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Victim or Villain

Win a free print copy of this book!

22 days and 21:17:19

32 copies available
U.S. only
Rate this book
She came to hide from her past. Now she must fight to protect her future.Having escaped her abusive husband, Gwen Kane found safety at Rhiannon’s Ranch, a secret refuge for survivors of domestic violence. Now she works at a local bakery and lives a quiet life among friends who share her scars. She’s almost convinced herself the worst is over.

But when her best friend’s abuser storms into their sanctuary, Gwen erupts in a flash of panic and rage—with deadly consequences. To protect the ranch, she must cover up the evidence of what she’s done. But burying one body doesn’t erase the past. And what’s more, a reclusive billionaire with deadly secrets of his own witnessed everything.

As Gwen’s fragile peace unravels, she’s drawn into a romance with the one man who could either save or destroy her. With vengeance and justice blurred beyond recognition, she must decide whether she’s still the woman that runs—or the one who fights back.

Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train and Big Little Lies, Victim or Villain is an emotionally charged psychological thriller featuring a heroine readers won’t soon forget.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2026

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About the author

L.T. Ryan

234 books1,558 followers
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.

Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.

BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game

BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)

BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal

BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)

Social Media Links

Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...

Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.

Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.

Social Media Links

Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...

Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for GCR | Book Realm.
292 reviews70 followers
Read
March 25, 2026
I received this as an ALC and went into it completely blind, knowing nothing other than the title. This ended up feeling more like a survival story than a traditional thriller to me, and it still really worked for me.

What kept me invested was the emotional weight behind it all. It felt more focused on trauma, fear, survival, and consequences than on twists or nonstop pacing, and I thought it handled such a sensitive subject really well. The romance also fit in perfectly and wasn’t overpowering.

Teddy Hamilton and Stephanie Németh-Parker were both excellent. They brought so much emotion to the story, and with material like this, that really matters.

I was fully into this one and I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment.
Profile Image for Raven (_birdiesbookclub_).
509 reviews125 followers
May 14, 2026
I was really expecting to be blown away by this one as it was recommended by a friend, but sadly it was a bit lackluster for me. It felt predictable and didn't give me a huge adrenaline rush from suspense like I would hope from a story like this.

I wouldn't say it's bad, but just meh for me.
Profile Image for Diana Cornelio.
139 reviews3 followers
April 22, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Podium Entertainment

I went into this book blind I saw Teddy Hamilton was narrating and I said say less. This book took me by surprise I have never read LT Ryan CR Grays books but let me tell you I’m sold. This book was a thriller, but I felt like it was more of a survival story and I felt like I learned so much along the pages. The storyline was captivating it kept me intrigued. Every time I thought I knew there was a twist coming and I had it figured out it was nothing like I expected. The narrators did an excellent job Teddy Hamilton is one of my absolute favorite narrators and he took Sebastian’s story and made it realistic and so real. It was my first time listening to Stephanie Nemeth-Parker and she did such an amazing job she portrayed each character perfectly and I even loved how she changed her voice for each one it felt like other people were narrating besides her I will be looking forward to more of her narrations.
Profile Image for Alicia.
139 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2026
Objectively, this didn’t read as a thriller. Maybe more of a contemporary read? Idk. I would not consider it suspenseful…. But honestly not sure if my biases and lived experience as a DV survivor and victim advocate will allow for an accurate review but I’ll try anyway.

This book was the actual depiction of any number of victims I know living in hell in the aftermath and processing portion of leaving an abuser in the middle of the night with nothing but your kids and the clothes on your back. SO MUCH PROCESSING in this book. The depicted therapy scenes are ones I actually see IRL. The inner monologue and dialogue of the characters is comprised of about 60% of my real life daily conversations and thoughts. Because of that, the whole book just felt like a really intense, not-fun therapy session.

Still, was the book good and well written? Yes. Just not expected at all and I wasn’t prepared. I applaud the male author for writing this, bringing awareness, and getting great duet narrators so I’m giving it 4 ⭐️

If only all victims had the satisfaction of pulling a Lana Myers on said abusers (IYKYK)🤷‍♀️😂

And so. In conclusion- I agree with the author and the quotes in the book that say it best:

- “The world is a better place without these men in it”

- “He never really wanted me to begin with. He just wanted what I could do for him. Now, I’m the crazy one. I’m the one who can’t sleep at night. I’m the one who needs drugs to keep the nightmares at bay. I can’t trust any man, can’t open up to anyone, and he’s fine. He’s just fine, and I’m crazy. If he ever shows, if he ever hurts me again, all he has to do is put the gun in my hand, and everybody’ll say I did it myself.”

