Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review this arc. I enjoyed it but found it to be slow in some parts but overall it was a good story

This haunting thriller carefully weaves past and present through alternating timelines as Devon returns home to confront the trauma she never fully escaped—the devastating loss of her best friend in high school, ruled an alleged suicide. Now an adult, Devon finds herself back in the small, conservative town where she never felt she truly belonged, forcing her to face not only her past but also the parts of herself she once tried to suppress. As she pieces together the truth behind her best friend’s death, she also navigates the unresolved tension with her best friend’s twin, all while learning to live fully the person with her parents and the town. More than just a thriller, this story dives deep into real-life issues—bisexuality, religion, trauma, abuse, and the struggle for self-acceptance. It’s an emotionally charged, gripping read that kept me hooked until the very last page. I absolutely loved it! I also want to note that the title was a perfect reflection of the book itself. It was very difficult to put down and I literally read it in two days. I highly recommend it but be warned, read the triggers if that is something that affects you.

4.25

I just want to give Devon the biggest hug. She has been through so much over the years. Summers journal entries absolutely broke me!!! I had a hunch about halfway in on what happened to Summer but I was wrong! Love it when I am surprised about the twist in the story. And poor Keaton just was so confused about everything and his warring emotions. Ugh my heart just couldn’t handle all of it.

I thought this book was very good, it kept me interested and wanting to read more to find out what would happen next! I highly recommend.

I really enjoyed this one; it’s fast-paced & packed with suspense. I love dual POV storytelling, especially when one perspective is a flashback, so this was right up my street. The mix of characters was great & I thought the author did a fantastic job with representation. I did predict the plot twist, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment.

This Violent Heart is a touching and intense book about grief, secrets, and growing up in a small town. Devon Mayes returns to her small hometown where she has to face the painful memories of the tragic death of her best friend, Summer. She struggles with the unanswered questions that still linger around her death and her feelings that she had for Summer's twin brother, Keaton. Soon Devon discovers that Summer's death might not have been a suicide, so her and Keaton begin to work together to uncover the truth while dealing with past emotions. Their chemistry is strong, and their shared history adds to the complexities of their relationship. As Devon and Keaton investigate Summer's death, the tension rises, leading you to an exciting and unexpected ending that will leave you surprised. If you want a book that stays with you long after you finish this is the book for you.

📚 E-ARC BOOK TOUR BOOK REVIEW 📚

This Violent Heart By Heather Levy
Publication Date: February 11, 2025
Publisher: Montlake

📚MY RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to Montlake and Kate Rock Book Tours for the invitation to be a part of this book tour, and to NetGalley as well for this #gifted e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

📚MY REVIEW:

This Violent Heart was an absolutely captivating story that grabbed my attention and did not let go until the book's conclusion. This was an incredibly well-written multiple genre book, which was the perfect blend of mystery, emotional storylines, and LGBTQIA+ romance, and I did NOT want to put it down until I finished it.

This story is told in dual timelines and with multiple POVs. Half of the book takes place in 2012 and details the coming-of-age story of Devon in small-town Arkana, Oklahoma. Devon becomes best friends with twins Summer and Keaton, who have moved to Arkana from the big city. Summer and Keaton have a much bigger worldview than Devon, and they don't really blend in with the churchy folks in Arkana. The other half of the book takes place in 2025, where Devon is struggling with her work as a therapist after a client's suicide triggers Devon's grief of the death of Summer at the start of their senior year. Devon's boss tells her to take some time away from work to process her own trauma, which brings her back home to Arkana. Once there, Devon can't stop thinking that something feels off about Summer's death, and she starts asking questions, which leaves a lot of people in town pretty unhappy with Devon's return home.

This story was SO powerful, with such poignant messages about some emotionally heavy topics. This book addresses sexuality, homophobia, misogyny, kinks, religious pressures, substance abuse, sexual assault, racism, and so much more. Every topic was handled so masterfully by Levy and treated with such respect. These emotionally-charged subjects were presented with genuine empathy and a realistic story-telling that created such endearing experiences and understanding between the characters and the reader. There were so many times I paused while I read, going back and re-reading a previous sentence or two, to let Levy's words ruminate and settle a little deeper into my heart.

