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JA Huss
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Sick Heart (Sick World Book 1) Kindle Edition

by JA Huss (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 2,842
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"This book will STUN YOU SILENT!"
"Brutal, Brilliant, Beautiful!"
"You will NOT stop turning pages."
"Unique story and Top Read 2021"

★★★★★

Cort van Breda has won 35 death matches as a fighter in an MMA circuit so deep underground there are no rules and only the winner gets out alive.
They call him the Sick Heart.
They say he’s a shameless monster.
They say he’s a ruthless killer.
They say he’s as twisted as the man who owns him.
They say a lot of things about Cort van Breda.
But in our world violence is money, and money is winning, and winning is life, and life is the only thing that matters.
Except… he wasn’t meant to win that last fight.
And I wasn’t meant to be his prize.
But he did.
And I am.
And now his sick heart owns me.

WARNING: This is a sweet love story adrift in an ocean of evil. It is about two survivors dealing with their darkest secrets while they fight to change their lives. It is for mature readers only and has descriptions of deeply disturbing situations. There will be pearl clutching.

Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 2
    Sick World
  2. Print length
    482 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    28 March 2021
  6. File size
    1939 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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  1. Our problems are so small from the perspective of the universe. But to us, they are often overwhelming.
    Highlighted by 79 Kindle readers
  2. Silence lets you hear things that aren’t said. Silence lets you see things unseen. Silence gives you space. And space is a gift if ever there was one.
    Highlighted by 71 Kindle readers
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B091B75DRX
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Science Future Press (28 March 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1939 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 482 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 2,842

About the author

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JA Huss

JA Huss

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JA Huss is the New York Times Bestselling author of 321 and has been on the USA Today Bestseller's list 21 times in the past five years. She writes characters with heart, plots with twists, and perfect endings.

Her new sexy sci-fi romance and paranormal romance pen name is KC Cross and she writes novels and teleplays collaboratively with actor and screenwriter, Johnathan McClain.

Her books have sold millions of copies all over the world, the audio version of her semi-autobiographical book, Eighteen, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award and an Audie Award in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Her audiobook, Mr. Perfect, was nominated for a Voice Arts Award in 2017. Her audiobook, Taking Turns, was nominated for an Audie Award in 2018. Five of her book were optioned for a TV series by MGM television in 2018. And her book, Total Exposure, was nominated for a RITA Award in 2019.

She lives on a ranch in Central Colorado with her family.

“What is the reading order of your books?”

Learn More➜ https://jahuss.com/all-books/

Or check out the series order➜ https://wp.me/P2C2YB-DJ

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
2,842 global ratings

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Top reviews from Australia

Kessafan
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing
Reviewed in Australia on 27 January 2023
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At first I thought this was some alternate reality, but then I realised it wasn't. That this is a world that some people would actually live some version of; as horrifying a thought as it is. I couldn't imagine a life like this but unfortunately, evil wears many faces in this world.
Such a hard story to read but one written in a way that compels you to endure the horrors alongside these strong, broken, resiliant & scarred warriors.
Amazing story.
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Sharee
4.0 out of 5 stars speechless
Reviewed in Australia on 15 September 2023
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I wasn’t too sure on this book, took me awhile to actually picture it all in my mind but with such a sensitive topic I can appreciate JA Huss and the writing style used.

I loved the ending though- totally unexpected ending but every single lose end was tied up with no questioning what happened to who.

I don’t think I’ll be reading book two though- really did take me too long to get into it.
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Shayne
5.0 out of 5 stars I don’t even know where to begin...
Reviewed in Australia on 4 June 2021
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So this was the first book I’ve read by this author. I had no idea what to expect and I have never read anything like this.

First off, I found this story really well written. I am no professional I just enjoy a good story. Too many stories seem to forget to tie in all the little loose ends once the main storyline takes over, however Sick Heart didn’t leave me questioning “so what happened to...?” For instance Bexxie, although not everything ends happily I’m glad it wasn’t just forgotten about.

Secondly I want to applaud JA Huss for writing stories everyone else seems to scared to, either out of denial, ignorance or fear. It’s such an icky subject but the sickness is real even though Sick Heart is a work of fiction. There’s no polite way to talk about child trafficking and obviously if you’d rather be in denial and believe sickness like that doesn’t exist then you’ll find this book dark.

However it’s not really. It’s a story of survival, love, trust, hope, and never giving up to create your own happily ever after.
This story is as tactfully written as could be for two warriors with a past only filled with darkness. And although it’s full of darkness and sickness it’s only implied, you don’t actually read any non consensual scenes or the likes of.

