I enjoyed this book, the central storyline was very intriguing and I liked both the split points of view between Devon and Summer’s journal and the flashbacks to the summer where the traumatic event happened. I found Devon likeable on the whole, but couldn’t help feeling so frustrated with some of the decisions she made throughout. The writing was easy to follow and the pacing was good so that the story didn’t feel like it was being rushed or that it was dragging by. It’s not the type of book I’d usually pick up, but I’m glad I read it as it was an enjoyable read.

I’m not going to lie, one of the main reasons why I wanted to read this book is because of the shared first name 😅 but ultimately I really enjoyed the story!

This was a good book! it had a bit too much romance for my taste, but other than that it was good. It went over the main characters past and current issues that she had to get over and this was all before she became a practicing therapist. I think the writing was good and the pacing and the back and forth in timelines was good

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

Heather Levy has done it again! THIS VIOLENT HEART will keep you turning the pages as you follow Devon Mayes through her past as a teenager and her present as an adult after a recent tragedy sends her back to her hometown in Oklahoma to mend unhealed wounds before she can become a practicing therapist. Thank you to the author and the publisher for this Advanced Reader Copy.

Levy’s pacing, strong characterizations and the setting pull you into the story as Devon sets out to discover the truth behind her best friend Summer’s death at the beginning of their Senior year of high school, which was ruled a suicide. Feelings for Summer’s twin brother, Keaton, are once again explored as Devon navigates her way through the mystery having accepted her sexuality after she moved to the city after high school. Levy’s writing of small towns in this country’s Bible belt are very relatable and express an understanding of how difficult growing up in these towns can be for those who identify as LGBTQ.

I didn’t see the jaw-dropping twist coming, so if you enjoy steamy romantic thrillers with unexpected endings, THIS VIOLENT HEART is another one you must add to your reading list.

I am looking forward to her next book!

✨ This Violent Heart by Heather Levy is a mix of mystery and a drizzle of smut, something I’ve never really read, but after reading this one, I discovered that that was exactly what I was missing in my life.

When I was cooking, cleaning and trying to sleep, my mind kept going back to the story. Who did it, was it her, was it him, I did figure it out before the last few chapters, but it didn’t keep me from anticipating finding out who had killed her.

We read about the present time, and about when Devon was at high school with her two best friends, Summer & Keaton, and I really liked reading about the present & past, I enjoyed getting to know them better.

This Violent Heart comes out in February 2025, and you need to put it on your wishlist if you love smut, and mystery books !

I thought this was a well written book. Some of the romance portions were a little unnecessary, but other than that it was good.