Lexi Davis thought she’d escaped Haven Cove—and everything that came with it. But when her father’s unexpected death pulls her back to the town and the club she tried to escape, the memories she tried to bury come rushing back. Among them is Ryan Blake, the man who never let her go.
Now the Vice President of The Vipers, Ryan isn’t about to let Lexi slip through his fingers again. But winning her back will mean breaking through walls she's spent years building, forcing her to face the fears she’s tried so hard to forget.
Firstly, congrats on writing your debut novel! Let's take a minute to clap👏 for 👏that👏 Second, thank you for letting me read this one early!
If you love a second chance romance with Sons of Anarchy vibes you'll enjoy this one. I loved the banter between characters and chemistry between the FMC and MMC. It was such an enjoyable read that you could read in just one sitting!
Thank you @cassidyromanceauthor for the opportunity to read an ARC of A Viper Heart!
This is a dual timeline, second chance romance that kept me engaged throughout. It had low spice which I really appreciated. Don't get me wrong, I love a little bit of spice but sometimes it can detract from the story for me and this wasn't the story for that so it was perfect.
Really easy to get into, and as a "Sons of Anarchy" fan I appreciated the vibes. I was able to picture the Vipers and understand their tight knit community easily.
I loved the characters, and not just the main characters, the supporting characters were great too (how could I not love Haz! And as a side note, can't wait for his story!). They were all relatable and their banter top notch.
A huge thank you to Cassidy for allowing me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for the first time with her debut novel - congratulations on such a huge feat!! I loved the sound of this story from the moment I read the synopsis, and really enjoyed the journey I went on with Lexi and Ryan, especially learning about their backstories (Lexi’s definitely got me right in the feels more than once). Definitely looking forward to reading Haz’s story in book 2 🤍
I was fortunate enough to be chosen as an ARC reader for this book. This is Cassidy's debut novel and it has been such a privilege to see it come to life.
I really enjoyed the characters and the story. Haz would have to be the character that stands out the most and I am looking forward to reading his story next. A sweet second chance romance, rival motorcycle clubs, secrets, grief and brothers best friend.
The suspense of trying to work out what happened to Jay kept me captivated.
The writing at times felt a little clunky but overall this was minor because I really enjoyed the story/plot.
Congratulations on your debut novel Cassidy, I can't wait to see where this takes you.
This was such a sweet romance. The relationship between the FMC AND MMC was so beautiful it was exactly the kind of relationship I would want to be in. It’s understanding and compassionate, and even though they have some big issues to work through they do it together! I have never read a book about rival bike gangs before so this was such an amazing introduction to this trope/sub genre🏍️ I love the feel of a small town book where everyone knows everyone and they’re a big family it feels so cozy and wholesome and that is how I felt this whole time(besides when my heart was shattering) but I loved it 🥹 this book was such a quick and inviting read it was so hard to put it down and I cannot wait to read more of this authors work🙌💕
What a debut!! I am honoured to have been an ARC reader for this stunning story!
This cosy MC love story is such a beautiful story! Getting to journey with Ryan and Lexi was full of emotional highs and lows, and so much love you could feel it! I loved getting to know their deep back stories, between the “Then” and “Now” POVs in this book. If this is just the beginning I cannot wait to see what’s next.
Honestly should be an instant add to the TBR! Cannot wait for book 2 to read Haz’ story! My money is on Bella :P I volunteer for Beta or ARC reading for all future Cassidy novels!
So grateful for Cassidy to sending me this ARC and this was definitely a 5 stars for me even though I did kind of cry when Jayden died (Cassidy how dare you ☹️) but it’s okay because I love books that make me cry and omg Ryan is literally so perfect omg I’m literally like me when this whole time I love him, this book was also very well written and I loved it a lot and I’m so proud of her releasing it in a few weeks
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book was so so sweet!! ✨️ It's definitely an amazing book to read like a palette cleanser because it kinda has a little bit of everything. I love second chances, and it was such a beautiful story. Not just in the romance, but the storyline was really entertaining, too.
