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Hurt for Me
A single mother’s brutal past threatens to destroy the new life she’s built in this suspenseful dark romance set in the underground world of kink.
Rae Dixon is lucky to be alive. Fifteen years ago, she survived being trafficked and abused, escaping her captors to reclaim her life. Now, she’s running a thriving business with her best friend and raising a teenage daughter on her own. Rae’s finally in control—literally. As Mistress V, Rae is the one calling the shots catering to Oklahoma City’s elite in her private dungeon, which fronts as a spa.
But when a client goes missing, Rae’s world spins out of control.
Detective Dayton Clearwater shows up at the spa, sparking panic when he asks questions that risk exposing Rae’s true business. After several young women from her underground community disappear, too, Rae spots a chillingly familiar pattern. Together, she and Detective Clearwater must find answers before more lives are destroyed, including those they love.
Rae Dixon is lucky to be alive. Fifteen years ago, she survived being trafficked and abused, escaping her captors to reclaim her life. Now, she’s running a thriving business with her best friend and raising a teenage daughter on her own. Rae’s finally in control—literally. As Mistress V, Rae is the one calling the shots catering to Oklahoma City’s elite in her private dungeon, which fronts as a spa.
But when a client goes missing, Rae’s world spins out of control.
Detective Dayton Clearwater shows up at the spa, sparking panic when he asks questions that risk exposing Rae’s true business. After several young women from her underground community disappear, too, Rae spots a chillingly familiar pattern. Together, she and Detective Clearwater must find answers before more lives are destroyed, including those they love.
351 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2024
2196 people are currently reading
10419 people want to read
About the author
Heather Levy
4 books195 followersHeather Levy is a born and bred Oklahoman and graduate of Oklahoma City University’s Red Earth MFA program for creative writing. The New York Times called her Anthony-nominated debut, Walking Through Needles, “a spellbinding novel at the nexus of power, desire, and abuse that portends a bright future,” and the Los Angeles Times called it “a standout for its frank but sensitive exploration of trauma and desire.” Publisher's Weekly says her thriller Hurt for Me "delivers both heat and heart." Her novels focus on sexuality and complex women. Levy lives in Oklahoma with her husband, two kids, and three murderous cats. Readers can follow her on X and IG @heatherllevy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 484 reviews
April 28, 2023
In the words of RuPaul: “If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else? Can I get an amen?”
November 30, 2023
This book is AMAZING! I devoured it so fast and loved every juicy minute of it. This is one of my favorite reads this year. It deserves all of the stars and all of the praise! Please do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR because you won’t be disappointed in this spicy thriller.
If you enjoy romantic thrillers this is one you don’t want to miss! I will never stop recommending this book!
****Many thanks to Heather Levy for my beautiful ARC in turn for an honest review.
If you enjoy romantic thrillers this is one you don’t want to miss! I will never stop recommending this book!
****Many thanks to Heather Levy for my beautiful ARC in turn for an honest review.
June 24, 2023
HURT FOR ME is a raw, visceral, unforgettable novel that honestly and openly portrays the kink community while delivering a knockout of a thriller. Heather Levy's talent seems effortless as she beautifully weaves an emotional, suspenseful, hypnotizing story about a fierce, admirable heroine who has to confront her mistakes when her past and present come face-to-face. A tale of love, sex, murder, and redemption, this powerhouse of a book needs to be on everyone's must-read list.
November 20, 2024
This is a thriller told in two timelines. 2009 and modern day. I usually get lost when this happens but here it absolutely works because the book isn't filled with extraneous characters and side-plots. It's tightly written and perfectly paced. Rae is a dominatrix and a loving mother who has survived a very traumatic past but the death of a client and ghosts from the past threaten to ruin everything she's built.
There is a romantic element here but it's just that - an element of the story and I'm perfectly fine with that. There's some spice but the romance isn't the main focus of the story. It tackles human trafficking of minors and all sorts of terrible abuse put upon the backs of women just trying to live their lives.
Very much recommended if you're looking for a book with a strong, resilient main character put in some tough situations.
4 1/2 Stars
There is a romantic element here but it's just that - an element of the story and I'm perfectly fine with that. There's some spice but the romance isn't the main focus of the story. It tackles human trafficking of minors and all sorts of terrible abuse put upon the backs of women just trying to live their lives.
