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Heart Eyes
She saved me once.
She probably doesn’t remember.
But I can’t forget.
Fourteen years ago, when we were small, I was starving.
Not just my stomach rumbling, but hungry for kindness. For someone to look at me like I mattered.
She did.
Until she couldn’t look at me at all.
I learned how to survive without being wanted in foster home after foster home. Holding on to my memories of her. Of how she saw me as more than nothing.
And now she’s back in my world.
Bright. Successful. Untouched by the ruin that shaped me into the monster I am.
I should stay away.
Men like me don’t get women like her.
But I’ve never been good at letting go.
So I watch. And I wait. Telling myself it’s harmless.
That loving her from the darkness is enough.
Until I see him.
A face from our past.
Someone who remembers what she did.
And wants to make her pay for it.
I have survived worse than him. I’m not afraid to abandon any remaining morals to keep her safe.
My love for her was born in darkness and fear. A glimmer of hope for a boy who had nothing.
Obsession.
Ruin.
But it’s the only good thing I’ve ever felt.
And this time… I’m not letting anyone take her from me.
She probably doesn’t remember.
But I can’t forget.
Fourteen years ago, when we were small, I was starving.
Not just my stomach rumbling, but hungry for kindness. For someone to look at me like I mattered.
She did.
Until she couldn’t look at me at all.
I learned how to survive without being wanted in foster home after foster home. Holding on to my memories of her. Of how she saw me as more than nothing.
And now she’s back in my world.
Bright. Successful. Untouched by the ruin that shaped me into the monster I am.
I should stay away.
Men like me don’t get women like her.
But I’ve never been good at letting go.
So I watch. And I wait. Telling myself it’s harmless.
That loving her from the darkness is enough.
Until I see him.
A face from our past.
Someone who remembers what she did.
And wants to make her pay for it.
I have survived worse than him. I’m not afraid to abandon any remaining morals to keep her safe.
My love for her was born in darkness and fear. A glimmer of hope for a boy who had nothing.
Obsession.
Ruin.
But it’s the only good thing I’ve ever felt.
And this time… I’m not letting anyone take her from me.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2026
70 people are currently reading
1005 people want to read
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April 22, 2026
4.25⭐️ I really loved Heart Eyes by Effie Campbell. From start to finish, this book completely drew me in with its emotional depth, compelling characters, and engaging storyline.
The story follows Kat and Liam—also known as “Heart Eyes”—who first meet as children 14 years ago. Their early connection is shaped by hardship, especially for Liam, who is not only physically starving but also deeply deprived of love and affection. This backstory adds a powerful emotional layer that carries through the entire novel. When they meet again years later, the chemistry between them is immediate and intense, making their relationship feel both authentic and deeply moving.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the character development. Kat and Liam are incredibly well-written, with complex personalities and believable growth. Liam, in particular, is a character who stays with you—his vulnerability, strength, and emotional journey are portrayed in a way that feels raw and real. Kat complements him perfectly, and together their dynamic is both passionate and heartfelt.
Effie Campbell’s writing style is another highlight. The prose flows beautifully, balancing emotional moments with tension and romance. The author does a great job of making you feel every moment, whether it’s the tenderness between the characters or the suspense introduced through the subplot involving a stalker. This element adds an extra layer of intrigue and keeps the story gripping throughout.
There is also a strong romantic and sensual element to the book, which is woven naturally into the story and enhances the connection between Kat and Liam rather than overshadowing it. Their love feels genuine and deeply felt, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey.
Overall, this is a captivating and emotionally rich story with well-developed characters, strong writing, and a plot that keeps you engaged. I would absolutely love to see more from this world—particularly a follow-up exploring where Kat and Liam are now, as their story feels like it still has so much more to give.
Thank you to Netgalley, and the author Effie Campbell for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
Publishing date: May 8th 2026
The story follows Kat and Liam—also known as “Heart Eyes”—who first meet as children 14 years ago. Their early connection is shaped by hardship, especially for Liam, who is not only physically starving but also deeply deprived of love and affection. This backstory adds a powerful emotional layer that carries through the entire novel. When they meet again years later, the chemistry between them is immediate and intense, making their relationship feel both authentic and deeply moving.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the character development. Kat and Liam are incredibly well-written, with complex personalities and believable growth. Liam, in particular, is a character who stays with you—his vulnerability, strength, and emotional journey are portrayed in a way that feels raw and real. Kat complements him perfectly, and together their dynamic is both passionate and heartfelt.
Effie Campbell’s writing style is another highlight. The prose flows beautifully, balancing emotional moments with tension and romance. The author does a great job of making you feel every moment, whether it’s the tenderness between the characters or the suspense introduced through the subplot involving a stalker. This element adds an extra layer of intrigue and keeps the story gripping throughout.
There is also a strong romantic and sensual element to the book, which is woven naturally into the story and enhances the connection between Kat and Liam rather than overshadowing it. Their love feels genuine and deeply felt, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey.
Overall, this is a captivating and emotionally rich story with well-developed characters, strong writing, and a plot that keeps you engaged. I would absolutely love to see more from this world—particularly a follow-up exploring where Kat and Liam are now, as their story feels like it still has so much more to give.
Thank you to Netgalley, and the author Effie Campbell for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
Publishing date: May 8th 2026
April 17, 2026
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 Stars)
●What I Liked
• Liam (Will): For me, Liam was the standout star of the story. His backstory is compelling, and his character arc felt well-earned. I found myself more invested in his journey and growth.
• The Mystery: The central mystery surrounding Kat and Liam kept me interested. Effie does a great job of building tension and has you questioning the "why" behind their connection.
• The Villain: A romance is often only as good as the threat keeping the leads apart, and the villain in this story was excellently written—genuinely impactful and necessary to the plot.
• The Ending: No spoilers, but that ending definitely left me wanting more! There is so much potential for a sequel to explore the fallout of the finale.
● What I Needed More Of
• Kat’s Development: Compared to Liam’s arc, Kat felt a little flat at times. But that may be because I liked Liam so much.
• Threads: We hear a lot about the expectations Kat’s parents place on her and her unhappiness at university, I don't think this was fully resolved.
• I’m crossing my fingers for a second book because I want to see how that ending works out for them!!!
● Accessibility & Formatting
• TTS Compatibility: I tested this using Text-to-Speech (TTS), and there were no general issues with the flow!
• Formatting Suggestion: One area for improvement would be labeling the text message exchanges. Adding "Liam:" or "Kat:" before the bubbles would greatly assist users who rely on screen readers or TTS to avoid confusion during dialogue.
● Who is this for?
If you are a fan of the following tropes, put this on your TBR immediately:
• Stalker Romance (with a dark edge)
• Second Chance Romance
• Victim-to-Saviour Arcs
●What I Liked
• Liam (Will): For me, Liam was the standout star of the story. His backstory is compelling, and his character arc felt well-earned. I found myself more invested in his journey and growth.
• The Mystery: The central mystery surrounding Kat and Liam kept me interested. Effie does a great job of building tension and has you questioning the "why" behind their connection.
• The Villain: A romance is often only as good as the threat keeping the leads apart, and the villain in this story was excellently written—genuinely impactful and necessary to the plot.
