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Vengeful Hearts #1
I'm Not in Love (I Promise)
He's the danger she never knew she craved.
Med student Blake Hyland's got it all figured out - or so she thinks. Enter Damon Axton: masked vigilante by night, obsessive stalker by day. He's dangerous, damaged, and can't stay away from Blake.
Despite her best efforts, Blake's drawn to Damon's intensity and dark charm. Between his cheesy horror movie quips and her snarky comebacks, she discovers there's more to her "creepy stalker" than meets the eye.
But as Blake gets caught up in Damon's plans, she's forced to confront uncomfortable truths about those closest to her. The line between right and wrong blurs, and Blake must choose between her safe, predictable future and Damon's dangerous world.
Can a by-the-book med student and a morally gray vigilante find their happily ever after? Or will the shadows of their pasts tear them apart?
Buckle up for a dark romance that's equal parts swoon-worthy and suspenseful. You'll laugh, you'll sweat, and you might just find yourself falling for a villain with a heart of gold. After all, it's the brightest flames that cast the darkest shadows.
I'm Not In Love (I Promise) is a book one in The Vengeful Hearts Series, an interconnected standalone dark romance novel featuring:
A feisty, driven heroine
A brooding, complex anti-hero
Witty banter and sizzling chemistry
Moral ambiguity and difficult choices
Suspense, danger, and steamy scenes
Author's Note: This book contains mature themes and content. Intended for adult readers only. Please check the content warnings.
Med student Blake Hyland's got it all figured out - or so she thinks. Enter Damon Axton: masked vigilante by night, obsessive stalker by day. He's dangerous, damaged, and can't stay away from Blake.
Despite her best efforts, Blake's drawn to Damon's intensity and dark charm. Between his cheesy horror movie quips and her snarky comebacks, she discovers there's more to her "creepy stalker" than meets the eye.
But as Blake gets caught up in Damon's plans, she's forced to confront uncomfortable truths about those closest to her. The line between right and wrong blurs, and Blake must choose between her safe, predictable future and Damon's dangerous world.
Can a by-the-book med student and a morally gray vigilante find their happily ever after? Or will the shadows of their pasts tear them apart?
Buckle up for a dark romance that's equal parts swoon-worthy and suspenseful. You'll laugh, you'll sweat, and you might just find yourself falling for a villain with a heart of gold. After all, it's the brightest flames that cast the darkest shadows.
I'm Not In Love (I Promise) is a book one in The Vengeful Hearts Series, an interconnected standalone dark romance novel featuring:
A feisty, driven heroine
A brooding, complex anti-hero
Witty banter and sizzling chemistry
Moral ambiguity and difficult choices
Suspense, danger, and steamy scenes
Author's Note: This book contains mature themes and content. Intended for adult readers only. Please check the content warnings.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
621 people are currently reading
4152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
December 1, 2024
Everyone who told me to read this after loving Lights Out lied to me.
January 10, 2025
Okay so booktok made me read this one…it was on the “If you loved Lights Out, you’ll love this”. Now, I’m not new to dark stalker romances. I’ve read the hits: Haunting Adeline, Now You’re Mine, The Mindf*ck Series, etc and I will say this one is not my favorite. One of the pulls of stalker romances is due to their obsession with the FMC. Damon is for sure obsessed but I didn’t like how it moved slightly into why choose territory with his found family of two brothers. I want my stalkers obsessed with the FMC, anyone else touch her and 💀, kinda vibe not family is family and we share 🤷🏽♀️
I did like Blake’s character and boy has she been through the trauma! I didn’t like the spicy forest scene. Like girl you just lost your brother and found out some disturbing info about him, yet you wanna play a game of sexy chase on the woods. She was clearly still in shock, dissociating, or she’s delulu and thus matches Damon’s freak for sure.
It was a spicy book but just wasn’t my vibe. I wouldn’t say that Lights Out readers would enjoy this one. My man Josh could never 😏
I did like Blake’s character and boy has she been through the trauma! I didn’t like the spicy forest scene. Like girl you just lost your brother and found out some disturbing info about him, yet you wanna play a game of sexy chase on the woods. She was clearly still in shock, dissociating, or she’s delulu and thus matches Damon’s freak for sure.
It was a spicy book but just wasn’t my vibe. I wouldn’t say that Lights Out readers would enjoy this one. My man Josh could never 😏
January 4, 2025
Straight up not good. Awful way to start the year
December 8, 2024
DNF @61%
This man is supposedly obsessed with her and threatened to kill one of his friends when he watched a video of her, yet he is going to allow them to play with her and watch them have sex together?? How does that even make sense. Honestly whoever told me to read this bc it’s like Lights Out was SO WRONG! This book is absolutely nothing like that one and doesn’t even have the same vibes. I mean this girl literally got back with her cheating ex boyfriend who didn’t care for her at all. And then all of a sudden switched to liking Damon. Like seriously? Don’t waste your time with this book.
This man is supposedly obsessed with her and threatened to kill one of his friends when he watched a video of her, yet he is going to allow them to play with her and watch them have sex together?? How does that even make sense. Honestly whoever told me to read this bc it’s like Lights Out was SO WRONG! This book is absolutely nothing like that one and doesn’t even have the same vibes. I mean this girl literally got back with her cheating ex boyfriend who didn’t care for her at all. And then all of a sudden switched to liking Damon. Like seriously? Don’t waste your time with this book.
March 14, 2025
4⭐️
3.5🌶
"Your light dances with my darkness to create the perfect shade of grey"
This book was all over every for you page I had on every social media platform i have. It felt like devine intervention and the need to read it became strong and overwhelming. Not just read it but own it, possess it, devour it.
Though I was overcome with my desire to read this book, I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. First off, I don't read mafia romances. Second, it appeared to be another formulated dark romance. Third, I didn't think it would bring anything new to the genre. I wasn't wrong pre se, I still don't really want to read mafia romance, it is rather formulated and predictable, it doesn't really bring anything different to the table.
A book doesn't have to be fresh and unpredictable to be enjoyable and fun. This is the perfect example. 🥰 it's well written with short binge worthy chapters. The characters are well fleshed out, relatable, and engaging. The storyline moves along rapidly and keeps the reader engrossed in the plot. It's spicy and sweet. An all around perfect read for when you just want to sit back, relax, and be entertained
Damon finds Blake while staking out the house she lives it. He stalks her, takes her, and falls for her. He worships her to the point of obsession. until the reasons he found her in the first place threatened her, and he is hit with a choice to make.
Blake is sweet but fierce. She fights when she has to but falls for Damon more each time his golden retriever aspects shine through his Kuger vibes.
I read this book in a sitting, completely swept along with the drama and zest. At the end of the book, there is a code to be able to download bonus material. Best believe I did that to. Fight Club Night!!
One more month till the sequel
3.5🌶
"Your light dances with my darkness to create the perfect shade of grey"
This book was all over every for you page I had on every social media platform i have. It felt like devine intervention and the need to read it became strong and overwhelming. Not just read it but own it, possess it, devour it.
Though I was overcome with my desire to read this book, I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. First off, I don't read mafia romances. Second, it appeared to be another formulated dark romance. Third, I didn't think it would bring anything new to the genre. I wasn't wrong pre se, I still don't really want to read mafia romance, it is rather formulated and predictable, it doesn't really bring anything different to the table.
A book doesn't have to be fresh and unpredictable to be enjoyable and fun. This is the perfect example. 🥰 it's well written with short binge worthy chapters. The characters are well fleshed out, relatable, and engaging. The storyline moves along rapidly and keeps the reader engrossed in the plot. It's spicy and sweet. An all around perfect read for when you just want to sit back, relax, and be entertained
Damon finds Blake while staking out the house she lives it. He stalks her, takes her, and falls for her. He worships her to the point of obsession. until the reasons he found her in the first place threatened her, and he is hit with a choice to make.
Blake is sweet but fierce. She fights when she has to but falls for Damon more each time his golden retriever aspects shine through his Kuger vibes.
I read this book in a sitting, completely swept along with the drama and zest. At the end of the book, there is a code to be able to download bonus material. Best believe I did that to. Fight Club Night!!
One more month till the sequel
March 28, 2025
I’m still not over this book and in a bad way. I could’ve gone my whole life without reading it and if you say “if you liked lights out read this” I hope you step on something wet with socks on because NO!!!!!! Not hating on the book too much just wasn’t for me
June 22, 2025
Oh wow! I loved this book!! After reading the Palm Cove series, I knew I had to dive straight into Damon’s book and it did not disappoint. I loved how obsessed he was and how Blake became his number one priority without any hesitation.
The chemistry between them was amazing, so hot, I loved everything about it!! The side characters were also amazing, I did get my hopes up for a why choose there for a minute but I still love that they’ll each have their own books, I’m excited to read Jasper’s book next. I’m loving this series so far.
The chemistry between them was amazing, so hot, I loved everything about it!! The side characters were also amazing, I did get my hopes up for a why choose there for a minute but I still love that they’ll each have their own books, I’m excited to read Jasper’s book next. I’m loving this series so far.
March 30, 2026
3.5 Full review to come later
January 11, 2025
Haha this book is a joke. Like it makes no sense majority of the time and the characters aren’t fleshed out at all. I would have given it a 4 star but two scenes were annoying enough that it made me drop it. The first scene was when Damon hooked up with her in front of the boys and let them call her all of theirs. Huh…? The book was border lining why-choose and I don’t understand. He was ready to fight one of them for putting cameras and seeing her naked but then go and hook up with her in front of them while letting one of them undress her and then all watch her body to pleasure themselves?? Huh?? Possessive where? The whole “nobody touch her or see her without dying” personality fell flat after that. I didn’t take him seriously. The second scene was when she found his box of her things. She annoyed me. Why are you mad at a box of your stuff ? Like him collecting your stuff is where you draw the line? He gave you a vile of his blood and he let you stab the actual skin of the man who hurt you. He skinned him alive for you. You knew how obsessive he was. You knew he would do anything. You knew he was obsessed with you so why the fuck are you feeling hurt and betrayed because he took some panties and jewelry from your room. Yes the necklace had meaning but he didn’t know that initially and once again….NOT THE CRAZIEST THING. It just felt ridiculous on some parts. The only good thing was the smut. That’s it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
This book was an absolute wild ride from start to finish! As a stalker romance, it had the perfect mix of obsession, danger, and irresistible chemistry that kept me on edge the entire time. I went in expecting some darkness, but the twists towards the end? I did not see those coming—they blew my mind in the best way possible!
I devoured this in less than 24 hours. The pacing was perfect, the tension was addictive, and the spicy scenes? Sizzling! 🔥 Lauren Greene knows how to write heat, and this story delivered on every level.
If you’re into dark romance with an obsessive twist, jaw-dropping moments, and enough steam to leave you breathless, this one is a must-read!
This book was an absolute wild ride from start to finish! As a stalker romance, it had the perfect mix of obsession, danger, and irresistible chemistry that kept me on edge the entire time. I went in expecting some darkness, but the twists towards the end? I did not see those coming—they blew my mind in the best way possible!
I devoured this in less than 24 hours. The pacing was perfect, the tension was addictive, and the spicy scenes? Sizzling! 🔥 Lauren Greene knows how to write heat, and this story delivered on every level.
If you’re into dark romance with an obsessive twist, jaw-dropping moments, and enough steam to leave you breathless, this one is a must-read!
November 16, 2024
Insane!! I loved this book SO much. I've been in a slump lately and nothing has been able to grasp my attention. In walks this book and I was quickly engaged. There were so many twists that kept me on my toes and the smut was perfect executed. Damon lives with his 2 close guy friends in which they make a living doing many unsavory off the record tasks and Blake the sweet medical student fmc. Blake is a shy and quiet girl who is a bit lonely in her life as her world revolves around studying and Damon is the complete opposite of her. This includes the stalking trope and I must say it was incredibly well done. There is also a "group" scene including Damon, his 2 best friends, and Blake. Let me tell you, that scene had my jaw on the ground! I hope in the next books of this series Jasper and Leon get their happy endings so I can see more of Damon and Blake as well.
Thank you Lauren Greene for the chance to ARC read this book for you!
Thank you Lauren Greene for the chance to ARC read this book for you!
October 22, 2025
The first half was fantastic, the second half was *rough*. I feel like it needed just like 100 more pages for context and a little more world building. But I will be finishing the series so I hope we get the rest of the plot in the next two books :)
November 6, 2024
Holy fast paced purest darkest of hell dark romance!
Who doesn't love OTT masked MMC busting into any girls lives? You're crazy if you don't! Twists and turns got me going insane! But the stalking. Omg! The stalking. One of my favorite tropes I have to admit and then add kidnapping. Oof! You got me! 🥵 It's a little bit of a slow burn but the spice is worth the wait. It was perfect and well written.
Overall this was a phenomenal book! Add it to your TBR list stat! 🖤
Thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of your ARC team! 😘
Who doesn't love OTT masked MMC busting into any girls lives? You're crazy if you don't! Twists and turns got me going insane! But the stalking. Omg! The stalking. One of my favorite tropes I have to admit and then add kidnapping. Oof! You got me! 🥵 It's a little bit of a slow burn but the spice is worth the wait. It was perfect and well written.
Overall this was a phenomenal book! Add it to your TBR list stat! 🖤
Thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of your ARC team! 😘
October 23, 2025
Yeah... okay.... sure
March 31, 2025
I think if it had been longer it would’ve been better. There were a lot of loose threads and half-baked stories that were never really explained or elaborated on, which if they had might have made this better? Huge plot points felt glossed over without much reaction from any of the characters. The relationship between the FMC and MMC was rushed and didn’t seem believable, was more chemistry between the two characters the author is setting the next book up to be about, but I don’t think I’ll be continuing the series
November 12, 2024
ARC READER// 4.5 stars!!
Loved this so much! I’ve read Lauren’s Palm Cove series and fell in love with her writing. I KNEW her take on a dark romance would be nothing short of amazing! If you like dark romance, add this to your TBR!
We all love a good stalker right? Who wouldn’t want someone in the wings making sure we get home safe and that no weirdos bug us on our way to class? Deacon- who I will only be calling FREDDY!- is unhinged and perfection!
The twist… damn! Shocked but loved it!
THANK YOU TO LAUREN AND LEAH FOR THE ARC AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO READ AND REVIEW!
ARC-kindle
++++++++++
🖤Banter
🖤 Stalker Tendencies
🖤 Touch Her and Die
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Masked Men
🖤 Vigilante Chaos
He's the danger she never knew she craved.
Med student Blake Hyland's got it all figured out - or so she thinks. Enter Damon Axton: masked vigilante by night, obsessive stalker by day. He's dangerous, damaged, and can't stay away from Blake.
Despite her best efforts, Blake's drawn to Damon's intensity and dark charm. Between his cheesy horror movie quips and her snarky comebacks, she discovers there's more to her "creepy stalker" than meets the eye.
But as Blake gets caught up in Damon's plans, she's forced to confront uncomfortable truths about those closest to her. The line between right and wrong blurs, and Blake must choose between her safe, predictable future and Damon's dangerous world.
Can a by-the-book med student and a morally gray vigilante find their happily ever after? Or will the shadows of their pasts tear them apart?
++++++++++
Full review to come but if you are a dark book lover.. this should be on your TBR!!
Loved this so much! I’ve read Lauren’s Palm Cove series and fell in love with her writing. I KNEW her take on a dark romance would be nothing short of amazing! If you like dark romance, add this to your TBR!
We all love a good stalker right? Who wouldn’t want someone in the wings making sure we get home safe and that no weirdos bug us on our way to class? Deacon- who I will only be calling FREDDY!- is unhinged and perfection!