Very much recommended if you're looking for a book with a strong, resilient main character put in some tough situations.
4 1/2 Stars
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May 17, 2025DNF. Author’s political beliefs are shoved in and add zero value to the story line.
January 8, 2024
Dunno how this book got so many 5 star ratings. it was advertised as “dark romance” and it was far from this and it was written in third person which I absolutely despised. The only good thing about this was it was a free book.
January 17, 2024
This book, Hurt For Me, is due to release 01 February 2024. I really wanted to like this more but I honestly feel indifferent about it.
There are a lot of things I enjoyed but there were just so many moments where I just didn’t get *the point*. I loved the past/present timeline but I was disappointed where they intersected. I don’t know if I was expecting more or what, but even the twist near the end was rather disappointing.
Overall, this was a good binge but it didn’t quite hit the mark. Predictable twists. Some of the characters were fascinating but the development of them were lacking. Different POV may have helped. I’m not sure! I was engaged and hooked the majority of the book, so I will say it was an entertaining read.
Read it or skip it, I don’t really have an opinion - it was pretty average despite the more “riskier” topic/takes of the author. 2.75-3 stars. ✨
Also, a small side note is I noticed a minor error in the book which normally I don’t get so caught up on but this one frustrated me because I thought I missed something. I went back and reread trying to figure it out and turns out it was an error. I hope this is fixed before publication but based on the other reviews I’m not sure anyone else noticed or cared.
There are a lot of things I enjoyed but there were just so many moments where I just didn’t get *the point*. I loved the past/present timeline but I was disappointed where they intersected. I don’t know if I was expecting more or what, but even the twist near the end was rather disappointing.
Overall, this was a good binge but it didn’t quite hit the mark. Predictable twists. Some of the characters were fascinating but the development of them were lacking. Different POV may have helped. I’m not sure! I was engaged and hooked the majority of the book, so I will say it was an entertaining read.
Read it or skip it, I don’t really have an opinion - it was pretty average despite the more “riskier” topic/takes of the author. 2.75-3 stars. ✨
Also, a small side note is I noticed a minor error in the book which normally I don’t get so caught up on but this one frustrated me because I thought I missed something. I went back and reread trying to figure it out and turns out it was an error. I hope this is fixed before publication but based on the other reviews I’m not sure anyone else noticed or cared.
August 30, 2024
Drama, trauma and malfeasance, all wrapped up in a silk bow--with some give to it, just in case you need to untie yourself and go save someone.
WOW. What a trippy trip of a book this was. I loved the backstory, the front story and the steamy bits in between.
Sadness, violence, sex, corruption, trafficking, the color RED--Levy went AWOL with convention and crafted a searing tale starring a main character who was easy to get behind. Man, was I ever rooting for her and her happiness. Yup.
WOW. What a trippy trip of a book this was. I loved the backstory, the front story and the steamy bits in between.
Sadness, violence, sex, corruption, trafficking, the color RED--Levy went AWOL with convention and crafted a searing tale starring a main character who was easy to get behind. Man, was I ever rooting for her and her happiness. Yup.
August 20, 2023
Wow, this book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I read it in about 12 hours, couldn’t put it down.
Normalize BDSM. I learned a lot about the culture of BDSM in this book and how it’s not all “Fifty Shades of Grey” and a session doesn’t necessarily end in sex. With that being said the spice in this book is just right!
This book goes back and forth between the past and present. Most books that utilize this technique do not do it justice like Heather Levy does. Usually I find myself bored with either the past or the present and looking forward to get back to the part (past or present) that interests me most…..not with “Hurt for Me” I was enthralled with both the past and the present!
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a captivating, informative, fast read. Good luck putting it down. #NetGalley #onemorepage #onemorechapter
Normalize BDSM. I learned a lot about the culture of BDSM in this book and how it’s not all “Fifty Shades of Grey” and a session doesn’t necessarily end in sex. With that being said the spice in this book is just right!
This book goes back and forth between the past and present. Most books that utilize this technique do not do it justice like Heather Levy does. Usually I find myself bored with either the past or the present and looking forward to get back to the part (past or present) that interests me most…..not with “Hurt for Me” I was enthralled with both the past and the present!