• The Ending: No spoilers, but that ending definitely left me wanting more! There is so much potential for a sequel to explore the fallout of the finale.
● What I Needed More Of
• Kat’s Development: Compared to Liam’s arc, Kat felt a little flat at times. But that may be because I liked Liam so much.
• Threads: We hear a lot about the expectations Kat’s parents place on her and her unhappiness at university, I don't think this was fully resolved.
• I’m crossing my fingers for a second book because I want to see how that ending works out for them!!!
● Accessibility & Formatting
• TTS Compatibility: I tested this using Text-to-Speech (TTS), and there were no general issues with the flow!
• Formatting Suggestion: One area for improvement would be labeling the text message exchanges. Adding "Liam:" or "Kat:" before the bubbles would greatly assist users who rely on screen readers or TTS to avoid confusion during dialogue.
● Who is this for?
If you are a fan of the following tropes, put this on your TBR immediately:
• Stalker Romance (with a dark edge)
• Second Chance Romance
• Victim-to-Saviour Arcs
April 15, 2026
I really, really enjoyed this one and I would absolutely LOVE a second book following Liam and Kat’s hunting spree.
As dark romances go, this definitely sits on the softer side. Yes, there’s stalking. Yes, there’s revenge. But Liam is also an absolute sweetheart despite everything he’s been through. He is BABY BOY and should be protected at all cost and I’ll hear no different.
Kat is such a great FMC too, she’s brave, a little twisted, and more than willing to step into the darkness alongside him. They match each other so well in that way, never trying to pull the other back, just moving forward together.
Their story starts when they’re children, both dealing with different forms of abusive parents and finding comfort in each other when they need it most. Watching them find their way back to each other years later adds this really lovely emotional layer underneath everything else.
It’s sweet, spicy, funny in places, and has just enough darkness to keep you hooked without becoming overwhelming.
As dark romances go, this definitely sits on the softer side. Yes, there’s stalking. Yes, there’s revenge. But Liam is also an absolute sweetheart despite everything he’s been through. He is BABY BOY and should be protected at all cost and I’ll hear no different.
Kat is such a great FMC too, she’s brave, a little twisted, and more than willing to step into the darkness alongside him. They match each other so well in that way, never trying to pull the other back, just moving forward together.
Their story starts when they’re children, both dealing with different forms of abusive parents and finding comfort in each other when they need it most. Watching them find their way back to each other years later adds this really lovely emotional layer underneath everything else.
It’s sweet, spicy, funny in places, and has just enough darkness to keep you hooked without becoming overwhelming.
April 19, 2026
Check the trigger warnings…but wanna read a masked stalker with a dark past and a FMC that has been waiting for the day he came back for her? I did and man it did not disappoint.
Liam-his tragic backstory and childhood made my heart break. His story is such a real story and I think that part made it so sad to me. I loved how he adores Kat from day 1.
Kat-she didn’t judge, or act self righteous when Liam would blur the lines with boundaries or be absolutely morally grey/black. She was all in and honestly I think we haven’t seen how morally grey/black she could be as well.
I can’t wait for book 2 Death Kiss! 💋
Liam-his tragic backstory and childhood made my heart break. His story is such a real story and I think that part made it so sad to me. I loved how he adores Kat from day 1.
Kat-she didn’t judge, or act self righteous when Liam would blur the lines with boundaries or be absolutely morally grey/black. She was all in and honestly I think we haven’t seen how morally grey/black she could be as well.
I can’t wait for book 2 Death Kiss! 💋
April 19, 2026
ARC review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heart Eyes is not your soft, sweet second chance romance it’s darker than that. It’s the kind of love that grows in the shadows, rooted in survival, memory, and a need so deep it borders on obsession.
From the very beginning, there’s this aching contrast between who he was and who he’s become. A starving boy hungry not just for food, but for kindness and the one girl who gave him something to hold onto. That small moment of humanity? It lingers, shaping everything that comes after.
And when they cross paths again years later it’s not simple. It’s not clean. It’s heavy with everything unsaid.
He doesn’t believe he deserves her. Not even close. But that doesn’t stop him from watching, waiting, holding onto her like she’s the last good thing in a world that never gave him anything else. And that quiet obsession? It’s intense in a way that feels both protective and deeply unsettling.
What makes this story hit is that his love isn’t gentle it’s feral. It’s built on survival, sharpened by pain, and willing to cross lines most people wouldn’t even approach. When danger creeps in from their shared past, that darkness in him doesn’t hesitate.
And honestly? That’s where the tension really takes hold.
Because you’re constantly asking yourself:
Is this love or something more dangerous?
The heroine adds a softer contrast bright, successful, everything he believes he’s not. But as their worlds collide, you start to see the cracks, the shared past, and the way fate keeps pulling them back together whether they’re ready or not.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heart Eyes is not your soft, sweet second chance romance it’s darker than that. It’s the kind of love that grows in the shadows, rooted in survival, memory, and a need so deep it borders on obsession.
From the very beginning, there’s this aching contrast between who he was and who he’s become. A starving boy hungry not just for food, but for kindness and the one girl who gave him something to hold onto. That small moment of humanity? It lingers, shaping everything that comes after.
And when they cross paths again years later it’s not simple. It’s not clean. It’s heavy with everything unsaid.
He doesn’t believe he deserves her. Not even close. But that doesn’t stop him from watching, waiting, holding onto her like she’s the last good thing in a world that never gave him anything else. And that quiet obsession? It’s intense in a way that feels both protective and deeply unsettling.
What makes this story hit is that his love isn’t gentle it’s feral. It’s built on survival, sharpened by pain, and willing to cross lines most people wouldn’t even approach. When danger creeps in from their shared past, that darkness in him doesn’t hesitate.
And honestly? That’s where the tension really takes hold.
Because you’re constantly asking yourself:
Is this love or something more dangerous?
The heroine adds a softer contrast bright, successful, everything he believes he’s not. But as their worlds collide, you start to see the cracks, the shared past, and the way fate keeps pulling them back together whether they’re ready or not.
May 8, 2026
I want to thank Effie Campbell for the opportunity to read this ARC. Now if you love a dark romance with masked man, stalker, unhinged and kill for her love then you need to meet Liam. The story starts out when Liam and Kat are only 8 years old. Liam has a horrible home life and Kat is his only brightness. But they loose touch and cross paths again 14 years later. But Liam is scared of being rejected so wears a mask around Kat, who is unaware that he is boy from all those years ago. What happened that summer that caused these two to drift apart? And what happens between them now? Please check TWs before reading. :)
May 9, 2026
4.35
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶
This book had me hooked instantly the emotion and growth that the characters has during this book was well written after both having such bad trauma to see them overcome it and reunited year later was enjoyable
they way they just clicked and instantly worked as a team a lovely power couple moment fml didn't mind coming over to dark for the ml she was only making a wish come true.
the stalking elemental was a lovely added bouns to the plot who doesn't want a masked man or 2 the kidnapping chained up sceen 👨🍳 💋
Loved the hea and can't wait for book 2
Thank you for the arc
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶
This book had me hooked instantly the emotion and growth that the characters has during this book was well written after both having such bad trauma to see them overcome it and reunited year later was enjoyable
they way they just clicked and instantly worked as a team a lovely power couple moment fml didn't mind coming over to dark for the ml she was only making a wish come true.
the stalking elemental was a lovely added bouns to the plot who doesn't want a masked man or 2 the kidnapping chained up sceen 👨🍳 💋
Loved the hea and can't wait for book 2
Thank you for the arc
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2026
4.5 ⭐
Liam's story is heartbreaking and the way they come back together 14 years after their shared tragic trauma was endearing. I enjoyed this story a lot, the way their past slowly came into view, the overarching mystery of who was threatening Kat, the stalking tendencies Liam experiences, wanting to keep her safe but unable to control this obsession of the girl he always wanted, and the spice was spicing and sweet. The ending was a bit too short and tidy, and predictable, but it did offer up a great opportunity for a fun and interesting sequel focused on revenge.