Still tread with caution if you can’t handle confronting topics.
However If you’re someone who knows nothing is ever what it seems in this strange world of ours then you might just love this piece of fiction as much as I do.
5 people found this helpful
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Love Kailee
5.0 out of 5 stars ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Reviewed in Australia on 8 September 2023
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This story started off with a bang... literally... And from that I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue reading. But I'll never leave a book I've started unread, I at least finish it... And so I did.

During reading I wasn't sure this book was for me, definitely not the typical story I read, totes not into fight to kill, rape, snuff stuff and even though those things were only indirectly talked about, I was able to put my feelings aside and finish the story.

Did the story have an ending in hindsight I wanted, yes! I did get into the story around the 200pg mark and it kept my interest throughout and made me wonder what was going to happen.

Thanks for writing ❤️

Love K x ❤️ 💋

09/09/2023
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Nightbird_nz
3.0 out of 5 stars poetic story of survival
Reviewed in Australia on 6 November 2023
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This was an unexpected read, mainly because I was expecting dark and dubious stuff and while the characters have all experienced dark and dubious stuff the story itself is of mental strength and survival. There is a lot going on and some wonderful reflective moments that covers loss, heartbreak and betrayal. I loved the underlying strength to the characters.
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Shelley
4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5 ⭐️
Reviewed in Australia on 25 April 2021
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I have to be completely honest about this book, I got to around 36% and almost, almost gave up. I found it bizarre and in parts hard to follow. BUT I stuck it out and so glad I did and I have to admit it has left me speechless. Did I enjoy it yes, did it make my head spin, hell yes. I think one of the hardest things for me was I couldn’t predict where the book was going and it unnerved me. But what a story, what a storyline and what an ending. Stick through it I though it was worth it.
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Amy
5.0 out of 5 stars wow
Reviewed in Australia on 27 September 2023
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I could not put this book down, it had me hooked from the start! Wow! Was captivating and thought provoking.
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CJ Buni
5.0 out of 5 stars Oh My Heart
Reviewed in Australia on 12 February 2023
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In all honesty I wasn't sure about this book. Different to those of JA Huss that I've read before. I stopped and started 3 times - but in the end SO WORTH THE READ.
By the end I couldn't put it down and was so sorry when it ended.
Lots of plot twists that I certainly didn't see coming, but JA Huss is an amazing author and as always she did not disappoint.
If you don't get into it on the first try, persist, this book is well and truly worth it.
☆☆☆☆☆
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Top reviews from other countries

Bawb
5.0 out of 5 stars Great dark read
Reviewed in Canada on 26 August 2023
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I absolutely devoured this book. It's definitely dark and original. JA Huss excels at world building and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
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Read-Love-Review Blog
5.0 out of 5 stars Dark, Deeep and just WOW
Reviewed in the United States on 20 October 2021
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Cort is an MMA fighter nicknamed "Sick Heart. "He is ruthless a monster, some say, but he liked to win, and he loves to live.

Anya is the taught of one of the owners of the rings. She is brave and intelligent and gives the reader an introduction to this unique world of underground fighting. Her sister seems sweet, and they have an incredible bond. But the whole situation is really messed up.

We do get to read from Cort's perspective. Cort is kinda crazy definitely has a side to him that leans toward the psychotic. I find it interesting that he doesn't know about all the prizes for this fight but instead seems like a tool. It did say this was his last fight, and these fights are to the death.

I'm thoroughly surprised by the shifts in this story from super-steamy scenes to intense action and even more twisted realities. I have enjoyed the convention that Anya and Cort seem to make and the likeliness in their damage. Although neither of them speaks, they seem to communicate well. The rock was an excellent side twist from where I thought this would go. Now I'm curious as to why we went there instead of the training camp.

As this story devolves, we get more insight into the man behind the sick heart. He and Anya have intimate moments, and the story does divulge some of the sickness and evil behind their story. Not much is in great detail, but you, as the reader, finally get to feel the depravity of their life, and their journey evolves in the months that follow their arrival on the rock. I was especially surprised by the training camp coming to them at the end of their 30 days. I was even more surprised by the story behind why they do what they do. This book really delves into a grotesque side of life that very well could be true to some.

I like that author embraced this and chose to present it to the reader. In this story, most wouldn't handle the things that are done to children in this book. Although we don't get a close personal look at it, the knowledge is there. Anya and Cort are just two beings in this circle of slavery, two that can relate to the lives they have both lived.

This story gets very twisted and makes you question the loyalties you have come to know. The end of this is not at all what I was expecting. This book has an intense story in it if you can see past the evil in the book. The purpose is to find the light at the end of the darkness, and they do.