-“Women shouldn’t need to run here because no one else will help us. We shouldn’t have to live in fear that an ex is gonna show up and beat the shit out of us”

- “I can’t write a poem. I can’t write about the way that I feel, because there aren’t words for this. Words can’t explain how sick this world makes me. How it treats women, how it punishes us for every breath we take, every move we make, but men are rewarded for nothing. It’s our fault when they hurt us. It’s our fault for having bad taste in them. The world thinks so little of us”
Profile Image for Corinne’s Chapter Chatter.
1,326 reviews57 followers
April 17, 2026
I was so happy to receive this from Podium Audio via their influencer program. I saw Teddy Hamilton’s name attached and quickly applied for it, and it was well worth it.

The book deals with the heavy topic of domestic violence and its aftermath, and I thought it was handled really well. While the story itself felt a bit far-fetched at times, I appreciated that the DV information and the details surrounding the program were accurate and well written. I’ll leave it at that to avoid spoiler territory.

Teddy Hamilton did a fantastic job as usual. He handled the material with ease, and I enjoyed the different tones he used for the various characters. What made it even better was that Stephanie Nemeth-Parker was his co-narrator. She is so engaging and really embodied the characters she portrayed. The production as a whole was well done and sounded smooth and professional.

This is one I highly recommend- especially the audiobook!
Profile Image for Dozelina 666.
420 reviews14 followers
April 21, 2026
First, thank you NetGalley & Podium Entertainment for the ARC

So, I requested this book because, honestly, with everything going on, the idea of a little book-justice? YES. Give me morally gray women burying bad men. That blurb?? Sounded incredible. A vigilante survivor at a hidden sanctuary, secrets, justice, a hint of romance?? I was READY.

Aaaaand… boomerus.

The setup was genuinely strong & the first 25–30% got me invested. But after that, it slowed down a lot. I get that this is book one and we’re laying the groundwork (the ranch, the women, the trauma, the mysterious billionaire, all of it)… but whew, it dragged in places.

And the romance subplot? Meh. It wasn’t bad, but I didn’t feel connected to Gwen or Sebastian. No flutters, no tension, nothing that really pulled me in. And Gwen… I don’t know, she lost me a few times. She felt a bit (fine,fine ..a lot) too judgey, especially when it came to Sebastian. Like ma’am… come on, it’s just furniture...

I also didn’t really connect with the side characters, which made the emotional stakes feel a bit flat.

Honestly, my biggest issue is that the book has the potential to be so much more. With that whole “if no one mourns the monsters…” angle, I was expecting more action, more tension, more vigilante energy. It’s there… but it never fully escalates the way I hoped.

Now, that ending???

You really left me hanging about Simone like that...
It was clearly building, but to just… end it there?? RUDE. I need book 2 ASAP.

That said, I’m not giving up on this series. Like I said, the potential is definitely there, and I will be picking up the next book because I need answers.

Leaning 3–3.5⭐ from me.
Profile Image for Rary  ⏾ ⛧.
142 reviews9 followers
May 3, 2026
ARC Read: NetGallery & Podium Entertainment | Podium Publishing

The story follows Gwen who escapes her abusive husband and finds safety at Rhiannon’s Ranch. A secret refuge for survivors of domestic violence. But when she witnesses her best friend’s abuser attacking her, Gwen goes after him!

I absolutely loved the start of this series and I’m desperate for more. This story had me on the edge of my seat!

Gwen and Sebastian’s developing relationship is so sweet and I really enjoyed getting to know everyone at the refuge.

There were so many cliffhangers and unanswered questions and I need to know what happens next!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda (_sunshine_reads_) Hengen.
598 reviews23 followers
May 6, 2026
I JUST finished and the ending still has me reeling! What do you mean that's how it ends?! What a cliffhanger! I need the next installment immediately!!

