Victims Behind Closed Doors Alice and Roy's Terrifying Stories Volume 1 Alice's Story

by Billy Keel

ATTENTION: THIS IS NOT A PUBLISHED BOOK.
RELEASE DATE IS FEBRUARY 14TH, 2026

THIS IS MY ARC PAGE


I am inviting people to help me share Alice's story of domestic abuse, Loss, and survival. Alice thought she found the man of her dreams and found out he was the devil in disguise. Take an emotional rollercoaster ride that will twist and turn you from page one. To join on this ride with many others simply message:
Billy Roy Keel on Facebook or Author and Survivor Billy Keel on Tiktok.

Genres: Survival

Unbound

Expected publication February 14, 2026

Reviews

[Shanal Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an emotional roller-coaster but the only people I feel bad for are those 2 kids. Alice couldn't have been that dumb at 17!!! Even I saw the signs 🙃

[Laura Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

VICTIMS BEHIND CLOSED DOORS.
ALICE'S STORY
BY BILLY KEEL.
5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨s.
My goodness that prologue alone.
The whole way through reading this book I had anxiety and awful sense of dread which only amplified as the story went on.
This story absolutely broke my heart.
That poor poor mother and her children.
This story is a heartbreaking but powerful read.
Absolutely despicable character that is Earl. If I could jump into any book and punch a character straight in the face it would be this one.
I hope this book gets into the right hands and hopefully seeks help or sees the signs.
Please check your triggers warnings

Releases in February 2026

[Stacy Gogolin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When asked if I'd read this book she and give an honest review I wasn't sure what to expect.

Alice goes through a lot of changes. It is emotional, the understanding of what and looks like is so raw. My heart hurts for Alice and the kids.

I highly suggest if you decide to read this, you mind the trigger warnings.

[Shannon Katariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please be aware this content is not for everyone. This is a survivors journey. Alice and her kids are forced to survive and adjust to all forms of abuse.

[Brit · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were several spots in the book that I have highlighted that really stood out to me. The depiction of what happens literally behind closed doors is accurately described. My heart breaks for these three. I found myself understanding both the children as my childhood wasn't the best and I saw things kids my age shouldn't have seen. I also understood Alice down to the losing her support system, and her will power to finding the courage to fight back regardless because the pure will to survive was there.

I gave the book four stars because I didn't like the repetitiveness. It seemed to repeat itself a lot in the aspect of different phrases like "this was just the beginning" " this was the ending of xys" or "the silence was pregnant" That was the only thing that I didn't like about the book itself.

The story draws you a clear photo of what it is like to be with someone that everyone else thinks is a "good guy". It is an excellent show of why individuals who are experiencing this don't "just leave". It shows you the cycle of what happens. The love bombing, the gaslighting, the pulling you back in with just the little crumbs of affection that somehow suffice to make you believe it will be ok just to be right back in the cycle again.

I would recommend the book for anyone one who is in a relationship like this or anyone who wants to try to understand what is happening or how the cycle looks to a person going through it. This would be good for you. I strongly suggest it if you are someone who is a safe person for someone in a situation like this as it will help you understand the situation just a little better. Please keep in mind all situations are different, but you can see patterns and recognize them. There is a list of trigger warnings for the book, where the author encourages you to take breaks and reminds you that your mental health is very important also and that if this affects you to please reach out. I love that.

Overall, this was an excellent read.

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a raw, harrowing, and unforgettable read that deserves every one of its five stars. It is not just a book; it is an emotional ordeal that lingers long after the final page.
“Victims Behind Closed Doors” by Billy Keel is a short but searing account of abuse that feels almost too real, making it both powerful and incredibly difficult to read. The brevity of the book does nothing to soften its impact; if anything, the concentrated intensity of the story makes each scene hit harder and stay with you longer.Tone and emotional impactThere is nothing more terrifying than watching real-life abuse unfold on the page, and this book leans fully into that reality without flinching. The writing pulls you so deeply into the victim’s experience that, when you finally put the book down, it feels as though you have personally carried the bruises, fear, and exhaustion of the abuse as well.
This story is saturated with depictions of abuse and trauma: emotional, psychological, and physical, and it never once looks away. Readers need to check all of their triggers before starting, because this is not a mild or suggestive treatment of violence; it is immersive, relentless, and potentially destabilizing for anyone with a history of trauma.
The book earns its five-star rating not through comfort or closure, but through its unflinching honesty and the devastating empathy it generates for victims trapped behind closed doors. It shines a harsh light on the hidden realities of abuse, and in doing so, it gives voice and validation to survivors who rarely see their truth reflected so starkly on the page.

