are into deep, raw, and emotional reading. However, If you prefer easy-to-read, cozy, and warm stories, maybe less.
HEA, no cliffhangers.
I received this book as an ARC. However, the review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion.
Both main characters are broken and flawed, yet surprisingly perfect in combination with each other. In the world around them, full of wrong, pain, and darkness, their love shines through as a beacon of love.
Though short in length, the writer masterfully takes you on a surprisingly rounded journey rich with emotions.
The characters are lovable and relatable despite their damaged and broken lives. The depth of their emotions and experiences is impressive, even more so in such a short story.
The writing and narrative of this story are eloquent and perfect, leaving a reader wishing for more.
This book is for you if you are into deep, raw, and emotional reading. However, If you prefer easy-to-read, cozy, and warm stories, maybe less.
HEA, no cliffhangers.
I received this book as an ARC. However, the review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion.
December 23, 2023
I was very confused while reading this. This is my first by this author and I felt like I missed vital pieces of information prior to reading this story (found out at the end that Jack is a side character from Foxes so don’t know if that would have helped or not). Even after the story progressed I still found myself confused. It started to come together about 75% in for me, but by then I was pushing through to be done and move on. The ‘I love you’s’ at the end seemed out of place, especially as they only knew each other a very short time and Jack admitted he was pushing Lark away on purpose and sleeping with someone else to avoid Lark. I’m not gonna harp anymore, this just wasn’t for me.
I received an advanced copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advanced copy from GRR in exchange for my honest review.
January 1, 2024
This is a pretty quick read and it’s a slow burn but the storyline is really interesting and fast paced. The entire book takes place in a 24 hour period(not including the epilogue). The characters were a little unbelievable as well as their predicament but is fiction so I’m here for it. The story kept me guessing which I always enjoy. I must say having a main character throw up then immediately make out with his love interest was gross for me and not at all sexy. I was excited to learn there was a book prior that has Jack as a side character. I’ll be reading that soon. Overall this was a fun, action packed and at times confusing read.
January 5, 2024
This is novella that takes place over a very short time, with an intense connection between the 2 MCs. Jack has been struggling for a long time, and has been afraid to let Lark in. What transpires is a series of far-too-convoluted and unbelievable events. While I'm ok with insta-love and devotion, the infrastructure behind what happens here is too much, especially given how childlike and innocent Lark is. I don't want to give any spoilers, but time after time I found myself saying "....ok, seriously?" Some stories ask you to suspend disbelief is a cheeky way, but this isn't one of them. Suki Fleet is a nice writer, but this was too over the top and improbable for me.
January 5, 2024
What a beautifully written love story. A short easy read, bt one with an emotional wallop. Jack and Lark are both broken men that are not having he best lives. However, their attraction for one another is what will help them move out of the dark places into aa HEA. Jack is in a dark place due to his past and while he feels an attraction to Lark, he feels he is not good enough for the sweet and innocent Lark. Lark however has his own issues of never felt loved or cared for. Watching these two men overcome their past issues to find love makes this book worth the read. I loved that they are not written as perfect but as real men would be. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
January 7, 2024
Heart-Shaped Box is a really interesting story. There’s a mystery that unfolds as the book progresses, but it feels a little rushed. Jack has a really difficult time trusting people after a lifetime of abuse. He feels protective of Lark, but there’s a lot more to Lark than Jack’s initial impression of him. Lark kept me guessing, but I wish the book was longer in order to fully develop his character. They have amazing chemistry together, and Fleet is gifted at writing characters who help each other heal. The ending is really sweet. I wish it was a little longer to give more detail and to help with the flow.
January 8, 2024
Jack is stuck in a job he doesn't love and he is kind of a loner. Although it seems he does not care, he does. About Lark. As I read this book I kept thinking that sometimes when you are in a rut or stuck and need it, love will find you to help you feel some hope. Lark is a bright light for Jack because he helps him feel. Theirs is not a fairytale as a lot of crappy stuff is going on in their world. But they have found in one another a reason to keep going towards the HEA that they get in the end. Sometimes, love is gritty and hard earned. This story reminded me that that can be the case.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2024
I’m impressed with how much takes place in this short story. The action doesn’t let up, but not at the expense of character development. Nobody in this is who they seem. I loved the twists, and read it in one sitting.
Jack and Lark are in a bad situation, with a nasty boss, and very questionable clientele. I liked the suspense, and how they’re backed in a corner, with very few exits. I love how Lark’s identity and background are revealed, and why Jack is hesitant to risk his heart again.
Chrys totally rocks in so many ways, and needs a story of their own. I loved the epilogue six months later. Very satisfying, and I’d totally read a series based on that scenario
Jack and Lark are in a bad situation, with a nasty boss, and very questionable clientele. I liked the suspense, and how they’re backed in a corner, with very few exits. I love how Lark’s identity and background are revealed, and why Jack is hesitant to risk his heart again.