The characters were lovable. Lexi and Ryan were definitely an adorable couple. 🩷 I just wished there were more moments with some characters. I understand they wouldn't do much to the story, but I would like that very much. Especially with Ryan's sister. I also thought the relationship between the parents was strange and disconnected... Even like that, I'm definitely going to stay around and wait for the next book! 😊
I have to thank the author for giving me this opportunity to receive an ARC! Thank you!! Thank you so much!! 🥹
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was sent this ARC by the lovely author in exchange for an honest review, I’m very grateful for that opportunity! This story is so beautiful and the details are so well woven! I love these characters and I was heartbroken for the ones we never got to see a future for, I really hope there is a story for Haz in the future, or Bella, they seem like amazing characters who deserve their spotlight.. I love the vibe of second chance AND getting the full back story, Ryan and Lexi are sweet characters and they have a cute relationship that you just can’t help but wanting to see flourish, the vibe of the MC clubhouse and romantic gestures is absolutely lovely to read about too.. I gave the book a 4 star rating, it was worth my time and I loved being on the ARC team💕
This was my first ARC read and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the duel POVs across two timelines in this Sons of Anarchy style romance book - it kept me on my toes throughout. From the get-go, I was hooked and emotionally invested. Having suffered from loss personally, I found the way that Cassidy wrote about the reactions to loss, whether immediate or five years down the line, were very honest and refreshingly real.
The FMC Lexi, returns to her hometown after learning some heartbreaking news. She runs into her former flame Ryan, our MMC, who I was constantly rooting for and who has a heart of gold. The relationships between characters, especially Jay, Lexi’s twin brother, and Haz, the protective Viper brother and best friend of Ryan, really made me enjoy this book. I laughed at some of the comments between them, the embarrassing moments for characters when they were called out and of course the shower scene!
For a debut novel, this was one I thoroughly enjoyed. The characters developed well and the storyline move forward nicely, getting you to piece bits together over time. The tragic losses in this book were a part of the story I worried might happen from early on, but that did not make them any less upsetting. I did have a little cry towards the end of the book. Overall, I am really impressed and this has made me want to read even more romance novels in the future. I look forward to the sequel, he’s a character I felt very invested in! Thank you for choosing me to take part in this ARC. I really loved the experience.
As a debut novel this was wonderful!! Such a sweet second chance first love. We love MMC who is touch with his feelings and also FMC went through so much but she was so kind and loving. This was a beautiful book, You got the perfect chance to connect with the characters. Looking forward to reading book number 2. Thanks Cassidy for creating this and I look forward to seeing your future as an author x
I was lucky enough to receive the arc for this book and I just wanted to say a massive congrats to Cassidy on her debut novel. This book was incredible, you get fully immersed in the world of Lexi and Ryan. I loved the banter between the characters and themes of grief and loss. Definitely recommend reading A Viper Heart!!
The fact it took me to 80% of the book to realise it was a closed door romance is saying something … because I like my books spicy!
I loved the plot in this, I loved the characters. My heart truly broke for the FMC, definitely tugged at the heartstrings. But man, I really did want a little more detailed action coz Ryan seemed hot.
This debut MC romance is a great fast read - I finished it in under a day. It’s a second chance, childhood sweethearts novel which will always pull at my heartstrings. The pacing is really good - with dual timelines, the reveal of a key moment in the past is built up to really well. Unusually for an MC book, it’s a closed door romance - got to love when expectations of a genre are flipped! While I always love supporting baby indie authors, I have a particular passion for supporting Aussie baby indie authors, so this was absolutely a no brainer for me. Like many MC books, there are multiple intriguing characters deserving their own story and I’m excited to know there is more to come.
Book Review: A Viper Heart by @cassidyromanceauthor ADVANCED READERS COPY
Holy sh!t, Cassidy — this book hooked me from the very first page and didn’t let the hell go. I feel like the luckiest little gremlin that you picked me for your ARC because damn, you should be so proud of yourself. This isn’t just a Kindle read — it’s a full-blown book trophy moment.
The background, the buildup, the depth, the POV shifts — every bit of this was layered in a way you rarely find. And trust me, when a story grips my heart and yanks on my emotions like a damn two-for-one special, I am SOLD.
Lexi (FMC) and Ryan (MMC)…Raw. Real. Ruined me slightly but I asked for it. The tension, the connection, the love, the loss — all of it wrapped up in a found family, second-chance goodness that had me absolutely eating it up with the biggest, dumbest grin on my face.
By the time I hit 20% left (kindle reads), I was desperately praying you were already halfway through Haz’s story — and then I read your author’s note… ✨Cue actual squealing noises✨ Cassidy, if you don’t pick me for the next ARC, I will throw the world’s sassiest tantrum 😜
Absolutely obsessed. Pure emotional chaos and serotonin.
For a debut novel I am SO impressed! A Viper Heart is a super engaging dual POV contemporary, second chance romance with major Sons of Anarchy vibes!
Our FMC, MMC and supporting characters all had such fun banter and back stories. Haz had me giggling so many times, I was so happy to see his book is next to come.
This is also a closed door romance so a great choice for the girlies that don’t love spice in their books.
Congratulations Cassidy on your debut novel. Thank you for choosing me to an ARC of A Viper Heart. I had to force myself to stop each day just so I could saviour the story. Lexi & Ryan’s story was beautiful & heartbreaking at the same time. Romance - tick. Motorbikes - tick. Suspense - tick. A definite 5 star read for me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I really loved this book. I still can’t believe this was Cassidy’s first ever book. Her writing was beautiful and the story was great. This is probably my favourite biker romance I’ve ever read. I loved that it was a second chance romance. While there were some heavy topics, they were executed beautifully, nothing felt too dark. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about this book. I recommend A Viper Heart to my book besties who want to read about a love that feels like a breath of air, and want to enjoy a biker romance that isn’t all about spice and dark themes.
TROPES ♡ Brother's Bestfriend ♡ Second Chance ♡ Dual POV ♡ Found Family ♡ Low Spice ♡ Motorcycle Club ♡ Dual Timeline
This has been quite the wild ride. Honestly, I was not prepared for how incredibly sweet this book would be 🥺. I will always cherish it, and I’m really happy that I had the chance to read it in advance. Thank you so much, Cassidy 🩷
Having to leave her hometown a few years ago, Lexi Davis found herself back in Haven Cove due to certain circumstances. Not having any idea what lies ahead, she realized she was falling for her first love, Ryan Blake, once more. A Vice President of Viper Club. He was part of the reason she decided to move away. Will the struggles they faced before keep them from coming back together, or will it help them build a stronger bond?
I adore Lexi and Ryan's relationship. They have the most adorable connection. Not only is he protective of Lexi, but he is also very much in love with her. The fact that Ryan is obsessed with Lexi is just adorable. Sure, he looks a bit rough around the edges, but trust me, he's a total softie when it comes to Lexi.
One more thing I really like about Ryan is how tight he is with his buddies. One of them is Lexi's brother Jay, and the other is Haz. It always blows my mind to see a bunch of friends who have such a strong bond. They’re ready to do whatever it takes to have each other’s backs and will always stand by one another. But you know what? Haz is definitely one of my top characters. He’s super entertaining and always brings the fun, yet he’s genuinely a good person. He’s always there to have Lexi’s back when she needs help.
The story just keeps getting better and better throughout the book. I really didn’t see that twist coming at all towards the end!! I was hoping it wasn't real, but it really shed light on why Lexi moved away. I enjoy how the story flips between different times, and it’s nice to get a glimpse of Lexi and Ryan’s past.
PLEASEEE PLEASEEE you need to read this book, it was that good. This book will capture your heart 🩷🩷
💕 Second chance trope 💕 Dual POV 💕 Biggest green flag MMC 💕 Brother's best friend 💕 Biker gang 💕 Sad books
The main thing I have to say about this book was that I didn't expect it to be so sad - sometimes this felt like a cute fluffy romance but other times it was heartbreaking 🥺
🩷 What it's about: Lexi grew up in the town of Haven Cove, and the Vipers, the town's biker gang, has always felt familiar to her, with her father being a key member and her brother recently joining. And then, there was Ryan, her brother's best friend and someone Lexi begins to fall for. But Lexi's life is shattered due to an unexpected tragedy, and she moves away from her home and everything she loves.
Years later, her father's death brings Lexi back to Haven Cove, where Ryan has become Vice President of the Vipers. While Ryan wants to get closer to Lexi, overcoming the tragic memories of the past will be their biggest challenge. 🩷
I loved these characters, but my highlight in this book was Ryan. My favourite thing about him was that he was a complete green flag - this book didn't stick to the stereotypes of people in biker gangs being violent and super tough and "macho", instead, Ryan was the perfect mix of brave, protective, kind, loyal, and any other good adjective you can think of 🥰
The story is definitely beautiful - like I said before, it is a mix of devastating and adorable, and tells a story of recovering from loss, second chances, family and love.
The only real criticism I have about this book is that I wished some parts were longer so I could really feel the emotions of the characters, because I loved everyone in this book and wanted to see more of what they're thinking.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book 🫶🏽🫶🏽
Congratulations Cassidy on your debut novel & thank you for sending me an ARC of this book! It has been incredible to watch your journey and I feel privileged to have been a part of this early readers club.
A Viper Heart is a second chance, brother’s best-friend romance between Lexi, who is returning to her home town following her dad’s passing, and Ryan, who is a member of the Viper’s motorcycle club and was left heartbroken by Lexi after she left a few years ago.
I made the heartbreaking decision to soft DNF this, with all intentions of returning in the future. I just feel like this book, at the 33% mark, was lacking development between all of the characters, relationship growth, and contextual background to them all. I am not feeling the chemistry between Lexi and Ryan, and especially with it being a second chance romance, you’d think the tension would be rippling off the page, but it was just missing those key points.
I think with some more time and energy placed into these characters, their background, their history, I would have felt more connected to the story and wanted to keep reading. I really want to come back to this in the future and let it be known this review will likely change but at this point, I fear I will enter a reading slump if I try and push through more.
But please, give this book your love and support. Cassidy has done a fantastic job with this book and putting her work into the world. Support indie authors!!
🩷💮Fave Quote-💮🩷"It's hard to say Goodbye to the ones that own you heart."
This is a Viper Heart it had me absolutely hooked from the very first page! It’s a gripping, emotional second chance, best friends brother romance with serious Sons of Anarchy vibes, told in a dual POV that pulls you right into the hearts of Lexi & Ryan. Lexi is such a relatable & strong FMC her pain & past trauma felt so real & heartbreaking. Ryan, the bad boy with a golden retriever heart, was impossible not to love. Their chemistry, growth, & the way their relationship unfolded had me feeling everything. I adored the friendships & sibling dynamics too they added so much depth & emotion. & Haz? Ryan’s best friend totally stole my heart. I’m beyond excited for the next book to be his story I cannot wait! The writing flows beautifully, the emotions hit hard, & the ending was just perfection. I got through this read within two days would have been less if I didn't have to parent.So if you love emotional, gritty romance with deep connections & badass biker vibes this book is a must read. I Highly recommend!
Trope's- 🏍️ Second Chance 🩷💮 Found Family 🏍️Duel Timeline 💮🩷Brothers Best Friend 🏍️Duel Povs 💮🩷 Motorcycle Club 🏍️Love Spice 🩷💮 Trauma 🏍️Small Town 🩷 💮Grief & Loss 🏍️ Debut Novel 🩷💮First in the Series
First off, huge congratulations to Cassy on writing and releasing her debut novel — such an incredible achievement, and one she should be so proud of!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy from Cassy, and I’m so glad I got the chance to dive into this story. If you’re a fan of second chance romance, dual timelines, motorcycle clubs, and the brother’s best friend trope, this one absolutely needs to be on your TBR!
The story pulled me in from the start, with a compelling mystery surrounding what tore the main couple apart in the past, along with some intriguing backstories for the side characters. Speaking of which — Cassy did an amazing job bringing the side characters to life. They added so much heart (and humor!) to the story. I’m especially excited to read Haz’s book.
There were a few moments where I felt the emotional depth could have been explored more, but I also understand that shorter books have their limits when it comes to pacing and development.
Overall, Cassy delivered a sweet, emotional, and refreshingly unique romance. I’m so excited to see what she writes next!
if you want a sons of anarchy vibe romance book look no further! I was immediately drawn into this book and finished it in one day!!! It’s a quick read but you don’t miss any details and you still go through an emotional journey following the love between Ryan and Lexi! I think I was crying in the first few chapters and then giddy as hell in the next. Lexi and Ryan are childhood friends turned lovers until Lexi runs away from her own heart break. several years go by and they have to come face to face again when something draws her home again. immediately you can feel the pull of these characters to eachother and you can’t help but love the fact that it’s like they were on auto pilot until they found eachother again. The drama also made this book sooo good, can you say rival motorcycle group?! 👀 i absolutely loved this read and I think I could only ask for more and more! The side characters were also equally as fantastic making you want to know their story as well, *cough cough HAZ!* This book is now out on KU! So go read it asap!!!!
I’m always surprised when I read a book I absolutely love, only to find out it’s the author’s debut and this one was such an incredible first novel. I loved every minute of it. I didn’t even realize how quickly I flew through it until I went to update my tracking app and realized it was less than a day.
Lexi and Ryan’s relationship felt like a whirlwind romance, but learning exactly how and when Lexi decided to leave Haven Cove was actually kind of shocking. I especially loved how the Vipers didn’t hesitate for a second when Lexi showed back up and broke the news about her dad. This is probably one of the only books where I preferred the “past” timeline over the “present” but don’t get me wrong, the present-day storyline was great too. That brings me to my next point…
One of the things I really appreciated about this book is that, yes, it’s about Ryan and Lexi’s relationship, but their friendships within the group were just as important to who they are as people. I devoured every scene from the past that included Ryan, Haz, and Jay, and how their connections shaped Lexi’s story. And I loved how the author made us wait so long to finally learn what happened with Jay—it added so much tension and emotional weight.
And as someone who hasn’t watched a single episode of Sons of Anarchy, I still completely enjoyed this book. I’ll definitely be in the author’s DMs begging for Haz’s story!