I loved the dual timelines, as I always find them a lot more engaging and easy to get into. There are a lot of deep topics that are explored which made the book hard to put down.

Hurt for Me by Heather Levy

Dark, gritty, compelling story ~ Could not put it down!

What I liked:
* Rae Dixon: survivor of trafficking, single mother, from dysfunctional family, dominatrix, business owner, has secrets, skilled in and enjoys what she does, interesting person and a good friend
* Dayton Clearwater: homicide detective, father to his cousin’s child, focused on catching bad guys – especially the one that killed his cousin, communicates honestly, open, potential love interest for Rae
* Viv: good friend, mentor to Echo, abused as a child, survivor, there for Echo when she needed a place to land
* Angel Paisley: business partner with Rae, interesting person, good friend, protective,
* The look into an alternative lifestyle that empowers and gives pleasure but is often maligned
* The look into the way some twist, misuse, create pain with, and illegally used what can be empowering and pleasurable when done in a consensual relationship
* Lily: Rae’s teenage daughter, intelligent, strong, resilient, protective, wise, and one who has a lot to process in this story
* The way family and friends are central to the story
* That I was drawn in, cared, and was rooting for a happy ending for more than one person while hoping for the worst for others

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Knowing that though this is fiction, too many are trafficked into horrible situations and never escape

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC – this is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

Solid book with a thriller of a story. Loved the main character and how the story unfolded the whole book. Great book.

This was SO engaging, I read the whole thing in one afternoon/evening and I loved it. Such a sensitive, respectful look at kink and trauma and survival with some really great relationships. I liked the alternating timelines and learning about all the people Rae knew and loved and helped her on the way to Lily being born, and it kept the tension up all the way through. All of the characters are so well drawn and feel real, like they’re not cookie-cutter at all and I really cared about them.

Ngl I am surprised to see it described as a dark romance, because while the plot itself is dark, as well as Rae’s past, I wouldn’t call her relationship with Dayton dark at all, but that’s marketing for you I guess haha. Also I admit, initially I thought it was kiiiind of a cop out that <spoiler>not only did Bobby survive but also Clint, but for Rae’s sake I’m glad she didn’t have to live with the guilt of killing them and that presumably they will rot in prison as they deserve.</spoiler>

I don’t have Kindle Unlimited, so I was excited to discover that Heather Levy’s debut novel is available on Libby, because I’m definitely looking forward to checking out more of her work!

Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for the digital copy, all opinions are my own.

A Captivating Tale of Healing and Resilience

Heather Levy's "Hurt for Me" is a poignant exploration of the human spirit's capacity for resilience in the face of adversity. Set against the backdrop of a small, picturesque town, Levy masterfully weaves together the lives of her characters, drawing readers into a world where heartache and hope collide.

The protagonist's journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring as she navigates through the depths of her pain, seeking solace and understanding. Levy's writing is evocative and immersive, effortlessly transporting readers into the emotional landscape of her characters.

What sets "Hurt for Me" apart is Levy's nuanced portrayal of relationships and the complexities of human connection. Each character is intricately developed, with their own struggles and triumphs, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

As the story unfolds, themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the healing power of love emerge, leaving a lasting impact on readers long after the final page is turned. "Hurt for Me" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.

With its compelling storyline, richly drawn characters, and thought-provoking themes, "Hurt for Me" is a must-read for anyone looking for a powerful tale of healing and redemption. Heather Levy has crafted a masterpiece that will resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

5/5 Stars. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Heather Levy’s debut, and have been so excited to read this one! I read it in like 2 sittings because I could barely put it down, the pacing was so good. I really adored the mother/daughter relationship in this - it reminded me of Gilmore Girls of Lorelai was a crime-solving dominatrix who has seen some shit, haha. The bits of romance and spice were also great, and didn’t detract from the overall mystery / high stakes of the plot. Highly recommend!

I really enjoyed this book, it was a fast paced read for me and easily kept my attention. I really liked how the main female character’s past was intertwined into the current storyline and felt that it added depth to the characters personality. The author’s writing style was great and I enjoyed the plot twists. I look forward to reading other books by this author!!

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I started this one. A little kink. A little teenage pregnancy. What I thought would be prostitution ended up being trafficking. But more about the aftermath of it.

Rae is unlike any female protagonist I’ve read about. She’s a domanatrix. And Dayton is in unlike any cop I’ve read about or met. He plays by his own set of rules.

They both have secrets they’ve kept hidden for a long time and end up on a mission that’s dear to both of them. More drama than romance, but a mystery that kept me interested.

I read this in a day. And my book came with the cutest handcuff keychain that one of my reading buddies stole.

This book surprised me with the level of caring I felt for some of the characters. While it's described as a thriller I found the relationships to be what I focused on as I read. There was a lot of growth in Rae as she worked to overcome her past, and I liked the way Dayton gently drew out. The story is told in two timelines and I enjoyed seeing them come closer and closer to converging and my questions slowly being answered. The surprise at the end didn't feel like a twist so much as a big bang and I loved every minute of it. There are trigger warnings so please be aware before reading.