Chrys totally rocks in so many ways, and needs a story of their own. I loved the epilogue six months later. Very satisfying, and I’d totally read a series based on that scenario
December 30, 2023
I am so happy to see Jack get a chance at a happy life where he can find love! The atmosphere of this story is a bit gritty and dark. Jack becomes a stripper, and he is befriending by the sweetest stripper I have ever met, Lark. We do not know much about Lark, but he is so good to Jack. He wants to help and support him even though Jack feels he should push Lark away because of his horrible past. Lark slowly starts to help Jack find self-worth again it is so touching. I was completely invested in these two young men finding a good life together.
December 31, 2023
This is an interesting book that has a slightly dark, slightly mafia feel. Jack and Lark were both likable characters, but I was really intrigued by Chrys, a secondary character. This book kept me wondering who was who, what was what, and what was going to happen next. I’m still not sure I know all the answers, which can be good in a book because the reader can take the story wherever their imagination leads. Maybe it’s the mathematician in me that likes resolution and understanding, so I missed having things neatly tied. However, I did find the ending to be very satisfying and enjoyable.
December 31, 2023
Ms. Fleet drew me into the plot, the characters and the dialogue as the never-ending action kept my heart racing from the first page to the last.
The villains are totally villainous and I was able to see a segment of the population that isn't something I encounter in my 'sheltered' existence. My emotions were in shreds by the end.
I've loved every book by Suki and this one was no exception.
Lark is fascinating and my heart hurt for Jack.
I'd love to know what their lives, and that of Chrys's, look like 5, 10, 15 years later.
I received an ARC from GRR. Thank you so much.
The villains are totally villainous and I was able to see a segment of the population that isn't something I encounter in my 'sheltered' existence. My emotions were in shreds by the end.
I've loved every book by Suki and this one was no exception.
Lark is fascinating and my heart hurt for Jack.
I'd love to know what their lives, and that of Chrys's, look like 5, 10, 15 years later.
I received an ARC from GRR. Thank you so much.
January 2, 2024
Suki Fleet writes stories like a poet, so heart wrenchingly beautiful that I would, and I know it's a cliché, but I would read their shopping lists and love them. Promise.
In Heart Shaped Box we delve into the darkness of the underworld, but with ease and tenderness that keeps your heart in your throat. You don't get the whole story. You don't even know where you are, but that is what I loved about this, it gave the reader space to think. To imagine and I really really liked that.
I loved this short novella, perfect for a dark January afternoon.
Loved it. Need more. Please.
In Heart Shaped Box we delve into the darkness of the underworld, but with ease and tenderness that keeps your heart in your throat. You don't get the whole story. You don't even know where you are, but that is what I loved about this, it gave the reader space to think. To imagine and I really really liked that.
I loved this short novella, perfect for a dark January afternoon.
Loved it. Need more. Please.
January 4, 2024
Fascinating short love story
I want to read Foxes now, but I don't think I needed to read that to enjoy this. I loved Jack and Lark, and their friendship at the club, revealed as the story progressed, was very sweet. Jack trying to hold back because he doesn't think he's good enough for Lark got me really interested in his history, which was also revealed piecemeal as we found out about Lark too.
A bittersweet, intriguing, thoughtful love story that had a lovely ending that suited them both. I would love to catch up with them later in their lives, and see Chrys too.
I want to read Foxes now, but I don't think I needed to read that to enjoy this. I loved Jack and Lark, and their friendship at the club, revealed as the story progressed, was very sweet. Jack trying to hold back because he doesn't think he's good enough for Lark got me really interested in his history, which was also revealed piecemeal as we found out about Lark too.
A bittersweet, intriguing, thoughtful love story that had a lovely ending that suited them both. I would love to catch up with them later in their lives, and see Chrys too.
January 8, 2024
This one is absolutely full of plot twists and turns and we have just the two characters for the author tompull them off with. Jack is very believably resigned to the fact that his life is crap and is going to continue to get worse if that's possible. The one bright spot is his co-worker Lark a sweetheart that Jack doesn't want to get close to for fear of his darkness contaminating Larks life as well. One night, however, throws them together and all bets are off. Loved these two characters and all the ups and downs of the story.
January 6, 2024
3.5
This was a fun read. I like the writing style which worked well to keep me guessing about what was going on with Jack and Lark. It was a bit hard to get a clear picture of the characters (Lark in particular), but it had an enjoyable mysterious vibe, especially in the early chapters. I especially liked Jack’s journey and how this wild evening with Lark and Chrys make him re- engage with the world. A really unique read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
This was a fun read. I like the writing style which worked well to keep me guessing about what was going on with Jack and Lark. It was a bit hard to get a clear picture of the characters (Lark in particular), but it had an enjoyable mysterious vibe, especially in the early chapters. I especially liked Jack’s journey and how this wild evening with Lark and Chrys make him re- engage with the world. A really unique read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 9, 2024
Heart Shaped Box is my second novella by suki fleet and won’t be my last. It’s like she drops you into this moment in time and you hit the ground running. This is heavy angst, definitely with some on page violence against an MC, and a hard fought HEA. While it’s a quick moment in time without any real build up to the action I didn’t feel like I was missing a lot of the story. For a novella it has a lot of grit and angst yet manages overall to still be a fairly quick read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews