I Done It All For You

by James Wheeler, James Wheeler, Shae Coon (Editor)

249 pages, Paperback

Published July 2, 2025

Reviews

[Wyatt Creed Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A psychological thriller at its best. At its heart this is such a simple story of what life, it's challenges and love for someone will drive you to do.

This story follows a mother who takes extreme steps to, from what she believes, is to protect her son. Driving her to do things even didn't realise she was capable of.

The imagery and detail had me literally squirming and tense at points. It was horrific to read in the ways it should be for this kind of story. Fantastically written, an indie author as well.

I highly recommend reading it.

[Not Princess Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diving into I Done It All For You, I found myself captivated by the morally complex narrative. The author expertly creates a gripping tension where I was never quite sure who to root for—Tina or another character. The intricacies of each character's choices left me questioning my allegiances, which added a layer of unpredictability to the plot. The uncertainty of whom to support made the psychological tension even more palpable, though the plot's believability wavered at points. Nonetheless, this ambiguity is a testament to the story's depth, earning it a solid 4 out of 5 stars in my book.

Tina’s choices teetered on that unsettling edge where morality blurs, and the deeper I got, the harder it was to decide whether she was the victim or the villain. And honestly? That ambiguity was delicious.

The dynamics between her and the other characters were like watching a tightrope act in slow motion—each interaction charged with motive, manipulation, and vulnerability. No one felt safe, and that’s what made it addictive.

The pacing hit a sweet spot: tense build-ups, gut-punch reveals, and just enough quiet dread to keep me squirming. The prose itself was gritty without trying too hard—minimalistic but emotionally loaded, like a gut punch wrapped in silk.

Beyond the psychological thrills, the story dives into sacrifice, obsession, and the masks we wear to protect our fragile truths. It made me ask myself uncomfortable questions—and I love fiction that dares me to reflect.

By the end, I didn’t know if I wanted to hug Tina or run. And I’m still not sure.

Who would love this read
This one's for the readers who crave messy emotions, morally ambiguous choices, and tension that bites. If you're the kind of person who roots for characters with baggage, questions every motive, and thrives on internal chaos—this book delivers. Fans of Gone Girl, Sharp Objects, Verity, or anything that leaves you morally wrecked and wanting more? You’re home.

[Faye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everybody is capable of being a killer on their worst day. After all how far would go to protect the ones you loved?

A psychotic and unhinged read that keeps you wondering how far Tina will go? Will she or won’t she do the unthinkable?
How far would you go to protect the people you love?

The back and forth with Tina and her subconscious was funny and disturbing all at the same time.

A short read and could be read in an afternoon in a few hours which I really enjoy finding books like that. Keeping you engaged and reading for a short read between bigger reads.

The ending was really good, I did guess some of it but as it was an end reveal it didn’t ruin it for me as I still wanted to find out if I was right or wrong. The ending was really good, although I think for me a dark cliff hanger ending would have hit the spot a bit more for me.

All in all a really good read and I would definitely read more from this author.

Rounded up from 3.5 stars

[Taija Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. It offers a raw, unsettling look into the mind of someone struggling with instability, while also highlighting the fierce, protective love of a mother who would do anything to keep her children safe.
For fans of psychological thrillers, this is a truly gripping read. The writing style kept me hooked, and the narrator’s performance added an extra layer of intensity that made the story hit even harder.
What makes this book stand out is its unpredictability—I can’t say much without spoiling the twists, but the surprises kept me on edge the entire time. Tina, despite her mental instability, is a deeply relatable character whose journey resonates on multiple levels.
Overall, this is a dark, emotional, and thought-provoking listen that thriller lovers will appreciate.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review is a stream of consciousness that I religiously sent James as I read, enjoy:

It’s her not wanting Sean to hurt Nathan, but is ok with Nathan hurting her and other people!

This woman has lost all sense of reality!

I love how she keeps referring to Nathan as a boy, her baby or her son. Anything but a man, because men commit crimes, not a mere child

I want to murder this woman!

Her cold detachment then remorse makes me hate her!

Review:
This women was a piece of work! I really enjoyed this read! But the way I wanted to wring her neck!! This book was a quick read that kept me engaged and wanting to know how it was going to end!
May my love never be that blind!

[Rose J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that has you questioning everything. Tina is desperate to protect her son, and because of the way he’s treated her, what he’s accused of clearly isn’t such a stretch in her mind despite her insistence that he’s a “good boy.” My heart broke for Tina several times throughout this story despite her viciousness and I could understand her motivations well. I was fascinated by the way she teetered on the edge of kindness and concern and then slipped into disturbing malice, which sometimes seemed involuntary, and at other times, very intentional. Brilliant read!

[Susan Freestone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fast-paced suspense thriller, that shows a mother's love for her son shows no bounds!! It's a short story, but it didn't feel like it, there was no feeling of rushing to get the story told, it flowed so well. I am a mother myself and I felt so much for Tina and I so wanted it to end better for her!! I thought the ending words make you really think....

This is a new author for me and I was really emotionally touched by the way he wrote this story. Well written! I can highly recommend this book.

[Francheska · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5

A great pallette cleansing thriller novel ... Tina is unhinged especially when it comes to protecting those she loves...

The internal monologue between Tina herself and her self conscious had me laughing , yet made me question myself a few time lol :)

i felt like the ending was good , though a little more would have brought the story full circle .. i would definitely read another novel by this author if given the chance .

[Alana K. Drex · Rating 5 out of 5]

What wouldn't a mother do? Forget that. What WOULD a mother do? Yikes! When a son has always had impulsive aggressive bouts and then a cop comes knocking, the mother in this book will do whatever it takes.

[Jordan Paige · Rating 3 out of 5]

This thriller gave me a ton of anxiety! It was a perfect pallet cleanser and a very fast read about what a mother would do for her son. Give this one a read!

[Mary Lear-Wroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the beginning I found myself hooked into the story. I wanted to know more. To know how far it would go. I was not disappointed. Amazing book by James and Brillaintly narrated by Carmen