The twist… damn! Shocked but loved it!
THANK YOU TO LAUREN AND LEAH FOR THE ARC AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO READ AND REVIEW!
ARC-kindle
++++++++++
🖤Banter
🖤 Stalker Tendencies
🖤 Touch Her and Die
🖤 Found Family
🖤 Masked Men
🖤 Vigilante Chaos
He's the danger she never knew she craved.
Med student Blake Hyland's got it all figured out - or so she thinks. Enter Damon Axton: masked vigilante by night, obsessive stalker by day. He's dangerous, damaged, and can't stay away from Blake.
Despite her best efforts, Blake's drawn to Damon's intensity and dark charm. Between his cheesy horror movie quips and her snarky comebacks, she discovers there's more to her "creepy stalker" than meets the eye.
But as Blake gets caught up in Damon's plans, she's forced to confront uncomfortable truths about those closest to her. The line between right and wrong blurs, and Blake must choose between her safe, predictable future and Damon's dangerous world.
Can a by-the-book med student and a morally gray vigilante find their happily ever after? Or will the shadows of their pasts tear them apart?
++++++++++
Full review to come but if you are a dark book lover.. this should be on your TBR!!
October 28, 2025
This had a rough start for me and took a bit to really get into the story and characters. It had started to feel like every other stalker romance, but about halfway through it finally found its groove and own storyline to set it apart. I am very curious to finish the series.
Marketing rant: This was advertised as “for fans of Lights Out and Haunting Adeline”. Let me tell you this was nowhere near the ballpark of Lights Out, it lacked that rom com style, it was just a standard stalker that felt more like Joe Goldberg than Josh. Luckily, the book detoured away from Joe. The Haunting Adeline inspiration is there hovering in the background but so far is different enough that it doesn’t feel repetitive.
---
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Steam: 💋💋
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dark: 🌄 **dusk:** it’s getting darker, main theme of the book but “lighter” TWs
Marketing rant: This was advertised as “for fans of Lights Out and Haunting Adeline”. Let me tell you this was nowhere near the ballpark of Lights Out, it lacked that rom com style, it was just a standard stalker that felt more like Joe Goldberg than Josh. Luckily, the book detoured away from Joe. The Haunting Adeline inspiration is there hovering in the background but so far is different enough that it doesn’t feel repetitive.
---
Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Steam: 💋💋
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Dark: 🌄 **dusk:** it’s getting darker, main theme of the book but “lighter” TWs
November 12, 2024
This book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I was constantly wanting more and could hardly put the book down. It has the perfect amount of spice to plot ratio that really helped bring the entire story together. None of it was boring. It was exciting, dark, angsty, and so very hot. I absolutely loved all the characters and found they each had great development, especially Blake, the FMC. By the end of the book, I was so happy to see her confidence grow and for her to take what she wanted despite what others might say or think. This book had my emo heart racing and I loved every single second of it.
August 4, 2025
I know I'm a tough reviewer, but for me to give two books in a row, 1 star, speaks volumes.
This book does gives a warning upfront, which made me question whether I should bother. I am neither squeamish nor a prude, but this took vile to a new low.
Nonsensical. Implausible. Insane. Honestly, if you're a more discerning reader, don't bother.
1 star
This book does gives a warning upfront, which made me question whether I should bother. I am neither squeamish nor a prude, but this took vile to a new low.
Nonsensical. Implausible. Insane. Honestly, if you're a more discerning reader, don't bother.
1 star
January 2, 2026
loved it!!!
could not put it down, I love damons obsessiveness and protectiveness over Blake and the love he has for jas and Leon, the found family is just on another level! it was a nice introduction to the story, plot and characters and I cannot wait to read the next two books and find out more about jas, falin and Leon! ❤️
could not put it down, I love damons obsessiveness and protectiveness over Blake and the love he has for jas and Leon, the found family is just on another level! it was a nice introduction to the story, plot and characters and I cannot wait to read the next two books and find out more about jas, falin and Leon! ❤️
November 25, 2024
💖ARC Review💖
Alright! I’m not normally a dark romance girl (i’ve read maybe 3 or 4) but Lauren Greene has definitely snatched my attention and it’s staying! I’m Not In Love (I Promise) is dark, deranged, and sexy in all of the best ways! Damon is everyone’s nightmare (lets be honest, dream) that you just can’t help but love!