I would recommend this book to anyone wanting a captivating, informative, fast read. Good luck putting it down. #NetGalley #onemorepage #onemorechapter
December 21, 2023
This book is INCREDIBLE!! Heather Levy is an incredible storyteller. This is my first ever book by her and I NEED TO READ HER DEBUT NOVEL. If her debut is just as WILD as Hurt for me I am in for a real treat! I love how Heather puts real perspectives about real life things in this story. The characters were such a delight!! I felt awful for Rae but she turned out to be one of my favorite characters!! This is a story that will stick with you. I LITERALLY was flipping through the pages trying to get to the very end to see what happens. I took my time on this one because I LOVED IT SO MUCH! Heather is offically an auto buy author for me now!!
January 22, 2024
I definitely wouldn’t call this a dark romance. This is more of a pulp thriller with heavy BDSM influence.
This book got good at 95% and it was only one chapter that has an interesting shift. However, this book lacked comprehensive character building and I found a few grammar and POV mistakes.
Also, there were strong political undertones against people who are more conservative. Ie, feeling a character who partakes in sex work feeling unsafe in a red state due to the color of her skin, or a certain family member “not talking to someone after they posted about being in a pride parade” - it was far, few and in between but if I wanted to read about alienation and divisive politics I’d put on any national news station.
Also, if you don’t like BDSM or are not even interested in reading about it, this book isn’t for you.
I was really bored and couldn’t wait to finish this book.
This book got good at 95% and it was only one chapter that has an interesting shift. However, this book lacked comprehensive character building and I found a few grammar and POV mistakes.
Also, there were strong political undertones against people who are more conservative. Ie, feeling a character who partakes in sex work feeling unsafe in a red state due to the color of her skin, or a certain family member “not talking to someone after they posted about being in a pride parade” - it was far, few and in between but if I wanted to read about alienation and divisive politics I’d put on any national news station.
Also, if you don’t like BDSM or are not even interested in reading about it, this book isn’t for you.
I was really bored and couldn’t wait to finish this book.
March 5, 2024
TITLE: HURT FOR ME
AUTHOR: HEATHER LEVY
PUB DATE: 02.01.2024 Now Available
Rae Dixon survived a horrific past of abuse and trafficking. Now she runs her own underground business catering to Oklahoma City’s elite as Mistress V. Several young women start disappearing and an investigation ensued lead by Detective Clearwater.
I thought this was such a provocative read that started strong and never let up! Hurt For Me was a suspenseful, sexy, and sex positive read that thriller readers will devour and enjoy. I haven’t read much dark romance with a thriller twist like this and I found it juicy and exciting. Heather Levy is a new author to me and will definitely be an auto read author for me.
AUTHOR: HEATHER LEVY
PUB DATE: 02.01.2024 Now Available
Rae Dixon survived a horrific past of abuse and trafficking. Now she runs her own underground business catering to Oklahoma City’s elite as Mistress V. Several young women start disappearing and an investigation ensued lead by Detective Clearwater.
I thought this was such a provocative read that started strong and never let up! Hurt For Me was a suspenseful, sexy, and sex positive read that thriller readers will devour and enjoy. I haven’t read much dark romance with a thriller twist like this and I found it juicy and exciting. Heather Levy is a new author to me and will definitely be an auto read author for me.
February 19, 2024
Friend: What are you reading, Erin?
Me: Oh, the story of a dominatrix named Rae whose client goes missing and she helps the detective on the case try to figure out what happened. At the same time, we also have other chapters that reveal Rae was a runaway named Echo who found herself mixed up with human traffickers. I learned a lot about the BDSM community.
the intense sound of crickets ensues
Let me tell you, fellow Goodreaders, that not everyone really wants to know what you are reading. I think they're just relieved they didn't catch me reading more dinosaur erotica or alien romances. But I digress...
This was one of my Amazon First Read Selections for the month of January. It kept me turning the pages. It was easy to see that Heather Levy wasn't out to vilify an industry that often finds itself misunderstood. In fact, Levy illustrates the difference between what is consensual in the BDSM community and those who wish to take advantage. As readers, we learn the circumstances that led Rae to become a dominatrix and build her business. I felt it a compelling read, even if, sometimes I wish the focus was more on the mystery than dragging the back story out. There were different levels of villainous behavior, let me tell you!