Liam's story is heartbreaking and the way they come back together 14 years after their shared tragic trauma was endearing. I enjoyed this story a lot, the way their past slowly came into view, the overarching mystery of who was threatening Kat, the stalking tendencies Liam experiences, wanting to keep her safe but unable to control this obsession of the girl he always wanted, and the spice was spicing and sweet. The ending was a bit too short and tidy, and predictable, but it did offer up a great opportunity for a fun and interesting sequel focused on revenge.
April 25, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
god i love them. like… I LOVE THEM SO MUCH 😭
for such a short book, I was so invested in Kat & Liam’s story. Effie Campbell really did her thing with this one because everything just hit. the romance, the backstory, the little moments, I love it all 🥺
The romance in this was everything I wanted and more. Liam is the definition of a soft boy but also somehow ridiculously hot at the same time!! he was the perfect mix of soft, caring, and emotionally open… but also somehow ridiculously hot?? like excuse me??? 🫠 I loved the way his feelings came through in his actions and it just made everything feel so genuine.
Kat was such a strong, well-written character. I loved how independent she was but also how real she felt. I honestly saw a lot of myself in her at times so watching her navigate everything felt really authentic.
The chemistry between them was INSANE. The slow build into the more intense moments was done so well and when the spice hit, it HIT. I was not prepared at all (the window scene??? OH MY GODDDD). It never felt overdone either, it just fit their relationship perfectly.
One of my favourite parts was their childhood friends backstory. It added so much depth to their relationship and made every interaction feel more meaningful. You could really feel that history between them and it honestly made me emotional to see how their relationship had grown over the years even with all that time apart.
The story itself was so well executed. Everything flowed nicely, the emotions were there, the romance delivered. I will say it was a little predictable in places but honestly? I didn’t even care. Sometimes you just want a story that hits different and this absolutely did.
ps. i’m still not over him using … as a coffee filter ✋🏼👀
Overall, this book was soft, emotional, chaotic in the best way and very spicy when it wanted to be. I had such a good time reading it and I’m genuinely so glad I picked it up.
Thank you so much Effie Campbell for the ARC 💌
god i love them. like… I LOVE THEM SO MUCH 😭
for such a short book, I was so invested in Kat & Liam’s story. Effie Campbell really did her thing with this one because everything just hit. the romance, the backstory, the little moments, I love it all 🥺
The romance in this was everything I wanted and more. Liam is the definition of a soft boy but also somehow ridiculously hot at the same time!! he was the perfect mix of soft, caring, and emotionally open… but also somehow ridiculously hot?? like excuse me??? 🫠 I loved the way his feelings came through in his actions and it just made everything feel so genuine.
Kat was such a strong, well-written character. I loved how independent she was but also how real she felt. I honestly saw a lot of myself in her at times so watching her navigate everything felt really authentic.
The chemistry between them was INSANE. The slow build into the more intense moments was done so well and when the spice hit, it HIT. I was not prepared at all (the window scene??? OH MY GODDDD). It never felt overdone either, it just fit their relationship perfectly.
One of my favourite parts was their childhood friends backstory. It added so much depth to their relationship and made every interaction feel more meaningful. You could really feel that history between them and it honestly made me emotional to see how their relationship had grown over the years even with all that time apart.
The story itself was so well executed. Everything flowed nicely, the emotions were there, the romance delivered. I will say it was a little predictable in places but honestly? I didn’t even care. Sometimes you just want a story that hits different and this absolutely did.
ps. i’m still not over him using … as a coffee filter ✋🏼👀
Overall, this book was soft, emotional, chaotic in the best way and very spicy when it wanted to be. I had such a good time reading it and I’m genuinely so glad I picked it up.
Thank you so much Effie Campbell for the ARC 💌
April 26, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book from start to end!!! It really caught my attention just from the first couple of chapters.
This book is a wild childhood lovers, stalker, dark romance. But something you don’t expect is the FMC with two stalkers.
What hooked me in was Liam’s character. From the beginning we see when he met Kat as they were young and knowing from that age that he loved her. He’s been through so much abuse and trauma which we later see in his adulthood. Unfortunately tragedy strikes and they are essentially ripped apart from one another and do not see each other until Kat is in college. I found it funny how he was stalking her but in a different way from creepy like the actual stalker.
I would have enjoyed seeing a bit more of Kat and Liam’s relationship. Maybe even chapters where we go back into the past and really see their relationship or what Liam went through.
I kinda felt like Sam was the guy just based off of his interactions with Kat but then felt maybe not because of how sweet he was to Ellie. The kidnapping scene at the end was somewhat emotional because you have a guy who has been through the same situation as Liam but blaming a child for what happened later on to him. You want to feel bad then you don’t. He got the ending he deserved even thought it didn’t need to happen.
This spice in this book was top tier🌶️
I didn’t get super dark romance vibes from this book but there were definitely those dark elements in here that made the story gripping. While this story was very enjoyable, I kind of wish it was longer, it ended too soon for me🥲
This was my introduction to Effie and I am quite pleased. I’m looking forward to this being a duet because I would thoroughly enjoy a part two to these characters and their hunting spree.
I really enjoyed this book from start to end!!! It really caught my attention just from the first couple of chapters.
This book is a wild childhood lovers, stalker, dark romance. But something you don’t expect is the FMC with two stalkers.
What hooked me in was Liam’s character. From the beginning we see when he met Kat as they were young and knowing from that age that he loved her. He’s been through so much abuse and trauma which we later see in his adulthood. Unfortunately tragedy strikes and they are essentially ripped apart from one another and do not see each other until Kat is in college. I found it funny how he was stalking her but in a different way from creepy like the actual stalker.
I would have enjoyed seeing a bit more of Kat and Liam’s relationship. Maybe even chapters where we go back into the past and really see their relationship or what Liam went through.
I kinda felt like Sam was the guy just based off of his interactions with Kat but then felt maybe not because of how sweet he was to Ellie. The kidnapping scene at the end was somewhat emotional because you have a guy who has been through the same situation as Liam but blaming a child for what happened later on to him. You want to feel bad then you don’t. He got the ending he deserved even thought it didn’t need to happen.
This spice in this book was top tier🌶️
I didn’t get super dark romance vibes from this book but there were definitely those dark elements in here that made the story gripping. While this story was very enjoyable, I kind of wish it was longer, it ended too soon for me🥲
This was my introduction to Effie and I am quite pleased. I’m looking forward to this being a duet because I would thoroughly enjoy a part two to these characters and their hunting spree.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2026
“Break glass in case of emergency.