Wow, this story floored me, quickly climbing into one of my favorites. I found this book from an ad on social media, read the blurb, and decided to give it a try. Yes, this story has some very dark, unsettling themes, and they are beyond anything I can describe; please heed the warning at the beginning of the book. However, that being said, once you get past the darkness, there are moments of true awe in the story that leave you speechless.

The moral of the story is one of hope, love, and even salvation, but wow, it is a journey to get there. This is fiction, but it could have been a real-life story. This isn't about just about one couple, and no, not a romance book, but it does have romantic elements. There is a happy ending but so much inward thought and outward actions that you miss the build-up to it. This book was very emotionally and physically deep.

I didn't consider this a romance. However, I did love the life lessons in the story, the approach to the dark themes, and the relationship formed. Yes, it has some super steamy scenes few and far between, and yeah, he even admits he might love her and that she is different, and he isn't sure why. I would classify it as sports fiction with some suspense and dark themes and romantic elements.

I did enjoy this story. I love that it was world-shattering and different but also contained so much heart and knowledge in the pages. It did have a dystopian edge to the story, and it doesn't seem like it took place in contemporary society and is not known about.

Beware, this story is deep, dark and will leave you in shambles for most of the book, but the end is an unexpected relief.
8 people found this helpful
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Jen
5.0 out of 5 stars Heart Sick
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 April 2022
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Ok so this is one book that is not what you expect especially when it’s a MMA Fighter Romance
Nope it’s definitely nothing like that at all so be warned as it’s not what you expect at all.
And oh it’s Dark alright so expect the unexpected with a lot of triggers

I wanna say that this story is based in another time but I’m not sure really it’s not a world we hear on the news or down the local, it’s more like what happens behind the scenes on our daily lives, as we hear of sex rings, drugs and weapons war, mafia/cartel etc but this story shows us an insight of what else is possible that happens out there in a world we don’t know.

When you think of MMA fights you won’t expect this kind, there are no cages or ring, it’s ships and oil rigs, forests etc it’s crazy.
I gotta say JA Huss opened a new dark side and it’s pretty scary
I was starting to get confused with the romance, plot etc at first but then it builds up and you understand the characters better, learn of how they got to be where they are and the life they live, it’s cruel and sick
The two main characters work well together and you can relate to their kind of relationship they build up along the way
It’s not all romantic and love, it’s surviving and relating to each other

It’s strong and deep so prepare yourself for a different world and the chaos i brings, it’s something new for me and I’m sure it’s new for a lot of JA Huss readers.
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Josey Pothier
4.0 out of 5 stars Oh gosh it was rough!...
Reviewed in Canada on 2 August 2021
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Recommend this book to the readers who loves it rough and playing with your moral sense.. JA Huss is a very good writer because even if i'm not into those harsh stories with moral and physical violence, sexual abuse and most of the book was depressive with not enough happy events throughout to make up for all the negative in this story. I can't believe i've been able to read it til the end but i have been because of her way to build the story is good and her characters were strong and mysterious and were endearing in their way so i wanted to know what was coming for them in the book and i read all of it and would recommend it to those who likes their stories very very dark with a happy ending for those survivors....( the dark in this story comes from the evil people making the main characters become slaves since their childhood and not from main characters. There is a kind of love story but not a usual one with passion, sexually aroused, inflamed, lustful and amorous!!)
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Megan
4.0 out of 5 stars Sick Heart or Heart Sick?
Reviewed in the United States on 11 May 2021
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I had no idea what to expect reading this book as I’ve never read anything by this author before. I’ve been reading more and more dark romance lately but I haven’t quite found my niche as the ones I’ve read have had various levels of dubcon and I just can’t get on board with all that. However, this book was just what I was looking for because although the theme is dark, the main characters are not and they make this dark world much lighter for they are survivors and are beating the odds.

Usually I’d go into a synopsis of what this book is about but I think it’s better for the reader to experience it than for me to try and explain it. It’s more powerful to go in just reading the blurb especially because a lot happens in this book and if I read any spoilers on reviews, the events that moved me wouldn’t have meant as much. I went through so many emotions reading this. I was in horror for much of this book but I also smiled, cried my eyes out, laughed, swooned, felt angry and betrayed, vindicated, HOPEFUL and satisfied with the conclusion despite believing at many points that there was no way this book had the HEA us romance junkies expect.

So, if you are on the fence, just jump in. It’s worth reading. So why not 5 stars? While I loved this book and thought the main characters had a special relationship, I wanted them to be more than they were. I can’t explain that properly without spoilers but especially in the final chapters, I just wanted more than I was given and considering the world they were in, I understood why there wasn’t more but it doesn’t change the fact, I still wanted it.
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