From the author's note Seeing the constant attacks on women’s bodily autonomy and sexuality pushed me to write this book and give a voice to a strong woman who had been through fire and came out a phoenix.
I would certainly read another Heather Levy title in the future.
Me: Oh, the story of a dominatrix named Rae whose client goes missing and she helps the detective on the case try to figure out what happened. At the same time, we also have other chapters that reveal Rae was a runaway named Echo who found herself mixed up with human traffickers. I learned a lot about the BDSM community.
the intense sound of crickets ensues
Let me tell you, fellow Goodreaders, that not everyone really wants to know what you are reading. I think they're just relieved they didn't catch me reading more dinosaur erotica or alien romances. But I digress...
This was one of my Amazon First Read Selections for the month of January. It kept me turning the pages. It was easy to see that Heather Levy wasn't out to vilify an industry that often finds itself misunderstood. In fact, Levy illustrates the difference between what is consensual in the BDSM community and those who wish to take advantage. As readers, we learn the circumstances that led Rae to become a dominatrix and build her business. I felt it a compelling read, even if, sometimes I wish the focus was more on the mystery than dragging the back story out. There were different levels of villainous behavior, let me tell you!
From the author's note Seeing the constant attacks on women’s bodily autonomy and sexuality pushed me to write this book and give a voice to a strong woman who had been through fire and came out a phoenix.
I would certainly read another Heather Levy title in the future.
February 8, 2024
I did not finish this book and ended up deleting it from my Kindle. Thankfully, it was an Amazon First Read, and I didn't waste my money on it. I really wanted to like this book, but I couldn't get past the author's political agenda. When I sit down to read a fiction book, I like to escape the grind of reality. Regardless of whether or not I agree with the author's political views, I can't stand it when political opinions are shoved down people's throats under the disguise of a work of fiction.
February 29, 2024
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!
___________________________
Find me outside of Goodreads!
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___________________________
Find me outside of Goodreads!
Substack | Instagram | YouTube
September 19, 2023
Walking Through Needles was one of my favorite reads of 2021, a great story, but more than that it set the stage for Heather Levy. I couldn't wait to see what this author would do next.
Hurt For Me explores some of the same themes of past trauma and its impact on future self, but takes the ideas in new directions. The dual narrative is extremely strong. It's not often that I read a book with two timelines where I don't find myself more interested in one over the other. It's a balancing act performed with expertise as Levy twines the portions of Rae's life, bouncing them off the other and peeling back the layers in an engaging and breathless way.
Levy makes no bones about writing a story to break down and explore the taboos around BDSM, and in lesser hands, this novel could have come off preachy or soapboxy. Instead, the author sprinkles in small moments and explanations that blend into the overarching story and inform while also entertaining.
Perhaps the biggest strength of the book is Rae, a main character who has been through unspeakable trauma, but never feels like she's held up on a pedestal as a victim. Even the older and wiser Rae has flaws and she isn't afraid to admit it to herself in attempts to better herself for the sake of her daughter.
Hurt For Me is a sex-positive thriller with never a dull moment and promises to be a book people will talk about in 2024.
Hurt For Me explores some of the same themes of past trauma and its impact on future self, but takes the ideas in new directions. The dual narrative is extremely strong. It's not often that I read a book with two timelines where I don't find myself more interested in one over the other. It's a balancing act performed with expertise as Levy twines the portions of Rae's life, bouncing them off the other and peeling back the layers in an engaging and breathless way.
Levy makes no bones about writing a story to break down and explore the taboos around BDSM, and in lesser hands, this novel could have come off preachy or soapboxy. Instead, the author sprinkles in small moments and explanations that blend into the overarching story and inform while also entertaining.
Perhaps the biggest strength of the book is Rae, a main character who has been through unspeakable trauma, but never feels like she's held up on a pedestal as a victim. Even the older and wiser Rae has flaws and she isn't afraid to admit it to herself in attempts to better herself for the sake of her daughter.
Hurt For Me is a sex-positive thriller with never a dull moment and promises to be a book people will talk about in 2024.
January 27, 2024
Not a dark romance.