‘My girl being railed by some twat definitely qualifies as a fucking emergency.’
I slam my fist into it.”
I liked this book but I wanted to love it because these tropes were right up my alley. I have not read a British English book before and honestly I thought it was great but it did take a moment to adjust to what specific things were and the slight change of “proper” writing. Because there is a difference but it was easy enough to get after a few chapters! I do wish there was an index at the beginning that maybe had British English to American English term guide so I knew ahead of time that words like “burn” meaning either pond or stream but also context clues helped to get me there.
Liam is a street fighter in order to have enough money to pay the bills for himself. They fight to the death and has been fortunate enough to win every fight. I wish I could add more and we saw more of this but it was mentioned in the beginning of the book and never really brought back up besides slight mentions. I hope in the next book there’s more about it because I felt like it was a raw character moment that we missed out on of who Liam is before he finds Kat again.
Liam’s devotion and obsession over Kat is totally unhinged but I’m here for it. Lots of things I’ve NEVER read in a book and equal parts gross and loved because I couldn’t handle a man doing that in real life but it just makes sense for Liam. Special mentions of flavorful coffee and ruined windows ;) iykyk.
Kats story was good but I do wish we heard more about her background as well. Why her parents chose this career path for her, why she didn’t try to change it, more of her relationship with her parents. I did love the flashbacks of when they were kids together and how that unfolded.
I loved the heart eyes mask idea but I do feel like once he took it off, it was very anticlimactic and I wished for just a little bit more of something with it.
I really can’t wait for the second book especially after the ending. That literally broke my heart and made me cry and I hope to read about how they recover mentally from things with Sam. Also as much as I want to hate Sam, I can’t. I don’t like him but it’s understandable why he became who he did and why he blamed everyone that didn’t save him. Logically it doesn’t make sense but to an 8 year old boy…it’s logical and emotional.
I also wish we got more on Will with his foster and adoptive family and a reveal with his adoptive sister but I feel like that’ll be a really good starting point for the next book!
“From that moment, there was no doubt that I’d follow her to the ends of the earth.”
“‘You really don’t hate me?’
‘Liam, I fucking love you. The darkness is part of you and me. They made us like that.’
‘You.’ My heart aches. ‘Love.’ I feel like I might pass out. ‘Me?’”
‘My girl being railed by some twat definitely qualifies as a fucking emergency.’
I slam my fist into it.”
I liked this book but I wanted to love it because these tropes were right up my alley. I have not read a British English book before and honestly I thought it was great but it did take a moment to adjust to what specific things were and the slight change of “proper” writing. Because there is a difference but it was easy enough to get after a few chapters! I do wish there was an index at the beginning that maybe had British English to American English term guide so I knew ahead of time that words like “burn” meaning either pond or stream but also context clues helped to get me there.
Liam is a street fighter in order to have enough money to pay the bills for himself. They fight to the death and has been fortunate enough to win every fight. I wish I could add more and we saw more of this but it was mentioned in the beginning of the book and never really brought back up besides slight mentions. I hope in the next book there’s more about it because I felt like it was a raw character moment that we missed out on of who Liam is before he finds Kat again.
Liam’s devotion and obsession over Kat is totally unhinged but I’m here for it. Lots of things I’ve NEVER read in a book and equal parts gross and loved because I couldn’t handle a man doing that in real life but it just makes sense for Liam. Special mentions of flavorful coffee and ruined windows ;) iykyk.
Kats story was good but I do wish we heard more about her background as well. Why her parents chose this career path for her, why she didn’t try to change it, more of her relationship with her parents. I did love the flashbacks of when they were kids together and how that unfolded.
I loved the heart eyes mask idea but I do feel like once he took it off, it was very anticlimactic and I wished for just a little bit more of something with it.
I really can’t wait for the second book especially after the ending. That literally broke my heart and made me cry and I hope to read about how they recover mentally from things with Sam. Also as much as I want to hate Sam, I can’t. I don’t like him but it’s understandable why he became who he did and why he blamed everyone that didn’t save him. Logically it doesn’t make sense but to an 8 year old boy…it’s logical and emotional.
I also wish we got more on Will with his foster and adoptive family and a reveal with his adoptive sister but I feel like that’ll be a really good starting point for the next book!
“From that moment, there was no doubt that I’d follow her to the ends of the earth.”
“‘You really don’t hate me?’
‘Liam, I fucking love you. The darkness is part of you and me. They made us like that.’
‘You.’ My heart aches. ‘Love.’ I feel like I might pass out. ‘Me?’”
May 8, 2026
Tropes first because this one?? OBSESSIVE, HEARTBREAKING, and DARKLY DEVOTED 👀🖤🔥
• childhood connection
• “she saved me once”
• obsessive/protective MMC 😮🔥
• touch her and die
• stalker vibes but make it emotionally devastating 👀
• “I’d burn the world for her” energy
Yeah… this one CONSUMED me.
Heart Eyes is dark, emotional, and completely wrapped in obsession from the very first page 🖤
Because this isn’t just a man falling in love—
this is a boy who survived by holding onto the memory of the only person who ever showed him kindness 👀
And when she comes back into his life??
Yeah… he never had a chance.
The MMC in this book is INTENSE. Broken, morally grey, completely ruined by his feelings for her—and honestly?? The devotion HURTS 🔥
The way he watches from a distance convincing himself that loving her quietly is enough… while knowing he’d become something monstrous to keep her safe??
Absolutely feral behavior and I ate it UP 😮🔥
And then the danger from their past starts creeping back in and suddenly all those dark thoughts become very, very real 👀
✨ This is a 5⭐ because:
• the emotional depth hits HARD
• the obsession feels dark but strangely tender
• the protective MMC energy is EVERYTHING
• the tension between love and ruin is addictive
✨ If you love:
• dark romance 🖤
• obsessive/protective MMCs
• trauma-driven love stories
• morally grey men willing to destroy for her
This one is haunting, emotional, possessive, and impossible to put down 👀🔥
• childhood connection
• “she saved me once”
• obsessive/protective MMC 😮🔥
• touch her and die
• stalker vibes but make it emotionally devastating 👀
• “I’d burn the world for her” energy
Yeah… this one CONSUMED me.
Heart Eyes is dark, emotional, and completely wrapped in obsession from the very first page 🖤
Because this isn’t just a man falling in love—
this is a boy who survived by holding onto the memory of the only person who ever showed him kindness 👀
And when she comes back into his life??
Yeah… he never had a chance.
The MMC in this book is INTENSE. Broken, morally grey, completely ruined by his feelings for her—and honestly?? The devotion HURTS 🔥
The way he watches from a distance convincing himself that loving her quietly is enough… while knowing he’d become something monstrous to keep her safe??
Absolutely feral behavior and I ate it UP 😮🔥
And then the danger from their past starts creeping back in and suddenly all those dark thoughts become very, very real 👀
✨ This is a 5⭐ because:
• the emotional depth hits HARD
• the obsession feels dark but strangely tender
• the protective MMC energy is EVERYTHING
• the tension between love and ruin is addictive
✨ If you love:
• dark romance 🖤
• obsessive/protective MMCs
• trauma-driven love stories
• morally grey men willing to destroy for her
This one is haunting, emotional, possessive, and impossible to put down 👀🔥
April 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I've read quite a few Effie Campbell books and Heart Eyes easily takes the top spot.
