Deviant - A Dark Erotic Suspense Thriller: Kidnapping and stalking may get her yet.

by Sheri Krom

"Deviant is fast paced from the start, always leaving me guessing and never knowing what was going to happen next. Just when you think things are going good, Sheri throws another wrench in the plot. A high spice level is met with two characters who care deeply for each other. You can tell Sheri has a passion for writing through this book!"
- @highladytay TikTok BookTok Influencer



This was why he was here.

The perfect creature he’d heard so much about.
Untouched. Unaware. Unprotected.

She didn’t know someone powerful wanted her erased.
And she definitely didn’t know someone far more dangerous had decided she belonged to him.

Emma owns the most exclusive club in the city—a decadent playground for celebrities, politicians, and men who believe the world bends to their will. Behind velvet ropes and dim lights, secrets are traded like currency. And when powerful men need their problems to disappear, they make a call.

Unfortunately for them, Emma has become the problem.

When credible death threats surface, the FBI assigns their Special Agent Austin Campbell. Controlled. Calculating. Addictive in a way that should come with a warning label. He’s built his career on keeping emotions out of the job.

Until her.

Protecting Emma means staying close. Too close.
In her penthouse. In her shadows. In her bed? That was never supposed to happen.

As bodies drop and the heat of summer turns suffocating, the line between protection and possession blurs. Austin isn’t just hunting a killer anymore—he’s fighting the instinct to claim her as his.

But Emma has secrets of her own.
And when the truth surfaces, she won’t know who’s more dangerous—

The man who wants her dead…

Or the one who refuses to let her go.

Genres: Thriller

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2024

About the author

Sheri has lived in Sarasota, Florida her entire life. Happily married to her partner in crime, Greg, she has one child and a herd of animals, including her princess, an American Bulldog named Gracie, Mastiff Rowdy, and her demonic grand-cat named Hallie.

Between keeping up with the herd she has, as well as being a full time caretaker to her mother in law and working full-time at a local Chevrolet dealership, she somehow manages to fit in a couple paragraphs at the end of the day.

Sheri has always had a passion for writing, writing many novels over the years, and a love for reading that started when she was a little girl. Sheri’s dream growing up was to be able to gift her mother a book with her name written as the author, and now she is finally able to do so.

If you get the chance to dive into one of Sheri’s books, you will not regret it. She writes with a true love for books and storytelling, which shows in every paragraph.

Sheri’s team of editors could not be more proud of her work and Sheri herself, and are beyond excited for every future story they get to work with her on.

We love you very much mom! Hugs and kisses,

Mykayla and Sky

Reviews

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 STARS - I had high hopes for this book. Conceptually, it is a great story! The delivery of it is the issue.

The author has a great novel sitting here but really needed a great editor to clean up some of the time jumps and stiff conversations due to writing inconsistencies.

This is an Insta-Love and because of that there are a few interesting assumptions made in that she has a traumatic situation and he jumps in as a protector and ends up in love within about 3 paragraphs, it seems.

The author does not back down from the hot scenes and that does make up for some of the weird assumptions. She is all in for him as well, so I guess that works.

The other supporting characters are great and I can see where more books can spin-off of this, but all of the characters need to be more developed and well-rounded. While I love sexy hot stories, they need to have some depth too.

