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Derailed

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To whomsoever much is given, much is required. For Jaylah the scripture couldn’t be truer. Reporting the news is what she does. All she’s ever wanted to be is the next Oprah. A dignified black woman that pushes against every stereotype of what America label black women to be. Due to a traumatic past, she’s turned her back on her race. She mingles with a few black women, but black men are just no good to her. So, when she’s propositioned by her boss to infiltrate a prominent black family in the city of Detroit she jumps at the opportunity. The family is in the media because of a high-profile case and Jaylah wants nothing more than to expose the family for how corrupt they are and level up even more. Her path to greatness is so close she can taste it but everything changes when she meets Oshun David Lacoste. Jaylah then finds herself at a crossroads in life. The pain she felt she’d forgotten resurfaces. The mask that she’s been wearing for years starts to slip and she’s vexed on what to do. She becomes derailed from her scheme to take down the Lacoste family. Jaylah will be left with one weighty decision that will change her life forever so making the wrong one isn’t an option for her. This is a standalone novel.

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2020

177 people are currently reading
77 people want to read

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Dominique Thomas

144 books127 followers

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5 stars
268 (82%)
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43 (13%)
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10 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
Profile Image for Kema B..
Author 10 books229 followers
January 1, 2021
Frustrating, thought provoking and good! I had to sit with this book for a while before I left a review. I hated Jaylah so much that I felt absolutely nothing for her life woes prior to the incident because of it and that made me have to self reflect.

It challenged my views because I’ve always said every black women deserves love except women like her. I still don’t know if I’ve changed my mind but I was so invested in the story from beginning to the end. That is the mark of an exceptional writer. This is my first read but I cant wait to read more of her work.
Profile Image for OhhSlimmm.
506 reviews31 followers
October 7, 2020
Triggered

This book triggered me so bad I almost hated it. This topic is very sensitive and I’m grateful the author took her time and wrote it so well. Jaylah and Oshun met under different circumstances and didn’t think their one night of lust would get them where they’re now. Jaylah character was not relatable until the middle of the book I HATED her so much. King Oshun is all man and BDE dripping from his head to his feet. I loved his whole family and what they stood for. This topic isn’t talked about often in books so it was refreshing to see. Some clues were still left unanswered and I wouldn’t mind a spin-off from the characters because like I said Oshun whole family were loved. As far as errors, this author kept using your instead of you’re repeatedly throughout the book and it was irking but the storyline and message trumped everything! Definitely recommend
Profile Image for Alexis *Reality Bites*.
757 reviews3,658 followers
September 14, 2020
4 STAR Review for Derailed by Dominique Thomas
Spoiler Free

Reviewers Note: Dear reader, when you start reading my review it might feel like I’m giving away the story a bit, but I promise I barely scratch the surface. Read on!
The book opens to a family meeting and trust me the tension can be felt wafting off the page. When the youngest son of Angie Lacoste, Malik comes home to her and his two older brothers to let them know that his life is about to change.

This does not go over so well with his family. You see, each boy has a path that they are to take. School and what they study is especially important to the Lacoste legacy.

Therefore, Malik dropping the bomb that his equally young girlfriend is pregnant and that he will be taking time off from school is not ideal. The reactions he receives are similar to what you expect from a mother and older siblings that want only the best for their loved one. After hearing open rebukes a sullen Malik and his girlfriend leave.

The events that follow young Malik’s revelation to his family take this book into a whole other direction. One too painfully familiar in the African American community as well as our country.

"I have to get close to the Lacoste family.” -Jaylah

Jaylah Cole is an anchor woman for Baymoor Falls news station HLN20. She’s recently been recruited by her boss to infiltrate the Lacoste family under the guise of a friend to get information that can help the police.

Jaylah is told that if she does this and is successful it will advance her career. Believing that the Lacoste family runs a major drug organization she happily agrees to help.

Oshun “King” Lacoste is charmed by Jaylah. Yes, she’s beautiful and that grabs his attention. However, he also sees another side of Jaylah. You see the thing is Oshun can spot a fake and he notices certain things about Jaylah that does not sit well with him.

Needless to say, he keeps her around anyway much to the dismay of some in his circle. Keeping Jaylah around actually causes bigger problems for both of them. Some problems you see coming and some you won’t expect.

My Thoughts
No one is going to like Jaylah once they start reading her character. Or who knows, you might initially like her, but I know I didn’t. She’s a complete mess and not in a good way so just bare with her and give it some time.

Everyone will Love King (Oshun) he’s THAT guy! Together, Jaylah and Oshun are definitely fire! Both characters grab your attention for vastly different reasons. First of all, Jaylah will have you wanting to choke the life out of her…and well Oshun will have you just wanting. PERIOD! LOL!

The writing is good but please be advised that it is also emotional due to the painful experiences of both its main characters. This is a romance story however it is PACKED with real-life issues.

Delicate real-life issues. Derailed also focuses on a viewpoint within our community that we all occasionally run in to. Ignorance mixed with denial and a form of self-hate. My recommendation? READ THE BOOK!

TRIGGER WARNING: A Rape is discussed though not retold in vivid detail.