This story is a beautiful combination of vengeance, trauma, healing, and childhood love that feels both emotional and compelling. I absolutely loved Liam throughout the entire book. He's a strong MMC, but also emotional and a little sensitive, which made him feel incredibly real. I actually found myself favoring his POV over Kat's at times, though I loved Kat too.
She was fierce, yet soft and always kept a Liam shaped hole in her heart for fourteen years until Liam came by and slotted himself back into it.
The thriller aspect kept me completely hooked. Those little hints of "what I did", "who saw what I did?", and "someone knows" had me desperate to uncover the truth.
The final 10% of the book was intense. It was hard for me to get through since I grew quite attached to both Kat and Liam. I genuinely had to put it down for a moment and mentally prepare myself before diving back in. (All in a good way, not many books get me like that!)
I'm fully in my dark romance thriller era right now, and I'm so grateful I had the chance to read this one early. 🖤
I've read quite a few Effie Campbell books and Heart Eyes easily takes the top spot.
This story is a beautiful combination of vengeance, trauma, healing, and childhood love that feels both emotional and compelling. I absolutely loved Liam throughout the entire book. He's a strong MMC, but also emotional and a little sensitive, which made him feel incredibly real. I actually found myself favoring his POV over Kat's at times, though I loved Kat too.
She was fierce, yet soft and always kept a Liam shaped hole in her heart for fourteen years until Liam came by and slotted himself back into it.
The thriller aspect kept me completely hooked. Those little hints of "what I did", "who saw what I did?", and "someone knows" had me desperate to uncover the truth.
The final 10% of the book was intense. It was hard for me to get through since I grew quite attached to both Kat and Liam. I genuinely had to put it down for a moment and mentally prepare myself before diving back in. (All in a good way, not many books get me like that!)
I'm fully in my dark romance thriller era right now, and I'm so grateful I had the chance to read this one early. 🖤
April 30, 2026
Book 1 in The Lovesick duet: Liam and Kat. This is a childhood friend to stranger to lovers, masked MMC, stalker (by the MMC and another), severe childhood trauma, scarred cage fighter, years of pining and yearning, he loved her for 14 years and she couldn’t forget him, obsessed and unhinged MMC, “it’s always been you”, dark romance.
Effie Campbell did it again. I have loved all of the books I have read and listened to by her so I am not surprised I loved this book too. I am a huge fan of the childhood best friends to lovers trope, and this trope was done perfectly. I loved both Liam and Kat and their story was so hard fought for and over 14 years in the making.
This book didn’t just follow Liam and Kat’s story, Liam wasn’t her only stalker. But the other mystery stalker’s intentions were far from pining and adoration.
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I will most definitely continue to the next book in the duet!
Effie Campbell did it again. I have loved all of the books I have read and listened to by her so I am not surprised I loved this book too. I am a huge fan of the childhood best friends to lovers trope, and this trope was done perfectly. I loved both Liam and Kat and their story was so hard fought for and over 14 years in the making.
This book didn’t just follow Liam and Kat’s story, Liam wasn’t her only stalker. But the other mystery stalker’s intentions were far from pining and adoration.
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I will most definitely continue to the next book in the duet!
May 4, 2026
This was a fun read! I absolutely love Effie’s writing style and also have so much fun reading her books!
I really loved Liam’s backstory, it was really compelling and the development of his character worked so well in this story. He is a softie at heart and I love him. His dirty mouth was VERY entertaining😏
I do think Kat needed a little more development but I think if there does end up being a book 2, then this could be explored more in book 2 and I think that would actually work better. She’s a little twisted, but badass and I really enjoyed reading from her perspective!
The mystery element was a fun addition to this story, even though I did guess the plot twist earlier on in the story (it’s not the books fault, it’s my ✨tism✨ trait) but I was still hooked and enjoyed the tension Effie created!
Please check your triggers before reading this book, it is on the softer side of dark romance but it still touches on some dark themes.
Thank you to the author for the arc🥹🫶🏼
I really loved Liam’s backstory, it was really compelling and the development of his character worked so well in this story. He is a softie at heart and I love him. His dirty mouth was VERY entertaining😏
I do think Kat needed a little more development but I think if there does end up being a book 2, then this could be explored more in book 2 and I think that would actually work better. She’s a little twisted, but badass and I really enjoyed reading from her perspective!
The mystery element was a fun addition to this story, even though I did guess the plot twist earlier on in the story (it’s not the books fault, it’s my ✨tism✨ trait) but I was still hooked and enjoyed the tension Effie created!
Please check your triggers before reading this book, it is on the softer side of dark romance but it still touches on some dark themes.
Thank you to the author for the arc🥹🫶🏼
May 7, 2026
Initially going into this book, I wasn’t in a great mood. Reading felt overwhelming, with arc deadlines… and just feeling like mehhhh I didn’t go into this book with the right head space. Right book, wrong time uno? So it didn’t grip me initially, having said that, I took a break, and I did go back and boy am I glad I did. It was there, the connection to the characters and their story, it was definitely a me problem! Finally, right book, RIGHT TIME.
This turned out to be a really great 5 star read, I loved the character development from the FMC. The MMC was a beautifully broken soul who I wanted to hug so hard… love him. The tenderness he showed alongside that filthy side had me weak. He sure stepped UPPPPP. Great plot, great characters and overall a really great read. The ending… do I want more you say?! ABSOLUTELY. Gimme 🤭🤭
Paperback & SE already on their way!
Super hyped for book 2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This turned out to be a really great 5 star read, I loved the character development from the FMC. The MMC was a beautifully broken soul who I wanted to hug so hard… love him. The tenderness he showed alongside that filthy side had me weak. He sure stepped UPPPPP. Great plot, great characters and overall a really great read. The ending… do I want more you say?! ABSOLUTELY. Gimme 🤭🤭
Paperback & SE already on their way!
Super hyped for book 2
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 18, 2026
I received an advance copy of this book at no charge. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Amazing! Can’t wait for book 2!
Such a good read, had me hooked from the beginning.
Liam’s character was just incredibly well written. I really liked him, he was vulnerable & self conscious but also hard and protective. His love for Kat was beautiful.
I liked the mystery around what Kat had seen when she was younger. I’d of liked a bit more about her parents to get to know Kat a bit better. I liked her though, the way she cared for Liam and the ending was just perfect, these two will do anything for each other. I love it.
I’m so glad Effie announced a book 2 I will 100% be reading it. I need more of Kat & Liam.
Thank you Effie for the ARC.
Amazing! Can’t wait for book 2!
Such a good read, had me hooked from the beginning.
Liam’s character was just incredibly well written. I really liked him, he was vulnerable & self conscious but also hard and protective. His love for Kat was beautiful.
I liked the mystery around what Kat had seen when she was younger. I’d of liked a bit more about her parents to get to know Kat a bit better. I liked her though, the way she cared for Liam and the ending was just perfect, these two will do anything for each other. I love it.
I’m so glad Effie announced a book 2 I will 100% be reading it. I need more of Kat & Liam.
Thank you Effie for the ARC.
May 8, 2026
So. Many. Feels!