The mystery in this romance will be riveting to any fans of thrillers and mysteries. The spice in this mystery will be enticing to any fans of spicy or dark romance. And the beautiful ways that Levy humanizes so many hot-button topics in these pages will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading meaningful books involving subjects that don't always get enough positive representation in books because of their 'controversial' nature with certain subsects of the population.

I absolutely loved this book and highly, HIGHLY recommend adding it to your TBR list or bookshelf immediately -- and it's available for purchase now.

#ThisViolentHeart #HeatherLevy #Montlake #KateRockBookTours #ThisViolentHeartKRBT #ARC #NetGalley #NetGalleyReviews #bookreviews #bookrecs #romancemystery #womensfiction #thrillerbook #mysteryreads #booklover #bookaddict #LGBTQIA

A gripping, compulsive novel of psychological and romantic suspense that also explores what it's like to come of age as a queer person in small town America. I've been a fan of Heather Levy's earnest and poetic writing for a while now. She crafts stories that center topics and themes you rarely encounter in fiction. Her novels are kink-positive, BDSM positive, and inclusive, with characters who grapple with trauma and realistic issues around mental health, sexuality, and personal growth.

In THIS VIOLENT HEART, we meet Devon, a therapist and part-time burlesque entertainer who reluctantly returns to her small hometown in Oklahoma, where she's forced to confront the unanswered questions around her best friend Summer's suicide--Devon's formative trauma. Using a dual-timeline narrative, Levy explores the events leading up to Summer's tragic death a decade earlier. As the plot unspools in both timelines, we get to know Devon and her own journey of self-acceptance as a bisexual, polyamorous woman whose sexuality is awakened in late adolescence when she realizes she's in love with her best friend, as well as Keaton, Summer's brother.

The tender, empathetic way in which Levy writes Devon's awakening spoke to me on so many levels--from the way Devon must address and process her own internalized biases, having been raised in a conservative, evangelical family, to the way her sense of unresolved guilt and grief compels her to find the answers behind Summer's death. The harsh realities of coming of age in an insular, small town creates a sense of rural noir dread that permeates the entire novel and kept me wondering who was trustworthy, and who wasn't. The romantic aspects of the novel are seamlessly intertwined with the suspense elements, and it's refreshing to see a sex-positive romance that portrays the BDSM community with respect.

There are so many layers to this novel that I appreciated, and it's one that will linger in my thoughts long after finishing. Heather Levy is one of the most fearless authors I've read. Her voice is powerful, eloquent, and unreservedly honest.

In a chilling tale that delves into the complexities of adolescence and the lingering impact of past traumas, a seasoned therapist reluctantly embarks on a journey back to the haunting landscapes of her youth. Driven by an insatiable need for closure and a nagging sense of unfinished business, she returns to the town that still holds the secrets of her past, determined to unravel the mystery that has haunted her for years: the truth behind her best friend's untimely demise.

As she navigates the labyrinth of memories and emotions that have shaped her life, she must confront the ghosts of her past and the demons that still lurk in the shadows of her subconscious. Through a series of poignant flashbacks and introspective musings, she relives the defining moments of her adolescence, exploring the intricate dynamics of friendship, love, betrayal, and loss that have shaped her into the woman she is today.

With each step closer to the truth, she must grapple with the painful realities of her past and the devastating consequences of choices made in the heat of the moment. As she peels back the layers of deception and denial that have obscured the truth for so long, she must confront her own complicity in the events that led to her friend's death and the guilt that has haunted her ever since.

In a heart-wrenching climax that will leave readers breathless, she finally uncovers the shocking truth behind her friend's demise, a revelation that will shatter her illusions and force her to re-evaluate everything she thought she knew about her past, her friendships, and herself.

This Violent Heart by Heather Levy was such an amazing story.
Her characters are so real and realistic.
A thought-provoking read that kept me hooked until the last page.

This gripping and emotionally charged story follows Devon Mayes, who is placed on mandatory leave to confront the personal demons affecting her work. But to truly face them, she must return to her hometown of Arkana—a place she vowed never to set foot in again.