Additional things the reader should know if you’re a Dominique Thomas reader than you’re already familiar with some of the Lacoste men from The Promise series.

Each man has an appearance. If you’ve not read The Promise series you might want to do so after this. Honestly, after reading this book I am craaaaving a book for Deen Lacoste as well as another couple that shall remain nameless…for now at least.
Profile Image for Mo.
194 reviews
August 19, 2020
D E R A I L E D 🔥

Please read, comprehend and understand the underlying message in this book. The fact that we’re facing the same injustices that are being talked about in this book today 🥺. The fact that there are many who don’t think racism is real because they haven’t experienced it, they think poor people choose to be, and believe all cops are protectors.. News Flash they’re NOT!!! It sucks because those same people aren’t willing to change or become knowledgeable about their history. It sucks! One thing for sure derailed give you some real insight. I LOVE the light that’s being shed on black men in this book. Although a lot of black men are flawed they don’t get enough praise outside of being “kingpins, rude, and or hood”. It was very refreshing to read about a black family that started from the bottom and gave back/created a community. BOC is something amazing and I love that black-owned businesses are striving. S/O to Dominique for mentioning my newly launched brand #SereneGloButter. I loved reading about the Black Owned Community. I don’t want to say the character's names because it’ll give the book away but the PLOT TWISTS that are in this book omgggg! *Whispers I love Sadie* 💞💞 Dom has always been a beast with the pen ✍🏽 Read this book you will become informed, get a reality check, and or become grateful for the life you have. We have to become informed, we have to take control of our lives and become the BEST US we want to be. Although I hate watching the news because it’s very depressing I try to stay updated! The fear I have in my heart for our black men today shouldn’t be there. I get nervous for my brother, uncles, cousins, & my man every time they’re outside 💔 I’ve experienced racism first hand and it’s not okay. Dominique thank you for this book!!!! ❣️🙏🏽
Profile Image for BetweentheCoversLiterary .
1,511 reviews32 followers
April 11, 2021
Truly Amazing Read

Whew lawd I don't know where to begin with this read it was just so much...That damn Jaylah made me want to pull my hair out...eventually she grew on me a little as I seen tremendous character growth and her backstory revealed itself... Oshun was definitely everything and I love how he took care if everyone even when he need to be taken care of himself. I loved the entire family they all pulled through in the fave of tragedy. Diamond always gets it right and she never fails to deliver an beautiful read with beautiful messages within the context I love it all
Profile Image for Kay.
381 reviews4 followers
September 16, 2020
Wow!!

What an amazing inspiring phenomenal and I don't even know what else to call this book!! Whew I loved every second of this! And King huniiiii you out did your self with him! He is King by every letter in the word! So strong so focused so Caro g so driven I just love him! Bring him back and my girl !!! Even tho she annoyed my soul at the beginning I'm so happy she woke up I swear I am! There has to be more cause deen is Jake baby daddy hunnii you have boys to release that tea for real!! But girl as usual you did the damn thing! GREAT JOB!
Profile Image for Monae Nicole.
Author 76 books188 followers
January 2, 2021
A needed story.

Jaylah irked my soul from the beginning and the sad part is, is that it’s people really like that in the world. Oshun is definitely King. I loved, loved him. I loved how he and his family looked out for the community. Jaylah finally grew on me at some point. I would highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Shahtia Gay-hairston.
3,419 reviews26 followers
August 19, 2020
1 click

I am at the point where I 1 click all of Dominique’s books. This was another well written story with love and drama but more emotionally charged because of current events. I am glad we got to read about Oshun and Twin’s love story.
Profile Image for Miss Reader.
62 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2020
Amazing

This book was everything and more! Definitely worth a read. If you’re green to what’s going on in the world, this will sure help open your eyes.
729 reviews16 followers
September 11, 2020
Wow...definitely needed to be derailed and get off fast!!!

Hummm, MS. Thomas, you have done it again... A story worth reading more than the one times; a story to learn from; a story to educate one self from; a story to look at one self in a two way mirror; a story of recognition...
I personally can attest that I was a Jaylah, not even that long ago. I will not say that I was right or left wing, but the ideas and logics that Jaylah and Kylie had at the beginning of the book, were once part of my being and my existence and my life. I had down right the same thinking until just recently I decided to take a breather and re-read all there was to read and learn about this situation and while I couldn't truly understand, I must admit reading this book gave me such a clearer path as to what and how should I continue this journey that I have embark on.
Jaylah was such a different heroine from ALL of the heroine that I have read, that liking her or disliking her were actually the same path. She was at times a little bit too cold and just too stubborn but in due time, she prevailed.
Oshum, man what a bae. He really rose from the stereotype given to all black man and became something else that society couldn't understand let alone accept. Strong, handsome, virile, alpha, he was the epitome of a rich educated black man in America.
This story showed so many layers, just like an onion, that needed to be peeled right. The only downside, at times it felt more like a documentary than a romance story because the passion, the chemistry, the magnetic pull, the over the top romance was definitely not present with these two characters. There was practically no warmth in between them.
Any who, even with all that, this was a great book and I loved how karma did everyone, from Jerry, to Kylie, to Polk. What I was waiting on was her visit with Latoya, but it never came, so she got lucky🙈🙊...
Now, after such depthness, let me try to binge on MS. Thomas and get a true romance novel...
420 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2020
This was my first read by this author. I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed.
Malik, Gio & Oshun are brothers. Wealthy, doing well & bringing others with them. Their mom started something to keep them all safe, off the streets & had them join in as well. It became a community. The police aren't happy with the progress of this black family & want to take them down any way they can. One night while pulling over Malik, he's murdered. The family is devastated & yry to pull it together but it's hard because he's the youngest & has a baby on the way.
Then we meet Jaylah. She's a young black news anchor who has worked hard to get where she is. She may be black but she doesn't identify with her people at all. She doesn't understand why they all have to be thugs, wear tattoos or disobey the cops. She is out of touch with anything black related. Her boss has given her the assignment of finding dirt on Malik & his family. She's ok with doing it but has a conflict later.
1 review
March 3, 2021
1 of the BEST STORIES EVER!!!