This is such a well rounded story with so much going on. The character development is top tier and the story is so intricately woven to reveal many aspects as you turn each page. The best part? It's never confusing.
Oh, and the spice? So good. So UNIQUE. I've never seen some of the scenes the author has written, and some of them will have you laughing.
I'm not ready for this story to end. As heartbreaking as it was, Kat and Liam became themselves through that trauma. Even the end has the power to emotionally wreck you, but the way they come out of that with a stronger bond is perfect for a second book...
Thank you, Effie Campbell and Netgalley, for the ARC opportunity. This honest review has been left voluntarily.
This is such a well rounded story with so much going on. The character development is top tier and the story is so intricately woven to reveal many aspects as you turn each page. The best part? It's never confusing.
Oh, and the spice? So good. So UNIQUE. I've never seen some of the scenes the author has written, and some of them will have you laughing.
I'm not ready for this story to end. As heartbreaking as it was, Kat and Liam became themselves through that trauma. Even the end has the power to emotionally wreck you, but the way they come out of that with a stronger bond is perfect for a second book...
Thank you, Effie Campbell and Netgalley, for the ARC opportunity. This honest review has been left voluntarily.
May 2, 2026
3.75 rounded up.
Heart Eyes kept me hooked right away, constantly making me question what was going to happen next. The tension throughout the story was done really well, and I flew through it wanting to see how everything would play out.
Kat and Liam’s chemistry definitely delivered, and the spice hit just right without overshadowing the plot. Their dynamic kept things entertaining and made it easy to stay invested in the story.
I did find parts of the plot a little predictable, and the ending wrapped up faster than I would’ve liked, but overall this was still a fun and addictive read that kept me turning the pages
Heart Eyes kept me hooked right away, constantly making me question what was going to happen next. The tension throughout the story was done really well, and I flew through it wanting to see how everything would play out.
Kat and Liam’s chemistry definitely delivered, and the spice hit just right without overshadowing the plot. Their dynamic kept things entertaining and made it easy to stay invested in the story.
I did find parts of the plot a little predictable, and the ending wrapped up faster than I would’ve liked, but overall this was still a fun and addictive read that kept me turning the pages
May 9, 2026
Heart Eyes completely hooked me from start to finish. Liam and Kat’s relationship felt intense, emotional, and perfectly messy in the best dark romance way. Liam was such a standout character — protective, obsessive, morally gray, but still heartbreakingly vulnerable underneath it all.
The childhood connection added so much depth, and the mix of romance, suspense, and emotional tension kept me invested the entire time. Definitely check trigger warnings, but if you love masked men, obsession, and dark romance with real emotional weight, this is absolutely worth the read.
The childhood connection added so much depth, and the mix of romance, suspense, and emotional tension kept me invested the entire time. Definitely check trigger warnings, but if you love masked men, obsession, and dark romance with real emotional weight, this is absolutely worth the read.
May 7, 2026
After stumbling across the girl who changed your life when you were kids 14 years later. Liam doesn't want to reintroduce him self just yet as he is worried about the man he has turned into and the scars he endured over the years. So he decides to keep an eye on her from the shadows.
It was an enjoyable read but I felt the ending was a little rushed. I enjoyed Liam's character and hope for a little bit into Kat in the second book.
It was an enjoyable read but I felt the ending was a little rushed. I enjoyed Liam's character and hope for a little bit into Kat in the second book.
Read
April 19, 2026RTC
April 21, 2026
3.5✨!
May 2, 2026
4 ⭐️
You can do no wrong with a tattooed stalker with vengeance on his mind and a sweet woman with a dark past. Add some steam and I’m done! 😍
ARC reader.
You can do no wrong with a tattooed stalker with vengeance on his mind and a sweet woman with a dark past. Add some steam and I’m done! 😍
ARC reader.
May 9, 2026
I got an arc, but my rating/review are my own!
review coming soon...
review coming soon...
April 18, 2026
Check those trigger warnings, this one isn’t for the faint of heart. Kat saved Liam as children. Now can Liam save Kat in return? I loved the dynamics of their relationship and I’d be interested in a hunting spree sequel.
April 29, 2026
Liam is out broken bruised mmc with childhood trauma that forever shaped him and his childhood crush Kat who he finds in adulthood. Who doesn’t love a masked stalker who is the biggest touch her and 💀 vibes.
May 8, 2026
I love this book and would absolutely love a second book !
Liam aka heart eyes aka will is a possessive masks MMC with a soft side and I adore him . His story is compelling and sad .
Kat is a great FMC, brave and just a little twisted.
They both experienced childhood abuse and trauma in different ways, and found safety and solace within eachother. They are forced to go separate ways when Liam is put into the foster system but they make it back to eachother as adults … when Liam sees her and starts stalking her, and she ruins his plan by catching him lol. But they go together so well , she’s so patient with him and he tries so hard for her! I love them!
Liam aka heart eyes aka will is a possessive masks MMC with a soft side and I adore him . His story is compelling and sad .
Kat is a great FMC, brave and just a little twisted.
They both experienced childhood abuse and trauma in different ways, and found safety and solace within eachother. They are forced to go separate ways when Liam is put into the foster system but they make it back to eachother as adults … when Liam sees her and starts stalking her, and she ruins his plan by catching him lol. But they go together so well , she’s so patient with him and he tries so hard for her! I love them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Looks toward the left side of the alley*
And he will be turning around the corner in 3….2….
A large smile spreads across my lips as I see the man of the hour turning the corner as he does every day at this exact time. Dark Hair, Black Clothes, & Vine Tattoos spreading across his forearms, he cautiously looks around as he turns into the dark alley toward an “unsuspecting victim”, if you will, that lives just inside that darkened alley way. He takes a sip of his coffee just before throwing away the cup and I cringe a little as we definitely need to work on his choice of coffee preferences.
One more look and he pulls the mask overtop, showcasing the hot pink hearts spreading across his eyes. While I know he’s been watching her for quite some time, there’s something special in the way that he does this which intrigues me. In fact, the more I watch him, the more infatuated I become.
*pulls the black mask overtop my head showcasing neon green hearts across the eyes*
Don’t worry, Liam, two can play this game….
Because while you are watching Kat, I’m watching you.
And I’m going to show the reason why you and I were meant to be.
There comes a point when you are reading that you stop and ask yourself, did I go too far? This is probably one of those times, but you know what? I’m going with it because I haven’t stopped thinking about Heart Eyes by Effie Campbell since I’ve read this ARC and want to make sure I put this on everyone’s radar to pick up when it releases next month on MAY 08, 2026.
The story starts off with a prologue showcasing little Kat and little Liam playing outside of their homes where Liam, not the talkative type, provides Kat with a heart-shaped stone out of the water, letting her keep it to treasure with her. Liam is immediately infatuated with her and knew that Kat was the person he was meant to be with even at a very young age. Fast forward 14 years to the present time and you find Liam working out while looking over the people walking by from the glass windows his treadmill is facing. Low and behold that while he is running on the treadmill, he sees a familiar face which he never thought he would see again – Kat, laughing and enjoying herself while talking to none other than his sister. Liam instantly stops the treadmill and rushes over to Kat but stops himself as he’s not sure how to introduce who he is. In fact, she doesn’t even know his name, nor does he think he would even be significant enough to be remembered. But, Liam, the ever “go-getter” he is, decides that watching her from afar would be the best case to really understand what the love his life has been doing since they’ve been apart. And watch her, he does. Because this fascination turns into a full-blown stalker situation which would make any dark romance reader weak in the knees. As Liam is stalking, Kat starts to become worried as she’s been feeling anxious like someone has been watching her. She also receives a threatening note letting her know that they “know what she did that” and it brings up a slew of memories that Kat has been keeping hidden since the day that it happened. While the mystery unravels, will Liam be able to rekindle that “second chance” romance he felt with Kat? And will the mysterious villain be found before something bad happens to her in the process?