[Christy Haworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️¼ (3.25 stars)

I received this as an ARC read and this is my unbiased opinion.

Victims Behind Closed Doors is a deeply disturbing, emotionally heavy story that does not shy away from the realities of domestic abuse. It follows Alice, who marries her high school sweetheart and slowly becomes trapped in a cycle of control, isolation, and escalating violence that impacts not only her, but her children as well.

As someone who is a survivor of domestic abuse, many parts of this book resonated with me on a very personal level. The fear, the manipulation, the isolation, and the emotional toll felt painfully real. My heart broke for Alice and her children, and I appreciate that stories like this exist—because they remind survivors that they are not alone and that what they endured was real and valid.

That said, this book is extremely triggering. Readers should absolutely review trigger warnings beforehand. While I could emotionally handle much of the human-to-human violence due to my own lived experience, there is a scene involving violence toward an animal that was beyond what I could tolerate. It was deeply upsetting and difficult to read.

I also felt that something was missing overall. Even knowing this story continues in another book, the ending felt abrupt, as if it stopped before fully settling or transitioning. That lack of closure impacted my overall rating.

Despite its flaws, I believe this book serves an important purpose. Stories like this can open eyes, start conversations, and help survivors feel seen. It’s not an easy read—and it shouldn’t be—but it’s one that will stay with me for a long time.

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Victims Behind Closed Doors: Alice’s Story by Billy Keel is a painful and necessary dark romance, with no HEA, that exposes how love can be twisted into control, isolation, and fear. It is a stark reminder of how familiar the patterns of domestic abuse are: patterns that repeat themselves across countless real-life cases around the world, and which Alice’s story reflects with tragic consistency. While I can’t claim to know what it feels like to live through this, the story made me wonder whether, at such a young age, Alice was simply grateful that someone seemed to care for her and chose to ignore the warning signs out of hope. Her journey is heartbreaking, especially once children are involved, and it highlights how systems worldwide often fail victims, while families may choose silence or misplaced blame over support. This story echoes real lives I have witnessed: strong women reduced to shadows of who they once were, trapped by love and circumstance. It is a difficult but necessary read, and one that reminds us we can never speak enough about what happens behind closed doors. I wish Billy Keel, a survivor herself, every success in continuing to shine a light on stories so many still endure in silence.

[Raychel Klotz · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC Review: Victims Behind Closed Doors, Billy Keel ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really wanted to give a higher review. The message Keel is giving to readers is 5 stars in my opinion, it’s the writing and continuity that take me down to 2 stars, hence my rating.

This book depicts domestic abuse and the will of a family to survive. Keel gives multiple warnings about the subject along with crisis lines and victim centers, perfect for readers to reach out if needed. This story is meant to be read by anyone, shining light into a horrible silent killer and going into the raw emotions of abuse.

Though the message is clear, and I fully support bringing awareness to this subject, the writing is repetitive and very on the surface. Diving into emotions but not exploring them. Using the same feelings, thoughts and sentences in multiple chapters, and confusing jumps from past to present.
I am left with more questions: When did the kids join the family, why did no bystanders ever do/say anything?

I believe this had so much potential and my heart goes out to the family’s that are caught in this situation, but the writing for me, it was like reading an emotional text book.

[Zane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victims Behind Closed Doors is not an easy read and it’s not meant to be.This book pulls you into the harsh, uncomfortable reality of domestic abuse and the silent suffering that happens behind walls most people never question. Alice’s story is raw, heartbreaking, and painfully real. Billy Keel doesn’t romanticize trauma or soften the truth; instead, he forces the reader to sit with it, feel it, and understand how abuse isn’t always loud it’s often quiet, calculated, and hidden.
What hit me hardest was how personal this felt. The fear, the loss, the survival it all unfolds in a way that feels less like fiction and more like a testimony. You don’t just read Alice’s story; you witness it. The emotional weight lingers long after you close the book.This is a powerful reminder that many victims live in plain sight, smiling in public while surviving hell at home. It’s a difficult but necessary read that shines light on stories that are too often ignored.If you’re looking for something dark, emotional, and impactful something that matters this book deserves your time.