I would not recommend this book. It was boring up until the last four chapters. The twists were predictable and the the story as a whole was quite boring, especially the present POV. There is also so many political views that add nothing to the story. Felt more like a lecture than a work of fiction.
I would not recommend this book. It was boring up until the last four chapters. The twists were predictable and the the story as a whole was quite boring, especially the present POV. There is also so many political views that add nothing to the story. Felt more like a lecture than a work of fiction.
August 11, 2025
Hurt for Me is a bold, emotional, and unflinching romantic thriller that pulls you deep into Rae Dixon’s world. Heather Levy does not just use the BDSM community as a backdrop, she treats it with respect and authenticity, showing the importance of communication, boundaries, and above all, consent. One line that stood out to me was, “Consent is not just sexy, it is the foundation of trust.” Another that stayed with me was, “The right person will never be afraid of your darkness.”
Rae’s journey from survivor to a woman in control of her own life is gripping and layered. The tension between her and Detective Clearwater is electric, and the mystery keeps you turning pages late into the night. The story is as much about reclaiming power and identity as it is about solving the case.
This is not just a thriller with heat, it is a story about survival, self-acceptance, and finding love that respects every part of who you are. If you want a book that is both daring and deeply human, this one belongs on your TBR.
Rae’s journey from survivor to a woman in control of her own life is gripping and layered. The tension between her and Detective Clearwater is electric, and the mystery keeps you turning pages late into the night. The story is as much about reclaiming power and identity as it is about solving the case.
This is not just a thriller with heat, it is a story about survival, self-acceptance, and finding love that respects every part of who you are. If you want a book that is both daring and deeply human, this one belongs on your TBR.
March 19, 2024
A Police detective and a Professional Domme solving murders! Yep, a BDSM police procedural that definitely kept me reading.
After reading the synopsis, I wasn’t sure if it was going to be more of an erotica type book, or more crime related.
I was thrilled to find it is definitely more crime related.
The story follows Rae, alternating timelines in 2009 and 2024.
It was refreshing to read the truth about bdsm and the fact that sex isn’t necessary to have a dom/sub relationship. Oh and doms must be taught the correct way first.
Those arrogant, cocky, controlling @sses (that we have all have encountered at least once) is NOT an example of a domme. Y’all need to run from those pricks asap!
I’m seriously hoping this becomes a series, because I need more! The ending felt way too short for it not to be, 4.5 stars.
After reading the synopsis, I wasn’t sure if it was going to be more of an erotica type book, or more crime related.
I was thrilled to find it is definitely more crime related.
The story follows Rae, alternating timelines in 2009 and 2024.
It was refreshing to read the truth about bdsm and the fact that sex isn’t necessary to have a dom/sub relationship. Oh and doms must be taught the correct way first.
Those arrogant, cocky, controlling @sses (that we have all have encountered at least once) is NOT an example of a domme. Y’all need to run from those pricks asap!
I’m seriously hoping this becomes a series, because I need more! The ending felt way too short for it not to be, 4.5 stars.
January 22, 2024
This was so good. Some of the BDSM stuff was a bit intense and there are definitely some sensitive subjects but the thrill made up for it. I was shocked a few times and loved the ending.
January 8, 2024
True crime and a little romance my kind of book!
February 21, 2024
Wow ! Really enjoyed this read, kept me on edge the whole time and has a lot of important and impacting messages.
January 5, 2024
This novel explores very, very heavy topics. Please check CW/TW before reading.
Rae Dixon, a resilient survivor of a harrowing past, has built a successful life after escaping trafficking and abuse fifteen years ago. Now, operating under the alias Mistress V, she manages a private dungeon disguised as a a spa, catering to Oklahoma City's elite.
When a client goes missing, Rae's carefully constructed world is thrown into chaos. Detective Dayton Clearwater's arrival at the spa sparks concern, as his questions pose a risk to exposing Rae's true business. As young women from her underground community also start to disappear, Rae recognizes a disturbing pattern. Together, she and Detective Clearwater must find answers before more lives are destroyed, including those they love.
Hurt for Me is a poignant exploration of a woman's journey, skillfully presented in dual timelines. Levy impressively weaves both timelines, creating a story that is not only emotionally charged but also action-packed. This novel addresses significant themes such as the stigma around sex work, the complexities of female empowerment, and the influence wielded by the "elite."