If this doesn’t get you pulling that credit card out immediately, let me take you on a tour of the tropes just to solidify that immediate TBR Cart Purchase decision….
🔪Masked Stalker
🔪Unhinged, Pierced, Tattooed MMC
🔪Trauma Bonded MCs
🔪Young Love To Lovers
🔪Yearning & Intense Spice
Sold yet?
Yeah, no worries…just click the button and add that to your cart cause I’m right there with you - if I hear the words “Stalker Romance”, I’m immediately adding to cart too 😉
Overall, I found myself DEVOURING this book - it's an easy to pick up read that keeps you on your toes as you're not only finding yourself rooting for the "Down Bad" MMC and "Feisty Badass" FMC, but also theorizing who is plotting "revenge" on Kat leaving the threatening messages that have been slowly coming her way. In fact, the storyline stays pretty quick so that you aren't ever left with "dead space" that you tend to find many authors doing just to provide fillers in creating a longer paged story.
I would say, however, that I did feel as though this might have been too quick and fast of a read - there were things that I felt needed a little more depth brought in to really give it that punch that I was looking for. At times it felt as though we had a really good understanding of Liam's ARC and character development but with Kat, I think it fell through just a bit where I really wanted to see more of a redeeming storyline from her side so that we had a well-rounded solution for their development from both sides. That may be, however, introduced more as we see the second book in this duet series come into play - so I don't want to rule this out just yet as there is more time with a second edition to really give that character development that I was craving from Kat's perspective.
In addition, another area that I felt was too quick within the storyline was the reveal of Liam being the Heart Masked Stalker. As you read the story, you'll understand what I'm talking about - but with other Stalker Romances, the reveal of who this person is comes well later in the story and you'll find that with this book, this is something you will see revealed very early in the storyline. I think this may stem from my previous conceptions where I just assume it should take a bit to reveal this to both characters, so I found myself just a little….not disappointed…but confused as to how this played out. I do feel as though this may have just been my preference as this is an entirely different form of stalking than what I'm used to reading about. It's more so on the "soft stalker" side where you do get intense spice as other dark romances, but the stalking extremes are more so on the "tamer side" of the spectrum; which might have already been expected by other readers who've read this. While I did find myself a little unsure at first, I will say that it quickly went away and didn't think about it again as I continued reading the story though - so take that for what you will.
Once again, Heart Eyes was definitely a great read and am so glad I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC before it is released on MAY 08, 2026. And if Effie Campbell is looking to have her second edition (or any other books from her for that matter) reviewed, I would be more than happy to volunteer first in line! So if you are someone who is looking for a new stalker romance to add to your collection, I definitely recommend you take a chance at looking into this as it just might just surprise you as a top read for 2026!
And he will be turning around the corner in 3….2….
A large smile spreads across my lips as I see the man of the hour turning the corner as he does every day at this exact time. Dark Hair, Black Clothes, & Vine Tattoos spreading across his forearms, he cautiously looks around as he turns into the dark alley toward an “unsuspecting victim”, if you will, that lives just inside that darkened alley way. He takes a sip of his coffee just before throwing away the cup and I cringe a little as we definitely need to work on his choice of coffee preferences.
One more look and he pulls the mask overtop, showcasing the hot pink hearts spreading across his eyes. While I know he’s been watching her for quite some time, there’s something special in the way that he does this which intrigues me. In fact, the more I watch him, the more infatuated I become.
*pulls the black mask overtop my head showcasing neon green hearts across the eyes*
Don’t worry, Liam, two can play this game….
Because while you are watching Kat, I’m watching you.
And I’m going to show the reason why you and I were meant to be.
There comes a point when you are reading that you stop and ask yourself, did I go too far? This is probably one of those times, but you know what? I’m going with it because I haven’t stopped thinking about Heart Eyes by Effie Campbell since I’ve read this ARC and want to make sure I put this on everyone’s radar to pick up when it releases next month on MAY 08, 2026.
The story starts off with a prologue showcasing little Kat and little Liam playing outside of their homes where Liam, not the talkative type, provides Kat with a heart-shaped stone out of the water, letting her keep it to treasure with her. Liam is immediately infatuated with her and knew that Kat was the person he was meant to be with even at a very young age. Fast forward 14 years to the present time and you find Liam working out while looking over the people walking by from the glass windows his treadmill is facing. Low and behold that while he is running on the treadmill, he sees a familiar face which he never thought he would see again – Kat, laughing and enjoying herself while talking to none other than his sister. Liam instantly stops the treadmill and rushes over to Kat but stops himself as he’s not sure how to introduce who he is. In fact, she doesn’t even know his name, nor does he think he would even be significant enough to be remembered. But, Liam, the ever “go-getter” he is, decides that watching her from afar would be the best case to really understand what the love his life has been doing since they’ve been apart. And watch her, he does. Because this fascination turns into a full-blown stalker situation which would make any dark romance reader weak in the knees. As Liam is stalking, Kat starts to become worried as she’s been feeling anxious like someone has been watching her. She also receives a threatening note letting her know that they “know what she did that” and it brings up a slew of memories that Kat has been keeping hidden since the day that it happened. While the mystery unravels, will Liam be able to rekindle that “second chance” romance he felt with Kat? And will the mysterious villain be found before something bad happens to her in the process?
If this doesn’t get you pulling that credit card out immediately, let me take you on a tour of the tropes just to solidify that immediate TBR Cart Purchase decision….
🔪Masked Stalker
🔪Unhinged, Pierced, Tattooed MMC
🔪Trauma Bonded MCs
🔪Young Love To Lovers
🔪Yearning & Intense Spice
Sold yet?
Yeah, no worries…just click the button and add that to your cart cause I’m right there with you - if I hear the words “Stalker Romance”, I’m immediately adding to cart too 😉
Overall, I found myself DEVOURING this book - it's an easy to pick up read that keeps you on your toes as you're not only finding yourself rooting for the "Down Bad" MMC and "Feisty Badass" FMC, but also theorizing who is plotting "revenge" on Kat leaving the threatening messages that have been slowly coming her way. In fact, the storyline stays pretty quick so that you aren't ever left with "dead space" that you tend to find many authors doing just to provide fillers in creating a longer paged story.
I would say, however, that I did feel as though this might have been too quick and fast of a read - there were things that I felt needed a little more depth brought in to really give it that punch that I was looking for. At times it felt as though we had a really good understanding of Liam's ARC and character development but with Kat, I think it fell through just a bit where I really wanted to see more of a redeeming storyline from her side so that we had a well-rounded solution for their development from both sides. That may be, however, introduced more as we see the second book in this duet series come into play - so I don't want to rule this out just yet as there is more time with a second edition to really give that character development that I was craving from Kat's perspective.
