Defiant Hearts: A Dark Military Romance

by Devon R. Kane

He was her high school bully.
She still hates him for making her suffer.
Many years later, they meet again and are forced to work together in a joint operation between the CIA and Cerberus.

Callie Payton
He taunted me, he humiliated me, and he broke me.
I didn’t expect to see Ray Mercer again after he graduated, and now, he’s back, standing before me as a grown, battle-hardened man I barely recognize, and my personal dread of existence I’m forced to work with.
The hate I hold for him runs deep, but other feelings run deeper.

Ray Mercer
The one person I hoped I never had to see again operates now in my vicinity and unravels memories I don’t want to deal with. Her presence is the embodiment of the regrets haunting me to this day, and don’t let me forget what I did to her.
She draws me in like a moth to a flame and wants to see me burn in hell for the pain I’ve caused.
Redemption and forgiveness are not meant for the man I am, but if I’m supposed to burn in the fire I’ve lit, I’ll make her my Hellfire.

Genres: Amazon

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2025

About the author

Devon R. Kane is a dark romance author from the north of Luxembourg, striving to write stories that are as addictive as her favorite games, Call of Duty, and Love and Deepspace.
When she's not deep in the world of twisted plots and complex characters, she's juggling life as a cat mom, always exploring new foods, fangirling over fictional men, and enjoying movie or game nights with her friends.
As a fan of travel, good dark romance books, and laughter, she hopes to keep readers up all night, glued to the page, and maybe even question their taste in fictional heroes and morally gray men. Her stories blend the thrill of suspense with the touch of dark romance—and always with a side of fun.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had so much going on in it. But not in a bad way. The amount of emotions going through it was incredible. Callie dealt with so much bullying as a teen but because she was so strong and resilient she grew up into a beautiful woman and a dedicated one at that. Joining the CIA and literally becoming a badass. I felt so bad for her when she found out she would have to work along side her former bully Ray. I had never read a bully romance before so I didn’t know what to expect. Ray grew into being this handsome, hot shot commander, but also having his own darkness shadow hovering over him for years. You could just feel the regret of being an asshole for all the times he hurt Callie. But knowing the reasons behind it, gut wrenching . It goes to show that you never know what truly is going on with someone behind closed doors. And that you should show kindness as best you can. This turned out to be a heartwarming story. There were still action packed scenes and such fun, sarcastic, perfect side characters. They brought the perfect amount of balance to it all. Going through and seeing Callie and Ray both grow as adults and know that forgetting is inevitable, but forgiving can give a second chance is truly beautiful. This was my second book by the author and it did not disappoint. I couldn’t put it down.

[LANA VERITY · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS BOOK FROM THE FIRST WORD.
Ray and Callie are definitely my favorite characters. I loved watching them struggle throughout the book, seeing their doubts and remorse, and most importantly, forgiveness!
Ray was cruel and nothing can justify him, but he has changed and I believe him one hundred percent.
I loved how strong Callie became and that she was able to move on at a turning point.
I respect each character in their own way because they have their own burden of the past.
And I can't help but write about the other characters! They are simply wonderful. I was captivated by their humor and stories from operations.
I'm looking forward to the other parts, thank you for such hard work!

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooo in the "About the author" page right at the end of the book it says "she hopes to keep readers up all night, glued to the page, and maybe even question their taste in fictional heroes and morally grey men", and let me tell you: you did it, girl! I've been completely hooked and debating whether to hate or love Ray!

I loved the dual POV (their yearning?? Cheff kiss), the characters, the banter... and the flashbacks... God, there was one specific moment that really hit home for me.

I'm really looking forward to reading more of this series!

[Taremourr ° · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Ray and Callie...
Such a wonderful duo, absolutely great and very entertaining banter between two characters, the story itself? Fantastic. It's a good mix between funny/dark.

If you are looking for a good romance and a military vibe, this is perfect.

Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶/5
(Although last chapter? Truck bed? 🤭🤐)

For a new author this is very good and I recommend it 100%. Can't wait to see what else she can write 💙

[Madi Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book made me mad not because of the content but because of the way it was written. it was extremely repetitive with the characters repeating what they were saying in their head over and over again. all of the characters were referred to in different ways between lines as well. a person was referred to by their first name and the their last name over and over again which made it hard to follow. I loved the plot and thought it was adorable but the grammar made it hard to read.

[Dendelayn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ladies and gentlemen...
I devoured the book in one go!🙌🏼

The banter between the two was great, the way they dealt with each other...
Also the flashbacks... sometimes I had a lump in my throat myself... I felt it too much😅

Keep up the good work! I can't wait to read more from you. 🥰