I started this book yesterday and was hooked RIGHT AWAY! I was actually buddy reading this with a friend, but she was ahead of me. Her reactions / emojis she kept sending me only added to the suspense! Haha! This story is whatever the audio equivalent to "unputdownable" is. Unpauseable? Whatever you want to call it - I didn't want to stop listening! I was actually quite frustrated with any interruptions. (Darn job always getting in the way of my best reading life!) I loved the morally grey characters. I really felt that the topic of domestic violence was handled with care without ever shying away from it. It only added to the overall story. The pace - perfection. The story - fantastic. The short of it - I highly recommend checking this one out, friends!

I am so incredibly grateful that Podium Entertainment gifted me an ALC copy of this. The narrators, Teddy Hamilton and Stephanie Németh-Parker, did an absolutely amazing job bringing this story and these characters to life! I felt like I was in it with them! So good!
Profile Image for Laura.
274 reviews19 followers
June 15, 2026
Victim or Villain by L.T. Ryan and C.R. Gray

Narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker and Teddy Hamilton.

Wow, this was not what I was expecting at all and it definitely kept me glued to the pages.
A thriller, but add romance? Yes please. Add morally gray characters, secrets, twists, and a cliffhanger, and I was completely hooked. Let's just say I cannot wait to read book two because I need more.

🎧 The narration was excellent. I had not listened to Teddy Hamilton narrate something outside of romance and fantasy before, and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing him in a different type of story.
But the spotlight for me goes to Stephanie Németh-Parker. She was a new-to-me narrator and I thought she was absolutely brilliant in this. Her performance kept me completely immersed and elevated the story even further.
If you enjoy thrillers with romance elements, morally gray characters, and plenty of secrets, this is definitely one to check out.


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Overall, 4 stars story

🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 5 stars narration


Thank you so much PodiumEntertainment for the audio review copy! All opinions are my own
Profile Image for Casey Pond.
393 reviews4 followers
May 18, 2026
Blended rom-com and domestic violence story. Really well done.
Profile Image for Catharine.
100 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 19, 2025
Fiendish. Flawed. Fantastic.

L.T. Ryan has been loitering on my T.B.R. pile for an embarrassingly long time (in my defence, the pile is a monster), but after reading “Victim or Villain”, those other books have been aggressively promoted. Consider this my formal apology for the delay.

The story wastes absolutely no time—no throat-clearing, no scene-setting pleasantries—just straight into the action. The writing is slick, compulsive, and dangerously readable; I finished this in a couple of hours, which suggests either excellent pacing or very poor self-control on my part.

The pace does ease off slightly as the plot develops, but the tension never does. The setting is vividly drawn, rich in detail without ever bogging things down, and I was fully immersed from start to finish. This is very much a “just one more chapter” book, except that lie doesn’t hold up for long.

What really elevates this, though, is the character work. Nobody is neatly good or bad—just complicated, damaged, and human. The characters felt uncomfortably real, which is always my highest compliment. The exploration of domestic violence is handled with care and realism, showing the many different paths (and emotional costs) involved in escaping it. It’s uncomfortable in places, as it should be, and refreshingly honest.

Vigilante stories are my not-so-secret weakness—I love watching someone reclaim their power and tip the balance back in their favour—and “Victim or Villain” does this exceptionally well. This is one of the stronger entries in the genre, and I will be deeply unimpressed if this doesn’t turn into a series.

My thanks to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for the ARC of “Victim or Villain” by L.T. Ryan & C.R. Gray.
Profile Image for Christina Penrod.
391 reviews17 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 19, 2026
I want to thank Podium Entertainment for the ALC of this book.

To be honest, this book deals with some tough topics of domestic violence. This is set at a DV shelter that is more like a hidden compound in the woods. It gives the DV survivors free living, clothing, food and other daily needs. They help one another out and help keep this shelter running. It was created after an anonymous doner sent $1 billion to help this shelter.

Gwen has found herself living at this shelter after leaving her abusive relationship. She has met many other women and help other women who have joined the shelter. Her best friend is at this shelter with her daughter and one evening Gwen sees her bestie and the ex arguing. Gwen goes over to see if she can help and on her way the ex begins beating her best friend and Gwen decides she is going to intervene. The actions she had that night would change her life.

Gwen also meets the MMC (who is narrated by Teddy Hamilton) and they have a side romance going on. I really loved watching Gwen welcome someone else in her life. However, there are secrets both of them are keeping...

This was so good! As i mentioned, the women do discuss their situations that they left and it may be triggering for someone who had been a victim of DV, but it does handle these situations well. I really enjoyed this story.
Profile Image for Aimee Beloved Nerdy Auntie.
137 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2026
First, thank you to Podium for providing the audiobook which was an immersive listen that made the story hit even harder. All thoughts here are 100% my own. Victim or Villain by L.T. Ryan is a gripping thriller that pulls you in with tension, emotion, and characters that truly stick with you long after the final chapter. This is a fast-paced thriller with layers. At its core, the story explores the lives of domestic violence survivors and doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable realities they face. It takes a hard look at how society often judges women, especially those trying to escape abusive situations, and challenges you to reconsider those biases. The pacing leans into a slow burn with the romance, which felt natural rather than forced. And the characters are where the book shines. You don’t just read about them, you feel for them. Their struggles, their resilience, their decisions all feel very real. The plot unfolds with a steady tension, weaving in twists that keep you engaged without feeling overdone. There’s heart and that’s what elevates it beyond a typical thriller. Overall, Victim or Villain is a thoughtful, emotional, and compelling read that balances suspense with meaningful commentary. If you enjoy thrillers that make you think and feel, this one is absolutely worth your time.
Profile Image for Jasmin.
666 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2026
Victim or Villain is a fast-paced psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. The secrets, lies, and twists had me hooked from beginning to end. Authors L.T. Ryan and C.R. Gray did an excellent job crafting a gripping story with complex, compelling characters. They also handle the heavy topic of domestic abuse with care and intensity, making the story feel both emotional and impactful.

Gwen is a strong, resilient survivor. I loved watching her growth throughout the story as she begins to take matters into her own hands to protect herself and the people she cares about. Her journey from fear to strength was one of the most powerful aspects of the book. The community of women at Rhiannon’s Ranch was another highlight for me. Seeing survivors come together to support one another and build a sense of safety and belonging added a meaningful layer to the story.

🎧 The audiobook narration by Teddy Hamilton and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker was fantastic. Their duet narration really brought the characters to life and made the story even more immersive.

Overall, I’m so glad I picked this one up. That cliffhanger ending has me eagerly waiting for the next book!

⚠️ Please check trigger warnings, as this book deals with domestic violence.

Thank you to L.T. Ryan, C.R. Gray, and Podium Publishing for the ALC.
Profile Image for Ariel (What’s Ariel Reading).
133 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 24, 2026
I loved this book - I was hooked from chapter 1 and couldn’t put it down!

Gwen is our heroine, she’s tough, she’s protective, she’s a bad ass! She is a resident at a ranch that helps women & children who have left abusive relationships. When her bestie is attacked, Gwen makes a decision that saves her friend but herself & the ranch at risk.

Little does she know, there was a witness she didn’t notice! We get to see Gwen navigate trying to avoid being caught, while maintaining relationships & moving on - from her past & her actions!

I loved all the characters! I really enjoyed their development & dynamics. I won’t spoil any major plot points BUT I adore Sebastian & how he treats Gwen!

Please, please research the topics in this book before going in!

Possible triggers:
Talk of DV
Talk of pregnancy loss
Mention of off screen suicide
On screen violence

I may have forgotten some possible TW so, again, please look into it before reading!

I cannot wait for more from this series - the cliffhanger at the end left me looking around at the invisible audience & asking “THAT’S IT?” & then I started to google when book 2 comes out when I remembered this one isn’t even officially out yet🫣😩

Thank you Podium Entertainment for the ALC audiobook!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ☆Laura☆.
6,055 reviews67 followers
December 5, 2025
Gwen llegó a Rhiannon’s Ranch buscando un lugar donde recomponer los pedazos de una vida marcada por el miedo. Entre clases de defensa personal que siempre parecen ganarle la batalla y la calma que encuentra cuidando de su perrita Honey, empieza a creer que tal vez pueda construir algo parecido a la paz. Pero una noche, cuando el pasado de su mejor amiga irrumpe en la entrada del refugio, todo se desmorona. Lo que ocurre en la carretera helada la obliga a cruzar una línea de la que no hay regreso. Mientras intenta proteger a quienes ama y mantener en pie el único hogar seguro que ha conocido, Gwen deberá enfrentar la pregunta que todos prefieren evitar: ¿hasta dónde puede llegar una mujer que ya no piensa vivir arrodillada? Y sobre todo, cuando la verdad salga a la luz, ¿la verán como víctima o como villana?