In addition, another area that I felt was too quick within the storyline was the reveal of Liam being the Heart Masked Stalker. As you read the story, you'll understand what I'm talking about - but with other Stalker Romances, the reveal of who this person is comes well later in the story and you'll find that with this book, this is something you will see revealed very early in the storyline. I think this may stem from my previous conceptions where I just assume it should take a bit to reveal this to both characters, so I found myself just a little….not disappointed…but confused as to how this played out. I do feel as though this may have just been my preference as this is an entirely different form of stalking than what I'm used to reading about. It's more so on the "soft stalker" side where you do get intense spice as other dark romances, but the stalking extremes are more so on the "tamer side" of the spectrum; which might have already been expected by other readers who've read this. While I did find myself a little unsure at first, I will say that it quickly went away and didn't think about it again as I continued reading the story though - so take that for what you will.
Once again, Heart Eyes was definitely a great read and am so glad I was given the opportunity to read this as an ARC before it is released on MAY 08, 2026. And if Effie Campbell is looking to have her second edition (or any other books from her for that matter) reviewed, I would be more than happy to volunteer first in line! So if you are someone who is looking for a new stalker romance to add to your collection, I definitely recommend you take a chance at looking into this as it just might just surprise you as a top read for 2026!
April 29, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.25 stars)
Thank you so much to the author and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.
Ok so first of all, PLEASE check trigger warnings before going into this. This book deals with some very heavy and disturbing themes.
Ok now…let’s talk.
This book was dark, emotional, a little unhinged (respectfully), and somehow still really, really beautiful.
Liam and Kat. One of the best couples in a stalker romance I’ve read so far.
What I loved the most is that their relationship didn’t just feel like a trauma bond. It felt deeper than that. Like something that started when they were kids and just never really left them. The way they found their way back to each other after everything??? Absolutely ate that up.
And Liam…oh he is UNHINGED okay?? But like…the hot kind 😌
His obsession didn’t feel controlling or uncomfortable to me at all. If anything, it felt protective in a way that gave Kat both safety and freedom, which I actually really liked. He understood her in a way no one else could, and that really showed in how he treated her.
Oh and also this quote describes how much our Liam is protective of our lovely Kat hehe:
‘If I hear you’ve even sniffed in her fucking direction, I’ll come back. And next time I won’t be asking questions. If you look at her, I’ll gouge your eyes out and make you eat them. If you touch her, I’ll burn the skin off while you beg for your life.’
Hell yeah, we love a man who would do gory shit to protect us. 🥰🥰🥰
Our FMC Kat was also as much protective and obsessed ngl. That woman knew what she wanted and she got it. It made every emotional scene between them hit so much harder because she wasn’t hesitant or unsure of him or what was happening between them. She was right there with Liam, matching that energy. And honestly, something about a confident FMC who knows exactly what she wants during sexy time just makes everything ten times hotter for me. 🫣🫣
The chemistry was downright sizzling.
Not a slow burn (though they did yearn for each other for more than fourteen years), but more like two people who were always meant to collide again and when they do? It just clicks so perfectly. It felt natural and not rushed or forced, but just right. 💖💖
The emotional aspect also hit. Especially Liam’s past. You could feel his pain, and it added depth instead of just being there for shock value.
NOW… the reason my rating isn’t higher:
The plot.
The stalker reveal? I clocked it early on because one of the early incidents was not exactly very subtle 😭
And the villain…ummm no. He was kind of underwhelming and lowkey embarrassing. I needed more tension and buildup. It didn’t really leave much of an impact on me.
Also, the pacing dipped a bit in the later part of the book. It dragged slightly before picking back up.
The spice is a solid 4 🌶️ out of 5 for me though. The filth and the dirty talk carried and that window scene?? 🤤🤤- me asf when I was reading it.
Overall, this is one of those books where the romance and emotional connection carry everything. The thriller aspect didn’t fully deliver, but Liam and Kat? Oh, they did. 🥀🥀🥀
Tropes:
• Childhood friends to lovers
• He falls first
• Obsessive / protective MMC
• Masked stalker
• Dark past / shared trauma
• Fast burn, high tension romance
• Mystery stalker / suspense subplot
Once again, please go through the trigger warnings before diving into the book.
Thank you so much to the author and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it.
Ok so first of all, PLEASE check trigger warnings before going into this. This book deals with some very heavy and disturbing themes.
Ok now…let’s talk.
This book was dark, emotional, a little unhinged (respectfully), and somehow still really, really beautiful.
Liam and Kat. One of the best couples in a stalker romance I’ve read so far.
What I loved the most is that their relationship didn’t just feel like a trauma bond. It felt deeper than that. Like something that started when they were kids and just never really left them. The way they found their way back to each other after everything??? Absolutely ate that up.
And Liam…oh he is UNHINGED okay?? But like…the hot kind 😌
His obsession didn’t feel controlling or uncomfortable to me at all. If anything, it felt protective in a way that gave Kat both safety and freedom, which I actually really liked. He understood her in a way no one else could, and that really showed in how he treated her.
Oh and also this quote describes how much our Liam is protective of our lovely Kat hehe:
‘If I hear you’ve even sniffed in her fucking direction, I’ll come back. And next time I won’t be asking questions. If you look at her, I’ll gouge your eyes out and make you eat them. If you touch her, I’ll burn the skin off while you beg for your life.’
Hell yeah, we love a man who would do gory shit to protect us. 🥰🥰🥰
Our FMC Kat was also as much protective and obsessed ngl. That woman knew what she wanted and she got it. It made every emotional scene between them hit so much harder because she wasn’t hesitant or unsure of him or what was happening between them. She was right there with Liam, matching that energy. And honestly, something about a confident FMC who knows exactly what she wants during sexy time just makes everything ten times hotter for me. 🫣🫣
The chemistry was downright sizzling.
Not a slow burn (though they did yearn for each other for more than fourteen years), but more like two people who were always meant to collide again and when they do? It just clicks so perfectly. It felt natural and not rushed or forced, but just right. 💖💖
The emotional aspect also hit. Especially Liam’s past. You could feel his pain, and it added depth instead of just being there for shock value.
NOW… the reason my rating isn’t higher:
The plot.
The stalker reveal? I clocked it early on because one of the early incidents was not exactly very subtle 😭
And the villain…ummm no. He was kind of underwhelming and lowkey embarrassing. I needed more tension and buildup. It didn’t really leave much of an impact on me.
Also, the pacing dipped a bit in the later part of the book. It dragged slightly before picking back up.
The spice is a solid 4 🌶️ out of 5 for me though. The filth and the dirty talk carried and that window scene?? 🤤🤤- me asf when I was reading it.
Overall, this is one of those books where the romance and emotional connection carry everything. The thriller aspect didn’t fully deliver, but Liam and Kat? Oh, they did. 🥀🥀🥀
Tropes:
• Childhood friends to lovers
• He falls first
• Obsessive / protective MMC
• Masked stalker
• Dark past / shared trauma
• Fast burn, high tension romance
• Mystery stalker / suspense subplot
Once again, please go through the trigger warnings before diving into the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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