⚠️ Content warning: Domestic abuse, emotional trauma, and loss.

[Nena Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so impactful. Definitely read the the trigger warnings and take breaks like the author suggests, it is a emotional read for sure. I never realized there were men it there that likes to control women like that. Cut of the money t9 keep them in line, take their friends and family away by the way of always telling women to put them first they are the only ones that care for her, there family just uses them, the controlling man will do everything to get her to only trust and value him and then boom, she has no way out, u less she can get her nerve to stand up to him, but it doesn't work like that in most situations, most of the time the control turned into beatings and sometimes death. No child should have to see or go thru what these children in this book went thru. And it reality they do go thru it in real life. And when a woman is trapped in that type of relationship it is harder than people think to get out of it. If your in this type of relationship there is help and the author listed losts of resources to help you in the back of the book if you need it.

[VDKeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’ALL! Alice’s story is a painful, necessary read that lingers long after the final page. This book captures how abuse so often begins quietly—with attention that feels like love and devotion that slowly tightens into control. You can feel the shift as safety turns into suffocation, as Alice’s world shrinks piece by piece.

Keel writes with raw honesty and respect, never sensationalizing the violence but refusing to soften it. The loss of Alice’s baby, the calculated terror inflicted on her children, and the chilling execution of Max hit like a gut punch. These moments are devastating because they are real, and they are written in a way that honors the gravity of survival.

What stayed with me most is Alice’s strength—not loud or dramatic, but steady and fierce. Sixteen years of enduring for her children, of choosing survival when escape felt impossible. This book is heartbreaking, courageous, and deeply important. It gives voice to those who suffer in silence and reminds us that behind closed doors, resilience can still exist.

Thanks Billy Keel for the ARC of this touching story.

[Rebecca Davenport · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to start by saying take heed of the trigger warnings they are there for a reason.

The topics covered in this book are hard hitting and extremely sensitive, hard to read and i can only presume hard to write about

The purpose this author has is clear, its almost a pre-curser to finding hope, finding light, finding a different path. Its the prequel to finding a new life, new identity and therefore this part of the story is dark.

It highlights the need for humanity to not judge the decisions victims make, there is a reason they call it coercive control its very easy to say why didnt they just leave!!

In terms of the book i feel it is structured well and is easy to follow, the only downside is the repetition of descriptive elements, something im sure the author can improve on in future writing
Had it been a longer book i would have struggled with this but as a novella its forgiven to an extent because of the subject matter.

I hope that at least one person who is a victim can read this see hope and become a survivor.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start. This was an absolutely devastating experience. An account of what living within a household of abuse is like. Explicit details of the events of Alice’s life; from the small warning signs that a reader on the outside can see clearly to know to walk away, but a teenage girl probably could not, to the devastating experiences this woman and her children went through. I typically am not triggered by many things, but there were pieces of this story that I could only skim. This was a well written account of truly horrific experiences. I appreciated the in depth trigger warning explanation at the beginning, the ways to cope with feelings experienced while reading, and the resources provided for those living in such circumstances. I wholeheartedly agree with the author, as he wrote, “Take the first step to freedom, forgiveness, and healing. CALL OR TEXT ONE OF THE NUMBERS. GET HELP. GET OUT. BE VICTIM NO MORE. BE A SURVIVOR!!”

[Amber Pennel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!
This was an overall good read, but it felt uneven at times. There was quite a bit of line and scene repetition, which made the pacing feel scattered and occasionally pulled me out of the book.
I struggled to fully connect with the characters, as they lacked depth, and many scenes felt unfinished rather than fully developed, because of this, the emotional weight didn't always land as strongly as it could have.

Given that the book centers around abuse, some plot choices felt unclear to me. While I understand how difficult it can be to leave situations like these, I found myself questioning why certain steps - such as reporting to authorities or follow - up at the hospital - weren't addressed, which made parts of the story feel hazy and underexplored.