__


Necesito el siguiente libro, me niego a creer que ese es el final.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,780 reviews89 followers
March 29, 2026
Women running from their past find safety at Rhiannon’s Ranch. That is until one night that peace is forever shattered. Gwen Kane has always been there for her friends, no matter the cost. She protects her friend but now she must get rid of the evidence. Gwen quickly discovers that someone else knows what she did. In the midst of all of this Gwen has found someone that she believes they could work well together. But having lies and secrets from one another is not the best way to start a relationship.
The book does deal with domestic violence so be mindful of that. I do feel like the authors did an amazing job capturing the emotions that the women feel at Rhiannon’s Ranch. I especially love the counseling sessions, those were weaved into the storyline very well and can be an eyeopener for many people.
The narrators, Teddy Hamilton, and Stephanie Németh-Parker did a wonderful job portraying their characters. The tones and inflections were spot on. You could feel the pain that Gwen and some of the other women felt. It was an emotional read for me. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.

A very special thanks to Podium Entertainment for the gifted audiobook.
Profile Image for Kayleen (Booksnspacebuns) Fredrickson.
117 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 30, 2026
Overall, I enjoyed this audiobook. I found the story to be a tad predictable. I guessed the big “twist”. I think this is less of a thriller and more of a contemporary fiction with mystery themes. I didn’t expect in to end in a cliffhanger, and I do feel like the story could have been solved in this one book, but overall it was good! If you like stories of feminine rage, friendship, and finding love, then you would enjoy this book. If you hate cliffhangers, you may be a little peeved lol.

Trigger warning for domestic violence. The book is set at a domestic violence shelter so it is a heavily consistent topic throughout the book.

As far as the audiobook narrators go, I LOVE Stephenie Nemeth Parker. Wow she did a brilliant job. Every single character had a different voice, pitch, and cadence. Even the kids! She did a great job. I’m fairly iffy on Teddy Hamilton as a narrator. I know people love him, but he did not differentiate between characters very well in this book, so I did find myself a little confused at times! Otherwise it was great!

Thank you to podium for the ALC!
Profile Image for Lauralee.
384 reviews25 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
April 8, 2026
Victim or Villain was a book I went into completely blind and I was very pleasantly surprised. Sebastian and Gwen were extremely likable characters considering the things they had done and I was really impressed with this book.

I already can’t wait for the second one, because this one does end on a cliffhanger. I would definitely say it’s a thriller with a little bit of romance and that’s not really something I had read before, but it combined two of my favorite genres and it did it really well.

I loved the premise of the book too, with someone creating a safe harbor for victims of domestic violence and the different type of women that we meet while Gwen is staying there. I’m hesitant to say more because I don’t want to spoil it for people because it has so many twists.

Teddy Hamilton and Stephanie Németh-Parker were absolutely delightful as narrators.

Overall I’d absolutely recommend this to anyone that loves thrillers and I am really looking forward to continuing the series!

Thank you Podium for the advanced copy!
Profile Image for Vikki.
763 reviews
May 4, 2026
I went into Victim Villain expecting a suspense-heavy story, but what I got was something a little sharper, a little darker, and a lot more emotionally messy—in a good way.

First things first—the narration absolutely carried this.
Stephanie Nemeth-Parker?? She ate this role up. Gwen’s fear, her instability, that constant edge of “am I safe or am I about to snap?”—you could feel it. For someone new to me, she made a hell of an impression and I’ll 100% be looking for more from her.

And of course, Teddy Hamilton did what he always does—brought that grounded, slightly dangerous MMC energy. Man just knows how to deliver tension without overdoing it.

Now the story itself...

This is very much a trauma-forward, morally gray suspense. Gwen isn’t your typical “strong FMC who escapes and thrives.” She’s messy. Reactive. Still very much in survival mode. And when things go left… they go left fast.