As a side note, the copy I read was an ARC and I had massive issues with it which made it hard to read and focus. Blended paragraphs. Merged words. Missing letters in words, like double F’s. Hopefully, the sale copy is not full of format issues.

~~~
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley & Sheri Krom for the e-Arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sheri Krom is going to dominate the dark romance world with her first book.
I am also declaring my new favorite genre: Smut Thriller

A book meant for those who want to read and can't fully find the time with 214 pages of fast pace perfection.

This book is smut gold... each page will have your heart thumping as the pace of this book is fast and to the point never giving you a moment to guess or anticipate what is going to happen next.

Emma owns one of the most exclusive fetish clubs in the city - a hit is put out on her. Can Austin Campbell protect her? There is only two people she can fully trust Sky, her best friend with a twisted and dark mind the same as her. Then her brother Steven, who is beyond protective, and thank god for that.

I cannot wait for Sheri's second book. You can now consider me a die hard fan of Sheri Krom. I would also love a physical copy for shelf. This book is too good of a debut to not be displayed.

Instagram: @bookendreviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deviant thriller

I was very impressed at Sheri' s first book. It was very interesting and kept me involved at all times . It had just the right amount of dirty times to keep to keep it fun and a lot of suspense. I can't wait to read more of her books

[Jojo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.

Did I enjoy it? Yes. Were there issues? Yes.

I’m very torn about this book. It had a great concept, but I found there were some plot holes. The instant love between the main characters didn't feel justified; the situation didn't seem to be set up properly. It felt like their relationship would have developed naturally over time. However, I did enjoy the characters and felt like I got to know them quite quickly, which is exactly what you want in a shorter book. The spice in the story was well-delivered and didn't feel excessive. However, I found some of the MMC's moments to be a bit cringy at times. The ending had a nice twist, but I felt that my questions throughout the book were answered to create a cohesive conclusion. Will I read the next book? Yes I will 😊

[Lindsey Neidhardt Jenkins · Rating 2 out of 5]

deviant?

Initially read this book and DNF’d it.

Restarted and read the book in its entirety, but barely.

No character or storyline depth.

POV is too choppy and sometimes hard to follow.

[Lisa Sunshine Book Babe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had a hard time with this book

[Amelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

By 10% in I was having a really hard time with the book. The Kindle formatting was weird so a lot of the words ran together, and there were some random jumps to a new subject which seemed like it should have been a new chapter but there wasn't any separation in the text. One example of formatting error: "Call Gregat myo ice", which should read "Call Greg at my office". Chapter 5 has a couple sentences that are written in first person instead of third person. Chapter 6 has a section where the action is repeated twice as if it had been rewritten and editing missed it. I switched to the Netgalley Shelf app and thankfully the formatting is much better there, though there were still a few mistakes here and there.
The writing is nothing special and honestly reminded me of a young adult book in quality. Very simple wording. However, the sex scenes were very creative.
The relationship went from 0 to 100 really fast. Definitely insta-lust. Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Honestly this book didn't keep my attention very well and I didn't really want to finish it, though I persevered till the end to give it a fair review.

[Wendy Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deviant was a dark, spicy, fast-paced thriller that pulled me in from the very beginning. It’s the kind of quick read that gives you tension, heat, and suspense all at once, without ever slowing down. I loved how intense the story was — it jumps straight into the darker elements, keeps the adrenaline going, and delivers the spice exactly when you want it.

The atmosphere was gripping, the pacing was tight, and the overall vibe had me turning the pages nonstop. Even the emotional twists, including Sky’s death, added to the impact of the story and gave it that sharp, unpredictable edge I love in dark romance and suspense. The instalove worked for the intensity of the plot, and the explosive connection between the characters kept things exciting start to finish.

Overall, Deviant gave me everything I was looking for — darkness, spice, suspense, and a storyline that refuses to let go. A bold, addictive read that earns a full five stars from me.

[Carmen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advanced e-copy of Deviant, in exchange for an honest review.

Deviant is a gripping romantic suspense novel that combines high stakes with intense passion. The story follows Emma, who runs an exclusive club, as she becomes the target of a dangerous threat. To protect her, FBI agent Austin Campbell is assigned to the case. As the tension builds, Emma and Austin’s growing attraction adds another layer of complexity to their relationship. The plot is full of suspense, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the reader hooked. The chemistry between the two main characters is a standout, making their dynamic both captivating and compelling. Overall, Deviant is a fast-paced, thrilling read that I truly enjoyed and would recommend to readers who enjoy suspense/thrillers with spice books.
4.25 Stars!