That said, the subject matter is heavy and extremely important, and I appreciate the attempt to handle such a difficult topic. I fell as though tighter editing and deeper development, this book could be so much stronger!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of this book is great. I think the detail to how an abusive relationship transpires behind closed doors was the closest I have seen in any story I have read depicting domestic abuse. The examples of how abuse can be masked as care, were really interesting to read and it is clear this author has a good idea of abuse and how it can affect everyone involved. The first page had me gripped - I was really impressed with how quickly I felt such heavy emotion for the character involved. However, throughout the rest of the book it seemed like description and metaphors took priority over storyline and I found it quite repetitive and overdone. The metaphors and descriptive writing itself was amazing and very detailed - I just found it had lost its impact due to the amount that had been used. I personally would have liked a bit more story line. I appreciate it’s the a short book and the 1st of part of a series so there is much potential for this to progress.

[Shan Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of this book is great. I think the detail to how an abusive relationship transpires behind closed doors was the closest I have seen in any story I have read depicting domestic abuse. The examples of how abuse can be masked as care, were really interesting to read and it is clear this author has a good idea of abuse and how it can affect everyone involved. The first page had me gripped - I was really impressed with how quickly I felt such heavy emotion for the character involved. However, throughout the rest of the book it seemed like description and metaphors took priority over storyline and I found it quite repetitive and overdone. The metaphors and descriptive writing itself was amazing and very detailed - I just found it had lost its impact due to the amount that had been used. I personally would have liked a bit more story line. I appreciate it’s the a short book and the 1st of part of a series so there is much potential for this to progress.

[Millie Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

arc reader : honestly im not quite sure how to review this and do even a semblance of justice to this amazing book in words

so first of all i will say its very important to heed the warnings at the front of the book the book is a heavy read and you need to be prepared for that

the way the story is written is beyond brilliantly as a dv survivor my self i find the description of how things start and evolve to something bigger and the feeling as a victim when those rose goggles get knocked off so accurate to a t and you truly feel the familys anxietys and fears along with them

i have strong beleifs that this book and the shareing of this story is going to help the d.v community in a big way from understanding to those who are living the horrors to helping people know the red flags before it is to late

i strongly advocate reading this book

[Katharine Whitwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is a very, very powerful emotional heart wrenching book. I would first of all highly recommend reading the trigger warnings because it can hit home very hard.

The story that Alice and the family goes through is emotional, heart wrenching it’s a very hard read, I want to hurt earl because that man is horrendously a horrible person. The way the author has portrayed and wrote it so powerfully is why when it was still difficult I kept on reading.

I’ve never actually read anything like this before, and I did struggle at first but that was because it got me so sad with what some people can be going through. You don’t truly understand what is happening on the inside.

I recommend reading the trigger warnings, but if you are ok with what this book is about I would recommend giving this a read.

Well done to the author this couldn’t be an easy story to write.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Courage to Leave: A Heartbreakingly Honest Read.
As a victim/survivor, I know how hard it is to leave, and understanding everything Alice goes through in similarities made this an incredibly difficult read. My true hope is that this novel reaches at least one person to help give them the courage to leave. The anxiety and dread were palpable throughout every page. The author perfectly captures the chilling, gradual shift of a man who goes from attentive to predatory. Earl is truly despicable. This story absolutely broke my heart for Alice and her children. This is a powerful and important read. It takes immense courage to leave, and this book lays bare that reality with brutal honesty. Mind the trigger warnings.

[Symone · Rating 4 out of 5]

*ARC REVIEW* Please read the trigger warnings before proceeding. This was an extremely heavy read, and I had to pace myself because of how emotionally difficult it was. I truly admire the author’s bravery and vulnerability in sharing this story especially for those who have endured abuse and violence. One of the messages i took from this story is that red flags don't always appear loud or obnoxious. Sometimes they begin subtly, almost unrecognizable, and worsen over time in stages. The impact isn't just environmental and physical, but also psychological. This story is a reminder that you never truly know what someone is going through behind closed doors. Some people are prisoners in their own homes, fighting every day just to survive.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

For starters, just WOW.

This book shows how an abusive relationship can start quietly and escalate over time, and be completely disguised as love and concern. Alice’s experiences highlight how control, fear, and isolation build up.

This story shows the mental and emotional side of abuse, hut also the impact it has on children. This is a very heavy and potentially triggering read, so be sure to check the warnings before diving in. Take it in strides if you need to, but read it. It tells an important story and helps explain why leaving an abusive situation isn’t simple. The “just walk away” theory isn’t realistic when stories like Alice’s exist.

Not an easy read, but a necessary one.

[Rachel Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author with thanks.