Alright! I’m not normally a dark romance girl (i’ve read maybe 3 or 4) but Lauren Greene has definitely snatched my attention and it’s staying! I’m Not In Love (I Promise) is dark, deranged, and sexy in all of the best ways! Damon is everyone’s nightmare (lets be honest, dream) that you just can’t help but love!
December 28, 2024
I loved this book! It’s the same vibe as Lights Out. A golden retriever/unhinged MMC. He st@lks her and is protective of her. I love the banter between the characters and the plot is good. It has a good story and just the right amount of 🌶️🌶️. I literally read the book is one day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
There were a couple unrealistic parts for me but the spice is 5 stars.
July 25, 2025
My very first dnf. Gave it a go after rereading lights out, and it just felt so flat
January 1, 2025
not as bad as i thought it would be :/
January 25, 2025
This was a fun fast read, a delicious psycho stalker who loves hard for sure lol! I really enjoyed all the characters and the banter and Damon is a stalker I would want to find me;)
April 23, 2025
Gives lights out vibes
August 6, 2025
3.5⭐️
April 15, 2025
Firstly, the fact that these books are named after emo songs just makes my elder emo heart flutter 🖤
Secondly, the playlist - CHEFS KISS 💋
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2KM...
Thirdly, the dedication 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Right review time...
Brilliant! I can't think of another word to describe it. Brilliant writing, brilliant story, brilliant characters, brilliant spice 🥵🥵🥵
Damon is beautifully unhindged, just the right level of creepy, dangerous and gorgeous. The way he feels for Blake is all of the green flags (despite the red flag stalker vibes)
Blake, a little timid at first but when she let's her freak flag fly, damn this girl is close to my heart. I think her style, personality and music taste just resonate with me. She reminds me of myself in many ways and I think having that connection with a character makes the book all the more special and awesome.
The content warnings are perfectly done, this book has some very dark themes and Lauren sets us up from the start so you know what you are getting into.
THE SPICE - Hot damn, it's kinky, it's brutal, it's passionate. The scene in Ethan's bedroom... FUCK!
I'm enchanted by all the characters, I want to delve deeper into Leon, Jasper and Falin's backstories and I cannot wait to read Bulletproof Love as part of the ARC Readers group.
🖤Dark Romance
🩶Morally Grey MMC
🌶Kink Friendly
💀Touch Her and Die
🎃Masked Men
🏡Forced Proximity
🫂Found Family
💜Stalker Vigilante
Secondly, the playlist - CHEFS KISS 💋
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2KM...
Thirdly, the dedication 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Right review time...
Brilliant! I can't think of another word to describe it. Brilliant writing, brilliant story, brilliant characters, brilliant spice 🥵🥵🥵
Damon is beautifully unhindged, just the right level of creepy, dangerous and gorgeous. The way he feels for Blake is all of the green flags (despite the red flag stalker vibes)
Blake, a little timid at first but when she let's her freak flag fly, damn this girl is close to my heart. I think her style, personality and music taste just resonate with me. She reminds me of myself in many ways and I think having that connection with a character makes the book all the more special and awesome.
The content warnings are perfectly done, this book has some very dark themes and Lauren sets us up from the start so you know what you are getting into.
THE SPICE - Hot damn, it's kinky, it's brutal, it's passionate. The scene in Ethan's bedroom... FUCK!
I'm enchanted by all the characters, I want to delve deeper into Leon, Jasper and Falin's backstories and I cannot wait to read Bulletproof Love as part of the ARC Readers group.
🖤Dark Romance
🩶Morally Grey MMC
🌶Kink Friendly
💀Touch Her and Die
🎃Masked Men
🏡Forced Proximity
🫂Found Family
💜Stalker Vigilante
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews