I Saw You Sweetheart: A Bleeding Hearts Valley Thriller

Bleeding Hearts Valley Thrillers #2

by Erica Damon

Welcome to Bleeding Hearts Valley, a standalone series of interconnected thrillers in one twisted midwestern suburb.

Run. Don’t talk. Don’t try to remember.

Hazel Price has been missing for four years, and the night she and her friends were last seen is fog in her brain.

But she knows one that night, she made the worst mistake of her life.

Now that she’s home, everyone is asking her family, the police, and especially her therapist... and those questions are leading to answers, but as her memories come into focus, they aren’t what she expected.

Was that night really her fault? And if not, who exactly are all her lies protecting?

Keep coming back to Bleeding Hearts Valley to uncover more dark secrets. But before moving in remember, you can never trust your neighbors.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2025

About the author

Erica Damon is a writer, equestrian, and artist living in Western Massachusetts. Her compulsively creative nature has led to a collection of ‘what ifs?’ and that sense of wonder weaves its way into her fiction. She writes thriller and horror under her name, and equestrian romance under the pen name, Isla Ryder.

In any genre, her goal is to sweep the reader into her world, keeping it grounded enough in reality that the reader doesn’t question a moment of the action.

This is what she loves helping other authors with, as she has discovered that she enjoys reading books in the early stages even more than published ones and helping writers to spin their stories into something riveting as a developmental editor. If she’s not writing, she’s likely out riding horses while ideas swirl in the background.

Reviews

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️| ”Welcome to Bleeding Hearts Valley, a standalone series of interconnected thrillers in one twisted Midwestern suburb.”

Book 2 of the A Bleeding Hearts Valley Thriller series did not disappoint! My heart went out to Hazel, it’s not easy to have disappeared for 4 years and suddenly reappear for everyone to have questions that you can’t (or won’t) answer! This would be hard on anyone, but imagine you only being a high school student! But ohhhhhh when this twists started dropping‼️ The events surrounding her disappearance was simply shocking and mind blowing! Never would I ever have guessed what was going on. I definitely enjoyed this one & will be reading more from Erica Damon.

These absolutely can be read as a standalone, however they both have been enjoyable so far!

Book 1: Unhinged: Unhinged (adjective): mentally unbalanced; deranged
Book 2: I Saw You Sweetheart: A Bleeding Hearts Valley Thriller
Publication 🗓️ : 08.22.25

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel is your average high school girl looking to belong. When the popular girls start to give her attention her whole life starts to change. This book follows her story and unravels what happened to her and her friends. She’s been missing for four years. Layer by layer of this twisty story comes to light and you won’t believe the buried secrets that surface! Add this to your TBR, this is a definitive 5 star read!

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I Saw You Sweetheart” by Erica Damon is a shocking and addictive thriller set in the darkly twisted world of Bleeding Hearts Valley. When a missing girl resurfaces years later with no memory of what happened, the mystery deepens—and so does the suspense. I couldn’t put this one down! The twists had me floored, and just when I thought I had it figured out, the story turned again. A chilling and unforgettable read that keeps you guessing until the very end.

[eli · Rating 2 out of 5]

i truly do not know what is going on with me and picking all this just awful books this month, but to say that im disappointed it's an understatement.

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author and it certainly won’t be my last as I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

I thought it started off slowly but in all honesty that might have just been me as I haven’t been reading lately. Having some time to read I thought I’d read a few more pages… then I was ignoring everyone around me as I NEEDED to know what was gonna happen next. This is a really good and well written story with some really good twists that has me in a tizzy.

I highly recommend this story. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Chapters_with_VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all! This had me hooked from the first page. Hazel Price has been missing for four years, and the way Damon pulls us through her foggy memories is so raw it feels like you’re living inside her head—claustrophobic, tense, and heartbreaking.

Hazel is fragile but fierce, and every character around her drips with suspicion. Nobody is just background. Damon’s writing is sharp, fast, and immersive—every reveal hits like a gut punch, and the dread just simmers until it explodes.

If you love thrillers that make you side-eye everyone and keep your heart racing, welcome to Bleeding Hearts Valley. Just remember: you can never trust your neighbors.

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Saw You Sweetheart by Erica Damon
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Thrills, suspense, mystery and surprises, oh my! This story has it all!! I was totally enthralled and shocked with this story and did not want to put this book down until I had answers!
This story focuses on Hazel, a high school senior, who just wants to become popular and get in with the “cool” crowd. In striving to do this, she compromises on who she is, which leads to some horrific outcomes. Hazel goes missing and is finally reunited with her family after 4 long years. Once she returns home, secrets begin to be revealed, but it’s not what I thought!
This book is very well written and is a fast and non stop exciting psychological thriller!
Thank you to Erica Damon for an arc of this amazing book!
This is the 2nd book I’ve read of hers and I’m super excited to grab more of her books!

*This book comes out Aug 22nd and is a must read!*

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by Erica Damon and it was great! It's not my typical read but it definitely kept me on my toes with her twists and turns! I enjoyed this although I could see a lot of the plot before it happened I loved it! Hazel definitely ran through hell. This was a 5-star read for me,I could even see it being a dark bully romance if Erica ever wanted to dabble in that genre!

[Megan Pelayo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must add to your TBR!
My first time reading this author and I wasn’t disappointed.
Definitely a page turner with a great unexpected twist!

[Candy Turk · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It was definitely intriguing but when the twist came….that, I wasn’t expecting! Will definitely recommend and will add the others from this series to my TBR list!

[Ariana Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: I Saw You, Sweetheart by Erica Damon
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Erica Damon delivers a chilling and immersive psychological thriller in I Saw You, Sweetheart, the first in her BleedingHearts Valley series. Set in a seemingly ordinary Midwestern suburb that hides a tangled web of dark secrets, this book pulls you into a gripping mystery with emotional depth and razor-sharp suspense.

At the center of the story is Hazel Price, who has been missing for four long years. When she unexpectedly returns home, her memory of the night she vanishes along with her friends is fragmented and foggy. The trauma she’s endured has left her grasping for answers, and as pressure mounts from law enforcement, family, and a persistent therapist, Hazel must face the question that haunts her: What really happened that night?
Damon masterfully unravels Hazel’s past with eerie precision, building tension as long-buried memories begin to surface. The more Hazel remembers, the more twisted the truth becomes, challenging everything she thought she knew about herself, her friends, and the town she once called home. The story explores the blurred lines between guilt and innocence, truth and manipulation, trust, and betrayal.

The writing is haunting yet lyrical, and Damon’s ability to create an atmosphere is unmatched. BleedingHearts Valley is the kind of place that lingers in your mind, a character in itself, where nothing is quite what it seems, and no one is truly safe. The ending leaves you breathless and desperate for more.
I Saw You, Sweetheart is perfect for fans of thrillers and mysteries. It’s a compelling start to what promises to be a deeply twisted and unforgettable series. Just one word of advice before you turn the first page: trust no one, not even yourself.

[Ashleigh Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! "I Saw You Sweetheart" starts right off with a heart pounding first chapter and did not let up! I have found that I love dual time lines and Erica Damon pulled it off flawlessly in this novel.

Hazel simply wants to have a successful senior year and get in with the 'popular' crew. This desire spirals her life out of control. The only problem...she can't remember exactly what happened.

I read half of this book the first day I picked it up. I could not stop! So happy I was able to get my hands on an ARC copy. I highly recommend this!

[Tori Smithers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me thrown for a loop. Hazel goes through so many obstacles but the way she gets through it... Yes!! I loved it so much!!

[K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was fantasticly written. My first time reading from this author but not the last. The main characters were relatable especially if you've been a 16 yr old girl. The story is written in duel time lines which added the perfect pinch of suspense. As I navigated through the story I found myself in shock often. This book is packed in twist that will have you jaw on the floor speechless.

Thank you Bookfunnel and Erica Damon for the eARC. This review is that of my own.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This book was amazing ! I was lucky to have the opportunity to read this as an ARC reader. This story gripped me from the beginning, being that outsider kid trying to fit in is something many can relate too but what happens next wow !
Erica did a great job with this story, and I flew through this book in 2 days.
Highly recommend 👌🏻

[Tina A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: Release Day 8/22/25

I Saw You Sweetheart by Erica Damon is the ultimate suspenseful ride in domestic/psychological thrillers!!! The countless times I said to myself “What the heck just happened?!” is a testament to how much I loved it! Erica Damon surprised me in so many ways I wasn’t prepared for and took me in directions I couldn’t dare predict!

I don’t see how anyone would be disappointed if you enjoy a riveting, fast page-turning, original, edge-of-your-seat story with an unforgettable main character you just want to beg to “Make good choices!!!”

It’s filled with creepy, light-starved atmospheric vibes and twists that created a corkscrew of intense reveals propelling me into each new chapter. It definitely is one hell of an unputdownable book! I just hope I Saw You Sweetheart finds all the readers it deserves!

***I received an advance copy by the author, and these thoughts are my own opinion***

[Meghan McClendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erica's writing style is fantastic. This book will completely envelop you so buckle up and hang on with both hands because the twists come out of nowhere! Thank you to Erica for the copy of the book. This is one I will be purchasing for my bookshelf!

[K.J. Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who do you trust when you can’t even trust yourself?

The perfect mix between missing persons and missing memories, this was the first of Erica’s novels I’ve read but definitely won’t be my last.

I always say it takes a lot to shock me with thriller twists, but this did not disappoint. I did not expect the twists in this one and trust me when I say there were a few.

The characters were well built and stuck out and even in a story with complex timelines that had to manage between giving away just enough and not giving away too much until it was twisted into something shocking, this was easy to follow and well paced.

I’m excited to read the rest of the Bleeding Hearts Valley novels as they come out.

Highly recommend. Better yet - it’s on Kindle Unlimited!

[Tanya Kolb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a true psychological thriller! There is so much depth to these characters and so many layers to this story. It is the perfect addition to the bleeding hearts valley universe. It is seamlessly told through an alternating timeline between the past and the present.

Damon has outdone herself with this one! It was a pleasure to be able to read an ARC copy. I can't wait to see what happens next! This one will be a hard one to follow.

[Stephanie Mahoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT DID I JUST READ!?!!

Twisty is an understatement. Just reading along and BOOM twist, then BOOM twist again, just when you think you got nothing left to reveal, BOOM more twists!

I was truly on the edge of my seat.
One of my favorite reads of 2025!

I will recommend this book for all and can’t wait to read more she has.

BOOM!!

[Jolene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hazel wanted what every outsider wants, to be noticed, to be wanted, to belong. So when the girls who ruled the school finally welcomed her in, she followed them into the night without hesitation. But only she came back.

The others are gone, and Hazel won’t or can’t say what happened. Her parents are desperate to protect her, just like they always have. But the more they try to bury the truth, the harder it claws its way to the surface.

Something terrible happened that night. Something Hazel brought home with her. And someone will do anything to keep it hidden.

Erica Damon’s thriller pulls you into the shadows of teenage longing and buried secrets. It’s a fast, eerie read with a twist that lingers long after the final page. Don’t trust anyone and don’t assume you know who’s to blame.

[Megan Somers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Saw You, Sweetheart by Erica Damron
I absolutely loved this book! I Saw You, Sweetheart is a mystery-thriller that completely pulled me in from the first page. The suspense was nonstop, and every chapter revealed something new that kept me guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist would throw me off—in the best way. It was so well-written and fast-paced that I literally couldn’t put it down. If you’re into thrillers that keep you on edge and make you say “just one more chapter” over and over, this one’s for you.

[Ashley Letterle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for an ARC copy! Super quick and easy read! Plot twists were great and left you wanting to know what was going to happen next! Overall, great read!

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, so many twists and turns that I did not see coming at all. This book kept me totally entertained and kept me reading late into the night. So, so good!

[Rae, shutupandbookup · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Her brain was protecting her, just not from what everyone assumed."


A missing, teenage, girl case has been resolved and with a happy ending! Hazel has escaped her captor and fled to safety. Finding herself back at home with her parents where she is safe. But everyone wants to know what happened to her four years ago! Who took her? And the biggest question of all: where are the other two girls?


Hazel can't remember and doesn't want to remember that night. It was all her fault and the biggest mistake of her life. But as she starts to sift through her memories and ignoring his haunting words of "don't remember". Hazel finds that the images are taking on a new light that don't seem to add up to the story she knows or thought she knew. . . What really occurred that night!?


I enjoy reads from this author and how she weaves in suspense while keeping up that tension of a thriller until the very end. I was so engrossed I didn't stop to jot down any quotes. Read it in one night because as soon as I convinced myself I was at a stopping point I ran across a major plot twist! How can you stop reading a thriller when a flip in the script lands in your lap?!


It was a little difficult getting into the read. Simply because I was trying to sort out what was going on! The author having placed a bunch of puzzle pieces in my hands and stated good luck. As the story progressed pieces began slotting into place and what a wild picture it made!


Hazel has just escaped after four years of missing! We get those raw emotions and scenes of her reuniting with her parents and trying to go back to normal. But everything has changed even if they are small differences. She finds that she has changed as well. I loved the mystery of watching her trying to unlock her mind with great hesitancy. Not wanting to trust herself or the things that were beginning to become clear. Having two timelines to see the before and the current until they inevitably come to a head!


There's some mild language in the read and mean girl moments. The before being when Hazel was a senior in HS and just trying to fit in with the cool kids. Underage drinking and taking of substances, driving under the influence, some violence, and deaths. A HS boy being a little too pushy, but Hazel cut him off. Trauma, anxiety and panic attacks.


I found some descriptions and inner monologue were a little lengthy, but it was all to help keep up the confusion and edge of your seat factor. I didn't even get most of the twists! The ending does have a conclusion and HEA. I also really appreciated the author adding in art therapy in order for a psychiatrist to try and help Hazel!


Enjoy the fun read and try to solve it before the end! Don't forget to give the author some stars!


shutupandbookup.com

[Naito Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Saw You, Sweatheart is an absolutely gripping psychological thriller that showcases Erica Damon at the height of her craft. I’ve read some of her previous books and enjoyed them, but this one surpasses them all. It’s so good—intense, tightly written, and packed with psychological depth.
The story follows Hazel, who returns home after being missing for four years, with no memory of what happened to her. That premise alone is chilling, but what really makes the book shine is how Damon slowly peels back the layers of truth. The pacing is brilliant—every revelation triggers the next, and the suspense never lets up. Even the dual chronology, which sometimes trips me up in other books, worked perfectly here. It only added to the tension.
The psychological elements—especially the gaslighting and manipulation—are handled so deftly. You can tell Damon did her research into memory loss and trauma, because everything felt so believable, even when the plot turned shocking.
I guessed one twist and had a hunch about another, but that didn’t take away from the thrill. It was still a major wow read from start to finish.
If you’re into dark, emotionally-charged thrillers with smart plotting and layered characters, I can’t recommend this one enough. Absolutely stellar.

[Danielle Lundquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this book! It was, wow! I definitely wasn’t expecting all the twists and turns in this story! The story also goes from two different POVs. I’m doing to do the best I can without giving any spoilers.

Hazel is not a popular girl by any means, but she wants to be the popular girl and hang out with popular girls, Nora and April. Hazel has a friend, Kristy that invited her to a small “party” at her house. Hazel invites Nora & April and they invite people and the party is becoming too much and Kristy tells her she has to make them leave. Hazel gets them to leave by telling them that she will be having a party at her house another day and they can all come to her party, she has a hot tub too. The girls bring their boyfriends and the boyfriends bring a friend for Hazel. He does things to Hazel that make her uncomfortable, so take makes them leave. The girls decide they’re going to go meet up with they boys, but first they find some drugs in hazels bathroom. They had already been drinking and decided to use the drugs too, then left to go meet the boys. Hazel is driving carelessly and then there is an accident.

What happens after this will leave you speechless, but you will have to read it for yourself to find out what happens!

[Books with Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulls you in right from the start and the way the author describes the setting has you feeling like you are right there in the middle of it all! I love a good thriller/mystery that has me guessing all the way to the end and this book did just that. The author did a great job of taking you back in time throughout the book in order to show the events led up to the present. Hazel’s journey through not only healing from the trauma she has been through but also the struggle to regain her memory of what happened to her has you struggling with the same emotions that she is experiencing and as the memories start coming back you are left in complete shock and your jaw on the floor by the end of it. If you are looking for a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and not wanting to put it down, I would recommend reading this one!

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Saw You Sweetheart is the first book I've ever read by this author and I have to say, Erica Damon has a new fan. I was absolutely hooked. I thought for sure I knew where the story was headed, but then the twists came. The secrets run deep with this one.
Hazel has been missing for 4 years but the night her and her friends went missing is a mystery to her. She remembers certain aspects of what happened, but not the entire thing. And she needs to know! She was made to believe that it was all her fault, but was it? She needs to remember and the only way to remember is to dig deep.
The story is pretty fast paced and stays that way through most of the story. The twist will throw you. The story is full of manipulation, confusion, and secrets. This was an enjoyable story.

[Lisa Wilcox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Saw You Sweetheart by Erica Damon

I love these adopt an author Facebook events because I always find a new author and this one was a doozy!

What an amazing book! So many jaw dropping moments! Hazel tries to make friends with the “cool” kids, but boy does it go sideways bigtime. But what you think might happen is not what happens. Ms. Damon pulls quite a few rabbits out of her hat that will surprise the daylights out of you. It’s a quick and easy read and is part of the Bleeding Hearts trilogy. I had never heard of this series, and I will soon be checking out the other books.