The novel shines in depicting the kink community and safe BDSM practices, giving the story an authentic feel. Levy's thorough research, as mentioned in the acknowledgments, gives the narrative so much depth and credibility. Hurt for Me stands out as my first five-star read of 2024, a showcase of Levy's storytelling skills and a deep dive into societal issues. I immediately added her debut novel to my TBR, and cannot wait to see what she does next.
Hurt for Me publishes on February 1st, 2024.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
My reviews can also be found ↓
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Rae Dixon, a resilient survivor of a harrowing past, has built a successful life after escaping trafficking and abuse fifteen years ago. Now, operating under the alias Mistress V, she manages a private dungeon disguised as a a spa, catering to Oklahoma City's elite.
When a client goes missing, Rae's carefully constructed world is thrown into chaos. Detective Dayton Clearwater's arrival at the spa sparks concern, as his questions pose a risk to exposing Rae's true business. As young women from her underground community also start to disappear, Rae recognizes a disturbing pattern. Together, she and Detective Clearwater must find answers before more lives are destroyed, including those they love.
Hurt for Me is a poignant exploration of a woman's journey, skillfully presented in dual timelines. Levy impressively weaves both timelines, creating a story that is not only emotionally charged but also action-packed. This novel addresses significant themes such as the stigma around sex work, the complexities of female empowerment, and the influence wielded by the "elite."
The novel shines in depicting the kink community and safe BDSM practices, giving the story an authentic feel. Levy's thorough research, as mentioned in the acknowledgments, gives the narrative so much depth and credibility. Hurt for Me stands out as my first five-star read of 2024, a showcase of Levy's storytelling skills and a deep dive into societal issues. I immediately added her debut novel to my TBR, and cannot wait to see what she does next.
Hurt for Me publishes on February 1st, 2024.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
My reviews can also be found ↓
My Blog
October 1, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
Uniquely thrilling! Add to that a dark, sexy romance with an exploration into the world of BDSM. Completely out of my genre realm- but utterly compelling. I learned so much about this whole other world-eye opening & intriguing to say the least. This story was set in two different years – 2009 and 2024 – with chapters largely alternating between the two. I was impressed how Heather Levy seamlessly created a conversation between Rae’s past self and the powerful woman she had become.
On top of that, I loved how this wasn’t only about sex and dominatrix, it was about a woman trying to come to terms with her past. This fabricated a gradual growth and also helped me to better understand where the vulnerabilities in Rae’s armor resided. It also was a wise way to generate another level of suspense, drilled down onto the character-level.
All in all, it’s evident that Heather Levy is not afraid to take risks in her crime fiction writing. I am intrigued with where Levy will travel with future works after delivering Hurt For Me- a fiercely clever and propulsive story that was hard to put down.
Uniquely thrilling! Add to that a dark, sexy romance with an exploration into the world of BDSM. Completely out of my genre realm- but utterly compelling. I learned so much about this whole other world-eye opening & intriguing to say the least. This story was set in two different years – 2009 and 2024 – with chapters largely alternating between the two. I was impressed how Heather Levy seamlessly created a conversation between Rae’s past self and the powerful woman she had become.
On top of that, I loved how this wasn’t only about sex and dominatrix, it was about a woman trying to come to terms with her past. This fabricated a gradual growth and also helped me to better understand where the vulnerabilities in Rae’s armor resided. It also was a wise way to generate another level of suspense, drilled down onto the character-level.
All in all, it’s evident that Heather Levy is not afraid to take risks in her crime fiction writing. I am intrigued with where Levy will travel with future works after delivering Hurt For Me- a fiercely clever and propulsive story that was hard to put down.
January 2, 2024
This book takes you through Rae's troubled life. You will read an authentic story of a woman who has survived so much, now working in the BDSM community.
Rae has gone through so much, but she will do anything to protect her daughter.
The story goes between the past and present, you will see the struggles she went through and in the future how she is helping the handsome detective try to locate missing people from the BDSM community, which one is her client.
Is she a suspect? And who can she trust? How is her past apart of this?
Through the story, you read about a strong woman and a dark side of the world while enjoying a suspenseful love
Please check TW/CW but @heatherllevy's writing is so beautiful - I couldn't put down this steamy thriller. You just root for the justice of Rae
Rae has gone through so much, but she will do anything to protect her daughter.