The whole concept of a hidden refuge like Rhiannon’s Ranch? Loved it. It adds this layer of safety that never actually feels safe—which fits perfectly with the tone of the book.
Profile Image for Kali Dempsey.
2,606 reviews76 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
April 9, 2026
5 ⭐ 1 🌶️ 5 🎧

I've loved every LT Ryan story I've read in the past, so I knew I'd be in for a treat. But as a romance lover, first and foremost, this was I N C R E D I B L E. I absolutely loved this book and these characters and while that cliffhanger about unalived me both in worry and excitement, I CAN NOT WAIT to see what's coming next for Gwen Kane.

I want to gush more about this, but I just don't know how to without spoiling it... So I'll say, if you love dark romantic suspense with a handful of morally grey characters making the world a better place one douchecanoe at a time, this one's for you. This is Gwen Kane's villain origin story, she won't be a victim, and I am SO HERE FOR IT.

Also, the audio was incredible. Teddy Hamilton and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker were fantastic in this DUET narration and I loved it to pieces. Thank you so much to Podium Audio for the advanced copy, consider this me already begging for the book two ALC.
Profile Image for Amy Storment.
508 reviews15 followers
April 30, 2026
📚Victim or Villain by L.T. Ryan & C.R. Gray
🎤Stephanie Nemeth-Parker & Teddy Hamilton
A Gwen Kane Thriller

DUET NARRATION
4.25 ⭐

Thanks to the authors and Podium Entertainment for a #gifted copy of the ALC. All thoughts are my own.

I honestly went into this book blind. I was drawn to it because of the narrators and let me just say, they deliver in a big way! There is suspense in this book, but it's really more of a story about survival and starting over. The storyline was riveting and you learn a lot about our FMC, Gwen and the abuse and struggles she went through before arriving at the sanctuary called Rhiannon's Ranch.

You can't really say too much without spoilers but Gwen is caught in an abusive marriage with a man she's fallen out of love with and one day she finally makes the decision to leave. Scared with no money, no hopes of what is to come, she finds refuge with others at the ranch. The heavy topics are dealt with care & sensitivity throughout the entire book.

The story did slow down a bit in the middle but holy smokes, it picked right back up and I was left with my mouth open when it ended. A bit of a cliffhanger? Yes! I will ABSOLUTEY be picking up book 2 to find out what happens because this girl needs some answers. The title really sums up the ending of this book perfectly and I was left with all kinds of questions.

🎤Let's talk audio: WOW! Stephanie is absolutely fantastic performing in this audiobook. She embodies Gwen and the fearful life she's been living. She's emotional, sweet & vulnerable in her performance. She and Teddy are just riveting as they narrate together. Such a great audio!
Profile Image for Sherry.
2,238 reviews125 followers
June 6, 2026
I love an immersive read. And to start off a new contemporary suspense series this way was the best. Teddy Hamilton and Stephanie Németh-Parker narrate the audiobook and were spot on Sebastian and Gwen. This might be the first time I’ve listened to duet narration in a suspense novel. Yes there’s a bit of a romance, but it’s definitely a little more suspense driven. I won’t spoil anything but the women’s pasts play a big part.

I kept guessing on who had what secret and if they would come out. Gwen is a strong woman and her emotional ride had me rooting for her. Domestic violence is a heavy topic and there were moments it weight was a lot but it was handled in compassionate way. Sebastian was a little bit of a cryptic character for a bit of the book but his story eventually came out and for well in the narrative.

And that was one heck of an ending. I’m one the edge of my seat for book 2 in the series.
Profile Image for Alli.
48 reviews
Review of advance copy
March 19, 2026
4.25 stars!
This ended up being very different than I expected, but still great! I tend to think of thrillers as fast paced and keeping me on the edge of my seat- but this one had so much emotion and depth to it! It was still a fast read(or listen in my case).
I received an ALC from Podium and have to say that the audio was so good! It is duet narration and both voice actors do an incredible job.
The characters were interesting and I was constantly wanting to learn more about them. The romantic sub-plot was a nice surprise that I don’t usually get with these kind of books. Some moments were a bit predictable to me, while others were more surprising.
I did not expect such a cliffhanger at the end and will be eagerly waiting for book two!
Thank you Podium for the opportunity to listen- I really enjoyed it!
Profile Image for Krissia.
60 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2026
⭐️ 4.5 (rounded up to 5)

Thank you to Podium Entertainment for the ALC of Victim or Villain!