Thirteen years ago, Devon’s best friend, Summer, died by suicide, a tragedy that her twin brother, Keaton, has never fully accepted. When Devon and Keaton reconnect, their shared grief reignites their friendship, and together, they begin to question the past. The more they investigate, the more they suspect that Summer’s death wasn’t a suicide after all. But as they dig deeper, it becomes clear that someone is determined to keep the truth buried.

Told through dual timelines, this novel weaves a coming-of-age story with a present-day murder mystery. Devon’s journey is particularly poignant—growing up as a bisexual teen in a conservative, small-town Christian community, she faced rejection and isolation. As an adult, she carries not only the trauma of losing Summer but also the scars of a devastating assault during her practicum. Now, she must confront her past in order to heal and move forward.

Fast-paced and expertly plotted, this novel is both a suspenseful mystery and a deeply moving exploration of identity, trauma, and resilience. It’s a powerful read for anyone struggling to reconcile personal truth with societal expectations.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for and honest review.

When Devon experiences a loss at work, it reminds her of the one that shaped her, and she returns to her hometown for a break. However, she cannot stop thinking about the details surrounding the death of her best friend, Summer, while they were in high school. She starts to voice her thoughts to Keaton, Summer’s twin brother. The 3 of them were close, but Keaton and Devon did not keep in touch after their last summer together. As more questions arise, they realize the truth they have been led to believe is not what may have happened, but it also forces them to face the relationship changes during the summer before their senior year. What happens when Summer and Devon act on their love for each other, but Summer also catches Keaton and Devon together? Will Devon and Keaton be able to move on to a future together, especially after the truth of their past is revealed? Please read the author’s note before starting.

The mystery in this book had me hooked from the very beginning. While I was able to guess what happened, it didn’t take away from the suspense or enjoyment. The story had the perfect blend of drama, thriller elements, and a touch of spice.

The main character is grappling with grief and uncertainty after her friend Summer dies unexpectedly. Leaving her small town to escape the pain, she takes on two jobs for distraction. But something pulls her back home, and that’s when things begin to unravel. As she investigates Summer’s death, she uncovers dark secrets the town has been hiding for years. It becomes clear that people around her are concealing something, and the deeper she digs, the more she uncovers.

Returning to town, she reconnects with old friends and Summer’s twin, Keaton. As she unravels the mystery, she’s not only confronting the town’s hidden truths but also her own buried emotions. Rekindled relationships bring some spice to the drama, adding another layer to the story. The shifting timelines between the past and present kept me on edge, slowly revealing more about Summer’s death and the town’s cruelty.

By the end, everything ties together in a satisfying way, showing just how much she had to overcome. I buddy-read this with Marie, and it was such a fun experience to share the suspense and drama. The book blends mystery, emotional depth, and a little spice into one thrilling ride.

Happy Pub Day, Heather! Thank you, Kate Rock Book Tours, Montlake and NetGalley for the gifted copies.

“She knew one thing for sure now: once people knew the things you kept hidden away in your heart, they could use them against you. They could destroy you.”

We all know growing up can be challenging enough. Now add in a religious upbringing, small town seclusion, purity culture, bi-sexuality and losing your best friend.

This Violent Heart shines a bright light on the damage of conforming to beliefs not your own. A timely and important read. How shame and grief can take over and control so much of your life. Also how forgiveness and acceptance can heal.

The dual timelines was a brilliant way to showcase this story taking you deeper as more unfolds. Hidden secrets. Mystery. This one is heartbreaking on so many fronts. So much pain. It will hurt, but by the end Heather will heal your heart. Just takes time to get there. I definitely enjoyed the journey and recommend picking this one up.

“…wishing the memories would quit popping up. They were like weeds trying to choke anything beautiful she was trying to grow in her life.”

“She knew one thing for sure now: once people knew the things you kept hidden away in your heart, they could use them against you. They could destroy you.”

“I always feel like I’m missing a puzzle piece with you.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🔥☄️

A twisty thriller filled with secrets, lies and deception. Kept me turning the pages until the end.