The story goes between the past and present, you will see the struggles she went through and in the future how she is helping the handsome detective try to locate missing people from the BDSM community, which one is her client.
Is she a suspect? And who can she trust? How is her past apart of this?
Through the story, you read about a strong woman and a dark side of the world while enjoying a suspenseful love
Please check TW/CW but @heatherllevy's writing is so beautiful - I couldn't put down this steamy thriller. You just root for the justice of Rae
January 26, 2024
2.5⭐️
I found the premise of this book interesting- and didn’t know much about BDSM before reading. There were a lot of parts in this book that were disturbing- sexual assault, human trafficking, abuse- so definitely check trigger warnings before reading.
Overall I enjoyed that the book focused on a unique topic, and was fast paced/ easy to read. I think the thriller aspect fell a little short for me in the sense that it didn’t feel suspenseful/shocking as the pieces began to fall into place. The writing in some parts also irked me- but overall it was a decent read for what it was supposed to be!
I found the premise of this book interesting- and didn’t know much about BDSM before reading. There were a lot of parts in this book that were disturbing- sexual assault, human trafficking, abuse- so definitely check trigger warnings before reading.
Overall I enjoyed that the book focused on a unique topic, and was fast paced/ easy to read. I think the thriller aspect fell a little short for me in the sense that it didn’t feel suspenseful/shocking as the pieces began to fall into place. The writing in some parts also irked me- but overall it was a decent read for what it was supposed to be!
February 7, 2024
I didn’t think I was gonna like this but I loved it
February 8, 2024
Meh. Entertaining but reads like junk-food fiction. Sex-positive, kink-positive, LGBTQ friendly but it can feel a little heavy handed. I'd prefer the language/characters integrate cohesively into the plot, this felt kinda stilted and preachy.
April 2, 2024
I got this through Amazon First Reads and it was pretty good! Engaging plot and characters.
January 14, 2024
Hurt for Me was one of the choices for January’s Amazon First Reads, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity try what I thought was going to be psychological thriller meets dark romance. I’m not normally into the dark romance aspect of things, but I was intrigued.
Unfortunately. this book just didn’t do it for me. I was very interested in Rae and her whole backstory, but by the end it all just felt… blah.
The BDSM aspect was appealing to me, but about halfway through I just wanted to roll my eyes anytime it got brought up. I felt like it was written in an informative tone for people who might be curious, but the way it was all described was quite boring. There was a lot of talk, not much action, and the action there was went against everything that had just been talked about.
Consent is the biggest part of BDSM, if I am not mistaken, yet even though that is mentioned in the book the characters do not seem to understand what that really means. Multiple times the main characters have sex while under the influence of something. Which I get is done for the story telling purpose, but for a book about sex trafficking and having to build a life after escaping and trying to really show how BDSM is a community that is based in consent and trust and is meant to be empowering, it kind of takes away from the overall message.
By the last 70 pages or so, I had to stop myself from just skimming to the end. The twists and turns were fun yet predictable and rushed. After I had finished, I had kind of wished that the whole book had been about Rae’s struggles being a teen trying to find her way and focused less on the present time.
Unfortunately. this book just didn’t do it for me. I was very interested in Rae and her whole backstory, but by the end it all just felt… blah.
The BDSM aspect was appealing to me, but about halfway through I just wanted to roll my eyes anytime it got brought up. I felt like it was written in an informative tone for people who might be curious, but the way it was all described was quite boring. There was a lot of talk, not much action, and the action there was went against everything that had just been talked about.
Consent is the biggest part of BDSM, if I am not mistaken, yet even though that is mentioned in the book the characters do not seem to understand what that really means. Multiple times the main characters have sex while under the influence of something. Which I get is done for the story telling purpose, but for a book about sex trafficking and having to build a life after escaping and trying to really show how BDSM is a community that is based in consent and trust and is meant to be empowering, it kind of takes away from the overall message.
By the last 70 pages or so, I had to stop myself from just skimming to the end. The twists and turns were fun yet predictable and rushed. After I had finished, I had kind of wished that the whole book had been about Rae’s struggles being a teen trying to find her way and focused less on the present time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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