[Evelyn Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deviant is not your average romantic thriller. Beneath the high spice and adrenaline-fueled plot is a fascinating commentary on power: who holds it, who abuses it, and who reclaims it. Emma begins the novel as a woman living under constant threat not just from a stalker, but from the expectations and shadows of men who think they own her. Watching her journey from fear to defiance is incredibly rewarding. Sheri paints this progression with care, especially through her connection with Austin, whose protective instincts don’t overpower but empower Emma. The most chilling parts are the stalker’s delusions about how calmly and confidently he plans to destroy her life while believing he’s doing her a favor. It’s terrifying and deeply human. This isn’t just a hot read, it’s a thoughtful one.

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m new to the dark romance genre, and Deviant was a wild, sexy, suspense-filled introduction. The themes are intense murder, power, obsession but the way Sheri handles the characters’ emotions gives it heart. The villain’s presence creeps through the pages, and the twisted motives surrounding Emma's past make the plot so addictive. The slow unraveling of secrets, combined with the ever-present danger and intense chemistry between Emma and Austin, made this a one-sitting read for me. My only minor critique: I wanted just a bit more insight into the villain’s past. But overall, if you like your romance with edge, depth, and danger, pick this up!

[Delphine Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book thinking I’d read a few chapters before bed... big mistake. I was up till 3 a.m. Devoured the entire thing in one sitting. The pacing is relentless in the best way. There’s no ‘slow burn’ in the traditional sense, but it does simmer emotionally before boiling over in the best possible way. Emma’s situation is terrifying, and her inner voice is so authentic. You feel the danger. Austin is the kind of protector every thriller heroine deserves: capable, calm, but not emotionally detached. There’s something so satisfying about a story that doesn’t waste your time with fluff. This one hits hard and fast.

[Martha mitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know how to explain what Deviant just did to me. From the first page, I felt like I’d been dropped into the middle of something forbidden and wild and completely addictive. Sheri doesn’t just tell a story, she grips your throat with tension and won’t let go until you’ve surrendered to the madness. This isn’t a love story. It’s an obsession. A war between desire and morality. It’s not always comfortable, but that’s what makes it unforgettable. By the end, I wasn’t just invested. I believed in them. Even when I knew I shouldn't.

[Christiana Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t remember the last time a book made me feel this conflicted. Half the time, I wanted to scream at the characters. The other half? I wanted to crawl into the pages and never leave. The setting the exclusive club, the velvet shadows, the whispered threats, felt like its own character. You could smell the danger in the air. But it’s the way Sheri writes connection… the slow unraveling of guarded hearts… that got me. This is more than dark romance. It’s character study wrapped in tension, laced with lust.

[Sandra Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a full-on experience. The pacing grabs you right away, there's no slow build, you're thrown directly into this intense, high-stakes world. Sheri doesn’t waste a single scene. What really impressed me was the emotional complexity beneath all the steam and darkness. The male lead is morally grey in the truest sense, you know he’s dangerous, you know his thoughts are disturbing, but the way Sheri slowly reveals his internal conflict makes him impossible to hate. The chemistry between the leads is scorching, but it’s the emotional unraveling that made this so memorable for me.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deviant isn’t for the faint-hearted, but if you love flawed characters, sharp tension, and writing that digs into your skin, it’s a must-read. The plot hits hard from the beginning and never lets up. What I appreciated most was the emotional pacing the characters are constantly in conflict, both with each other and themselves, which makes every moment charged. The spice was intense, yes, but it was the psychological layers and unexpected vulnerability that elevated the whole story for me. Definitely one of the better-written dark romances I’ve read lately.

[Julius Kenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in the best ways. What started as a dangerous obsession turned into one of the most emotionally layered stories I’ve read in dark romance. Sheri paints the male lead as this cold, calculated figure, but the more you read, the more you see the cracks, and through them, something resembling love, or maybe need. And the woman at the center? She’s not naive, she’s surviving. The push and pull between them is addictive, but it’s the vulnerability underneath that kept me turning the pages. I devoured this in a day.

[Winslet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What set Deviant apart for me wasn’t just the spice (which, yes, is HOT), but the psychological tension. That first scene from the villain’s POV set an eerie tone that lingered throughout the book. There’s a real sense of danger in every chapter, and Sheri doesn’t let the reader feel too comfortable just when you think things are safe, you realize you’re being watched again. Emma’s paranoia, her trauma, and the slow rebuilding of trust with Austin were handled so well. This isn’t just a dark romance, it’s a full-on psychological rollercoaster with a lot of heart underneath.