I would like to just point out that you will have to check your trigger warnings!

Alice’s story is heartbreaking one. From the prologue you can just tell how the story is going to go. Earl is a horrible person. This story tells us Alice and her children’s stories which feature heavily on isolation, mental torment, physical abuse and fear. This book was so well thought out but i will admit when I first started reading some of these chapters I had originally thought I had missed a part in the previous chapter so I went back to re read and one I reached the next chapter and read on I knew where I went wrong. This is a powerful story and honestly my heart broke while reading it.

[Petrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

Check the trigger warnings before you dive in. Story starts with love, honesty, respect, compassion, but all that flips quick into control, abuse, betrayal. It hits real, nostalgic truths across all kinds of communities, stuff that happened, still happens, and gonna keep happenin’ if people stay quiet ‘bout physical, emotional, sexual abuse.

She tries to break out with her kids, but they run into him, and right after, he drags ‘em back in the car, back home. The noise starts all over again. Roy steps up, tryna defend his moms and sister, but he’s just a kid.

A lotta folks gonna feel this one, ‘cause we all come from different circumstances, different families, different neighborhoods, but the pain, the struggle, it’s relatable. Straight up, it’s a solid read.

[Analise Minatre · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child who had to witness the effects of domestic abuse and being unable to do anything. This book really captivated me because it really describes what it's like to be in such an impossible situation and how hard it is to let others know what is happening behind those closed doors. I definitely would say take breaks follow those warnings he gives because it can get dark.rk. I also really enjoyed that it had more than one person's perspective to show that it doesn't just hurt one person but everyone involved. It definitely shines a light on what staying in an abusive situation can do to the children involved that are having to watch it happen and I really pray no one ever has to be in this situation.

[Mary Lou Dyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Billy Keel for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of this book!
This book is definitely a story of domestic violence and the way it affects a home and the people living there. Living in a happy home, it is hard to imagine the fear and terror of living in a domestic violence home. This book makes it real!
If you have triggers for abuse or violence against animals, I would caution you about reading this book. It is so gut wrenching and horrible that people live in absolute fear 24 hours a day. I hope this books reaches people and lets them know that they are not alone and there is help.
Good luck with this book Billy Keel. I hope it helps people understand the world of domestic violence. You have given tons of resources for people to get help. Job well done!

[Norah Faisal · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review | Victims Behind Closed Doors by Billy Keel

Victims Behind Closed Doors is a thoughtful and impactful read that addresses the realities of domestic abuse with sensitivity and care. Alice’s story is presented in a clear and respectful way, focusing on survival, resilience, and the long-term effects of trauma.

The author approaches the subject matter responsibly, avoiding sensationalism while emphasizing awareness and understanding. This book serves an important purpose and offers readers insight into experiences that are often hidden or overlooked.

A notable detail is Alice’s steady resolve throughout the story, particularly in her role as a mother, which quietly underscores her strength and determination.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Callie Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to give this a high rating because, in my opinion, the message is great. The book tackles domestic abuse with care and intention, including clear content warnings, crisis lines, and victim resources—making it accessible and supportive for readers who may need them. The story shines a necessary light on a devastating and often silent reality, but the execution fell short for me. The writing felt repetitive and surface-level, circling the same emotions and phrasing without fully exploring them. I had a lot of unanswered questions that pulled me out of the story, and while the message is important, the overall experience wasn't great for me.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received by author

This book is raw, real, doesn't hold anything back and has beautiful writing despite the horror that is in the book. This book is not for the faint of heart so please make sure to check the trigger warnings.

Reading about Alice's story puts in perspective how many people go through domestic abuse, how the signs may be subtle in the beginning, so subtle that you may not even know whats going to happen. The heartbreaking, emotional toll it has on someone. The fear of trying to get away and ending back up in the same position but worse. The amount of bravery it takes to leave, even after years.

[Tyesha Nauslar · Rating 4 out of 5]

So grateful that I got to be an ARC for this book. It is such an important matter to speak on and I think it was done incredibly well in the writing. It is definitely a difficult read because it is such a difficult topic but it is one that needs to be spoken about and brought into the light. I think it perfectly captures how people in these situations feel. It perfectly describes the feeling of isolation and hopelessness but knowing you have to do something and just not knowing where to start. This is such an important topic and I’m grateful that I’ve gotten to be a part of getting this story out.