This Violent Heart

By: Heather Levy

Narrated by: Samantha Brentmoor

In this haunting journey into the confusion and desires of growing up, a therapist reluctantly returns to her hometown, where she revisits the memories that could reveal what really killed her best friend all those years ago.

Devon Mayes thought she was done with the small conservative town she once called home. She fled when she was eighteen after her best friend Summer took her own life, leaving Summer’s twin brother, Keaton, lost in his grief. But when tragedy strikes again, Devon has nowhere to turn but back to the place that first broke her heart.

Being back in Arkana means struggling with the old guilt that shrouds her bisexuality and her feelings for Keaton. There’s so much she’s still hiding from him—and so much of their shared past that’s now resurfacing.

It’s not long before Devon has reason to believe Summer’s tragic death wasn’t suicide after all. Summer had secrets, too…and she wasn’t the only one who didn’t want them exposed.

As Devon and Keaton piece together the mystery of what happened that fateful summer, they must reckon with their own truths before they can move forward. But one person will do whatever it takes to stop them.

©2025 by Heather Levy. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“This Violent Heart follows a woman’s struggle with identity, regret, and the unanswered questions she’s carried ever since her best friend died as a teenager. Come for the chapters dripping in longing; stay for the sizzling love story and redemption arc.”—Elle Marr, #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Alone Time and Your Dark Secrets

“A sultry, immersive thriller about the impact of deception: the lies of religious fundamentalism, the lies our loved ones hide behind, and the lies we tell ourselves. Levy deftly explores the complexities of teenage love, burgeoning sexuality, spiritual trauma, and survivor’s guilt—with enough suspense to keep you constantly on edge. This one’s a scorcher.”—Amy Suiter Clarke, author of Girl, 11, and Lay Your Body Down

“An utterly unputdownable read that hurts and heals in equal measure. This Violent Heart is not just a twisty thriller but also a poignant, nuanced deep dive into identity, sexuality, and belonging. With its dual timeline narrative and cleverly interspersed journal entries, tension and secrets build until the shocking truth is exposed. Powerful, intense, and wholly addictive.”—Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of Till Death Do Us Part and The Girls Are All So Nice Here

soooo good

I have never read an lgbtq thriller. Such great characters and plot with a side of kink! highly recommend!

Fantastic Suspense/Romance!

Fantastic book and Narration! I wouldn't change a thing, except that it had to end! I recommend highly except for those that might be triggered by the themes of Rape, Violence and Sexuality. All done with care and beautiful prose, however.

Excellent Read!

I found myself prioritizing audible over other activities, as I was riveted by the plot, the narration and the characters. I highly recommend it.

Gripping

I really enjoyed the narrator's voice and performance. It fit the tone of the story really well. The characters were so realistic. Much of Devon's life experience mirrors my own. Levy honored all of the complex thoughts and feelings well. A phenomenal read all round.

Meh

I feel this is a genre that needs exposure. So many young people are questioning and failing to unite with their authentic selves. Unfortunately, this book was so graphic at times that it rose to above the maturity level of the target audience.