Hurt for me is a very interesting book. Lots of twists and turns I did not see coming. I feel it's more of a suspense book with a touch of romance. CHECK THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!!! Some parts were hard for me to read because it involved children but unfortunately it's a reality. The book had a slow start but it built the suspense up. I liked the different time lines throughout the book because we slowly see what molded her to the person she is today. I would recommend this book if you can handle the trigger warnings. I look forward to checking out Heather Levy's other books. Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for sending this book for review consideration.

Hurt for Me is a romantic suspense thriller that offers an honest and open window into the kink community. I was drawn into it immediately, and, in addition to being entertained and on the edge of my seat, I learned a lot about a community I’d known nothing about previously. The chemistry between Rae and Dayton was an added bonus.

Thank you Heather Levy, Montlake, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Hurt for Me by new to me author H. Levy, published by Montlake is a book that had me right from the start. Gives all the feels, had me in knots a time or two.
A great read, literally unputdownable . A read cover to cover in one sitting story.

Heather Levy is one of those authors who isn't afraid to confront difficult topics. She dives headfirst into human trafficking, domestic violence, rape, topics that are gritty and dark. These aren't popcorn thrillers, and readers should pay attention to the trigger warnings. She takes readers through an emotional journey of darkness and despair, but there's also forgiveness and redemption and healing. In Hurt for Me, she introduces Rae Dixon, a single mother whose life has been anything but easy, and, like her debut, Walking Through Needles, it's compelling look at characters who are damaged, but who are also mesmerizing.

[arc review]
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Hurt For Me releases February 1, 2024

- dual timeline
- single mother
- dominatrix
- missing person mystery
- themes of bdsm and sex trafficking

This book felt like it was genre confused — marketed as a dark romance but I’d more so categorize it as a thriller.

Things I wasn’t really fond of:
- the sexualization/deep throating of ken dolls
- how MMIW was an indirect plotline but was entirely glossed over
- the implication of wanting to treat the Black side character who is collared as a submissive like a “Black slave girl”
- how rushed the ending was

Great concept and perfect cover for it, unfortunately not-as-great execution, but rounding up to four stars anyway because I want to see more books that destigmatize sex work and BDSM and bring some realism to how they depict both (even if the same can't be said for all of the thriller aspects in this novel... like even for a prodomme with highly developed whip skills, I struggled to buy the whole Indiana Jones/Zorro final big action sequence!).

Bondage of Brilliance

When Hurt for Me by Heather Levy landed on my reading list, I found myself torn between curiosity and apprehension. The source of my concern? My limited knowledge of the BDSM lifestyle, making it uncertain whether I could fully grasp and appreciate the narrative. To my pleasant surprise, not only did I comprehend and enjoy it, but I also eagerly recommended it to a friend deeply entrenched in the lifestyle, eagerly anticipating his perspective.

Levy's novel offers a revealing glimpse into the BDSM and domme/sub culture, dispelling misconceptions and showcasing the complexity beyond what popular stories like Fifty Shades of Grey might suggest. The narrative unfolds as a suspenseful and intriguing exploration, skillfully managing dual timelines—a potential challenge that the author navigates with finesse, maintaining a seamless and engaging storyline.

In essence, Hurt for Me stands as a raw, visceral, and unforgettable work that candidly portrays the kink community while delivering a gripping thriller. Heather Levy effortlessly displays her talent, weaving an emotional and suspenseful tale around a formidable and admirable heroine forced to confront her past when it collides head-on with the present. This narrative encompasses themes of love, sex, murder, and redemption, securing its position on everyone's must-read list.

The only factor holding it back from a perfect rating is the desire for a more extensive conclusion. The four-star rating, instead of five, stems from a longing for additional pages to provide a more comprehensive and satisfying resolution. Nevertheless, this minor flaw doesn't overshadow the brilliance of Levy's work. I eagerly look forward to more from this author, especially if it continues to explore the intersection of these captivating themes.

Thank you Netgalley for introducing me to this author and my enjoyment for the combination of these two genres.

There is something special about following a MC we love, and that's the case with Rae. The duo timeline helped us see everything she's been through and how she came to be Mistress V. The kink part was the cherry on top. I could keep reading about it for 300 more pages. The plot was interesting, the characters well done, the female friendships were really special, Rae's daughter was such a nice teen. And the ending.... OMG, can't say more, 5 starts.

Hurt for Me is a fun read, keeping you needing to know more. More about Rae's life. More about the world of BDSM. More about this missing client. Heather Levy kept me on the edge of my seat while guiding me through the unconventional lives of these loveable characters. Suspense, romance, and a little BDSM... what more does a book need?

*Please look at trigger warnings for this book before reading*

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for gifting me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this book so much! The author was so respectful of the kink community and explaining how the rules worked. It was also so twisty and I didn’t know what was coming next. Dayton and Rae are such an amazing couple! Highly recommend this spicy and thrilling book

It’s been a long while since I’ve stayed up late because I’ve been completely swept away by a magical story, but Hurt for me was a book that spoke to my bibliophile heart.