Subject matter a little tough for me but it did hold my interest.

Thank you for the chance to read and review this book.

Thanks NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I hadn’t really known what to expect with this book but it certainly wasn’t this. From the cover I thought it would be a full on thriller but the description hinted a lot more at a romantic story with some mystery elements.

That was also my main issue with this book. So much was put into it that it left me feeling confused and overwhelmed. You have the storyline of the main characters when they’re younger and in the current day with some journal entries mixed into it. It explores sexuality within small religious towns, trauma from sexual assault, exploration with bdsm relationships and suicide. With so many themes going on, none of it was as in depth as I would’ve liked.

The investigation was also really annoying me throughout the book. The main character just asks some questions, completely out of left field, to a bunch of people and then wonders why they’re mad at her.

Another big part of the reason why I didn’t enjoy it was that I lacked an emotional connection to the main characters. Throughout the book I only felt more distanced from them than connected. It also didn’t help that the main character hadn’t seemed to get any more mature since she was 17 and didn’t grow at all during the story.

All in all a bit of a disappointing and confusing read for me.

THIS VIOLENT HEART is a genre crossing novel combining spine tingling suspense with a deeply emotional journey of self acceptance. It addresses significant traumas which some readers may find uncomfortable.

Devon Mayes is a therapist who returns to her conservative hometown after being placed on mandatory leave by her employer following the tragic death of one of her clients. Returning home surfaces old traumas for Devon, including the guilt she harbors about her best friend’s suicide a decade earlier and her unresolved feelings about her friend’s twin brother.

This is an uncomfortable, yet compelling book touching on topics of religious trauma, sexual identity, sexual violence, and suicide. It is told across dual timelines and slowly builds to a frenetic conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Kate Rock Book Tours for the advance copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

This was a gritty, multifaceted coming-of-age story, told in alternating timelines. Devon is a therapist in training who is haunted by the events of the past, recently triggered by a patient. Devon realizes that she must go back to her small town and face those demons if she wants any chance at moving forward as an adult and a therapist.

Once we move to the past we learn about Devon's relationships with her extremely conservative parents, close minded town and best friends, twins Summer and Keaton. As Devon tries to understand what really happened all those years ago when she was a teen, we start to learn that there's much more going on in this 'picture perfect' town.

This story was a beautifully haunting and I really enjoyed watching Devon confront her past to allow her future. I am really looking forward to reading the other works by this author.

This book was such a gripping and emotional read. Devon’s journey growing up in a stereotypical, narrow-minded small town made her hide her true self for years and seeing her get past that was amazing. Add to that the trauma of her best friend Summer’s death years earlier, and you can’t help but be pulled into her story and engrossed in the mystery of what happened to Summer. Fans of societal reflection and mystery will enjoy this thriller.

This book will stick with me for years to come. The words wrapped around my heart and left a deep imprint. The characters were perfectly formed, the story heart wrenching, and the outcome came with a sigh of relief. I was completely entranced from the moment I cracked this book open. There was no putting it down until I knew what happened to Summer and why. You must add this book to your to be read pile as soon as possible!

Devon escaped her hometown of Arkana, Oklahoma. Leaving everyone in her wake. Escaping the religious grasp of her parents, the narrow mindedness of the towns people, the death of her best friend, and the man who is never far from her mind. Devon has led a full life in her short time away. When her life turns upside down once again and leaves her struggling to leave her apartment. Devon decides it is time to face her demons and return to Arkana. She needs to look into Summer's suicide. There is something that has nagged Devon, she knows there is something more to her death.

This book touches on many important topics. Tring to grow up as a bisexual in a religious community. Knowing your family would not have your back if you ever came out. Being a teenager is hard enough. I cannot imagine not having anyone in your family that you could talk to. Friendship and trust is a major thread running throughout the book. It is a fantastic read to sink into. My eyes welled up many times. The setting is perfect. The intense summer heat of Oklahoma seeps through the pages. Searing everything in its path. This is another book I do not want to give to many details. Just know it is one you should read. Thank you to Heather Levy, Kate Rock Book Tours, and Amazon Publishing for this gripping read.