Victim or Villain is a thriller that dives into some heavy, real-life topics and I felt all the feels. It’s slower pacing, but in the best way. The tension just keeps building until the very end 😅 love a cliffhanger!

The setting is super unique, a ranch for domestic violence survivors, and it adds so much depth. I loved the found family vibes (forever one of my favorite tropes), the impossible choices, and the slow-burn romance was exactly what I needed. And I LOVE our MMC… not just because Teddy Hamilton narrated him 😏

The audiobook made it even better. The narration was immersive and made everything feel more intense.

Emotional, suspenseful, a little twisty and I’m already impatiently waiting for book 2 in the Gwen Kane series 👀
Profile Image for Kimberly.
152 reviews12 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
March 25, 2026
Gwen our main character is living in a domestic violence shelter that is secluded and safe. Ranch and small town vibes. The shelter it self is super cool, the women all help each other. An anonymous donor gave $1 billion so the shelter is very nice and provides a true safe haven for these women.

Gwen’s best friend’s abusive ex shows up and she refuses to just standby which results in deadly consequences. Throughout this whole ordeal we have Sebastian, voiced by Teddy Hamilton. The romance side plot was super cute, Gwen needed to allow someone in and it was cute.

The drama of dealing with her friend’s ex lingers and causes a mystery that I assumed correctly. As this book deals with multiple different DV situations be cautious if that is a trigger for you!
Profile Image for Ashley.
158 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
April 20, 2026
This story grabbed me from the very beginning and never let go. It’s emotional, tense, and layered in a way that makes you feel every moment of Gwen’s fear, strength, and unraveling. The plot is intense and absolutely amazing, the kind of thriller that keeps your stomach tight and your heart invested.

And as always, Teddy Hamilton delivers. His performance brings so much depth and emotion to the male POV, grounding the story with the perfect tone. Stephanie Németh-Parker also did a great job, matching the energy and giving Gwen a voice that felt raw, real, and powerful. Together, they made the audiobook incredibly immersive.

The combination of a gripping storyline and standout narration made this such a compelling listen. I’m already excited for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Dawn McGill Dalrymple.
1,544 reviews49 followers
July 2, 2026
I listened to ALC thanks to Podium Entertainment and really enjoyed it. It's a thriller but as other reviewers have said it's more of a survival story.Teddy Hamilton and Stephanie Németh-Parker were great narrators who kept me engaged in the story the whole time! Gwen is a battered women who has found sanctuary with a new identity in a place for battered women. She's been there a year and life is looking up(and has even met a new guy!) All this changes when helping defend her friend from an attack she kills the abusive ex. Now things get dicey as she has to hide the body and pretend nothing has happened. I'll stop there so no spoilers but this ends in a cliffhanger and I will be eagerly awaiting book 2!
Profile Image for Alice.thereader.
243 reviews8 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
April 8, 2026
I absolutely flew through Victim/Villain- this one had me hooked from the very first page. The suspense builds perfectly, tightening with every chapter until you’re completely locked in.

What really stood out to me was the morally gray tension woven throughout the story. It constantly challenges you to question what’s truly wrong-and what might be justified when done for the “right” reasons. That balance was so well executed and kept me thinking long after I put the book down.

If you love fast-paced thrillers that blur the line between hero and villain, this one is definitely worth the read.
Huge thank you to podium-entertainment for the ALC.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Valentin.
103 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
April 14, 2026
Those of you that want to live a quiet life after escaping your worse nightmare take a step forward. **Not so fast Gwen Kane**

Man this book had me on a vice! Everyone says that they’d help you hide a body but Gwen? She is one level above you. And although this is more of a thriller it had an element of romance, that Sebastian was as green flag as they come…

Teddy and Stephanie did an outstanding job in bringing Gwen and Sebastian to life! You can feel the feminine rage through your headphones! And the ending? Let’s just say I’m glad this is going to be a series and I can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you @podiumentertainment for the ALC!
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