[Novel Navigators (Lilian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a trauma survivor, I often hesitate before picking up thrillers that involve stalking or past abuse. But Sheri handled Emma’s experience with sensitivity and realism. She doesn’t glamorize the fear or simplify the healing. Instead, we get raw moments like Emma disassociating in crowds, or flinching when Austin gets too close too fast that reflect lived experience. The best part? Austin doesn’t ‘rescue’ her. He respects her. Their romance unfolds as Emma rediscovers her sense of control and desire. For readers who want both catharsis and heat this is the one.

[Alice Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheri nailed this one. Deviant is dark, dangerous, and deliciously sexy. I was hooked by the first few lines the danger, the obsession, the tension it all felt so real. Emma is a strong, likable heroine, and Austin? Total book boyfriend material. I loved the way their relationship developed slowly in the middle of chaos. The plot twists were chef’s kiss, and the spice was on point without being overdone. This had everything I love in a romantic thriller stalkers, secrets, and a steamy forbidden romance. Absolutely recommend to my fellow BookTok lovers!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not gonna lie, I decided to add this to my top shelf just based on how perfectly the book cover and blurb capture that intense, almost decadent vibe I live for. A high-profile club hiding brutal secrets, powerful men who’d do anything to keep their skeletons buried, and a heroine oblivious to how close she is to danger until it’s too late. Then that snippet we read in the group? Whew. The possessiveness, the threat turned obsession, it’s dark romance gold. Already telling everyone in my reading circle to pick this up.

[Jadolita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Posting this as a pre-reading review because honestly, how could I not? The story promises everything: a strong-willed heroine suddenly under 24/7 FBI protection, a series of murders tied to society’s most untouchable people, and a slow-burning but wildly intense connection between Emma and Austin. That quote from the villain’s POV was deliciously chilling. The book’s visuals (cover + typography) scream luxury hiding corruption. Could see this easily becoming a new dark romance favorite. Absolutely five stars for hype alone.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deviant is straight-up addictive! Emma’s life goes from glamorous to deadly in a flash, and her bodyguard, Austin, is all kinds of swoon-worthy. Their chemistry is off the charts, but don’t get too comfy because the twists come fast! This book has it all: high stakes, steamy moments, and enough suspense to keep you flipping pages like crazy. If you want a thriller with a heart-racing romance, Deviant is calling your name! 🔥💥

[Abigail L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deviant is a steamy romantic suspense novel that pulls you into a world of danger, secrets, and unexpected romance. Emma, the owner of an elite club, suddenly finds herself under threat, protected by the intense and mysterious FBI agent Austin Campbell. The suspense is palpable as the story unfolds, with twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. I especially enjoyed the chemistry between Emma and Austin—it added a layer of tension that made the book impossible to put down.

[Arleth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up Deviant thinking it was just another steamy romance but wow, was I wrong. It’s gritty, it’s emotional, and it has this intoxicating blend of danger and desire that kept me flipping pages all night. I loved how Sheri crafted a heroine who wasn’t just surviving, but evolving. And Austin? Protective, loyal, and absolutely irresistible. Add in a club full of secrets and an antagonist with a twisted obsession, and you’ve got one of the best dark romantic thrillers I’ve read this year.

[Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me just say… I read the description, and it felt like watching a trailer for a movie I absolutely NEED to see. Secret clubs, FBI agents, obsession, betrayal??!! I'm so here for this. Even before reading the first page, I know this will hit that perfect balance of dark romance and suspense. And the way it hints at an antihero who REFUSES to kill her and instead wants to claim her? Sold. Add to cart.

[Nathalai Barnerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw the cover, read the blurb, and then scrolled through the sample pages on Amazon and WOW the chapter formatting and tone? Clean, sharp, and gripping. It’s giving indie-author-meets-major-thriller-energy. The content layout feels cinematic. It actually reminds me of reading Colleen Hoover with a darker edge. I haven’t read the full thing yet but I can already tell this is the kind of book I’ll devour in one night.

[Diedra Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

💖💖💖

OMG! This book was filled with everything I love in a book. Action, mystery, sexiness, murders, dirty politicians, sex club, etc. And Emma & Austin? Wow their chemistry was off the charts. I can't wait to read the next book in the series and hope there are book after the 2nd on. This is the 1st book I've read by Ms. Krom and her writing kept me on the edge of my seat. Wow!

[Amelia Belmont · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this book surprised me! I came in thinking it would be a steamy FBI romance (which it is), but there’s so much more, stalkers, elite club drama, and really intense character development. A couple of plot twists threw me off in the best way possible. I do wish a couple minor characters got more attention, but overall, super solid read!

[Kennedy Atom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did. It’s dark, but not hopeless intense, but still romantic. The pacing is quick, the stakes feel real, and the chemistry is top tier. Austin and Emma have that reluctant, slow-burn vibe that I’m always a sucker for. Would recommend to fans of romantic thrillers with grit.