I’m not a review writer but I definitely go to the reviews before selecting a book to read & the reviews were RIGHT on this one. This was a wonderful and touching story that so many people need to read and enlighten themselves on the hardships of the world, and this book really touched on that. I appreciate the awareness that this tear jerker had on me, cause it speaks FACTS and sheds light on a lot of things that we’re going through at this very moment. This book had me crying and smiling all at the same time. There were times when I didn’t think I would be able to continue reading because some parts are hard and really had me doing the ugly cry but I really wanted to see what the outcome of this book would be and I’m glad that I did. This book was very well written & very much worth the read.
Profile Image for 💖📚BOOKZAMILLION📖💘.
1,390 reviews96 followers
October 25, 2023
This book was amazing, I actually read twice back to back. I loved this story and it touched my heart very much. It was captivating and honestly I would love a part 2,3, and 4. I love the whole idea of BOC. The idea of this family building a whole community… I would love to hear different stories from all of the people that live in the BOC. Loved this read I’d give 100 stars if I could.

Total Book Experience 10/10

Plot/Storyline (structure)10/10
Writing (Errors) 10/10
Characters 10/10
Again-able 10/10
Emotion 10/10
Book Cover 10/10
Visual/ Illustratable 10/10
Addictiveness 10/10
Threshold quality 10/10
Unique 10/10





If you’re wondering whether or not you should read… THE ANSWER IS ABSOLUTELY ‼️‼️
1,055 reviews1 follower
May 4, 2024
This story is wild. Its about a black woman who hates black people for a whole host of reasons. She's a reporter and she thinks police brutality against blacks is a myth. A recent police killing of a black man is getting national attention. She is asked by her boss to go undercover to get close to this family and find or plant evidence to tarnish the name of the kid who died and his family. She takes the assignment and ends up falling for one of the brothers.

The story was good but not great. I wouldve liked to see more struggle and conflict from her about what she should do. And I'd like to see more interaction and development of the main love story. She also had a lot of skeletons in her closet that I would've loved if they created more conflict in her. Solid 3 stars for me.
Profile Image for JustShan.
25 reviews
August 20, 2020
This Book had me in my feelings

Wow Jaylah really had it out for her people. Hurt people will try to hurt people, she was willing to go extra hard to make the people pay who hurt her, but should Ohsun pay. I cried in this book I’m raising young black men of excellence, whom have never been in trouble, smart, and to think they could be gunned down by hateful cops, scares me to death. I was angry with Jaylah in so far up Jerry’s (her racist boss) she was willing to go against her people. She made up for in the end. Ohsun my God, he is king loved him, but he needs Jaylah to take care of him the way he takes care of everyone. I think she will live up to the task, ultimately she has a big heart.
Profile Image for Shanelle.
1,481 reviews21 followers
September 1, 2020
LOVED IT

This story was worth reading. I enjoyed every moment of it. I loved how the author chose to write about the issues that are going on in our society on a daily basis. Derailed is a story that will have you feeling all kinds of emotions, the main one being anger. Oshun and Jaylah were two people dealing with loss in different ways. Oshun trying to heal from the loss of a loved one and Jaylah's loss came from her past. I do love how they were able to share their stories with each other and grow together. I wish there was more to Jael and the baby daddy reveal but it was clear who he was. I wouldn't mind reading a story on her. Overall great read with a bittersweet ending. Highly recommend reading.
Profile Image for martha fountain.
836 reviews18 followers
August 24, 2020
Talk about an identity crisis

Whew...this story definitely pulled a lot of emotions especially anger. Yet this story also taught the power of love and forgiveness. Love definitely can drive out hate out of those who are willing to change. Our female protagonist or antagonist depending on where you are in the book was blinded by anger and that anger turned into hatred against her own community. Then King Oshun appeared...a stand up and powerful Black man. This story put me through it but it was a good read. I am guessing there will be a Deen and Jael story in the future. We shall see.
2,062 reviews14 followers
August 24, 2020
Outstanding message!

5% into this book and I had to stop and take a breather. It brought out many emotions for me, especially during this time of police corruption and the killings of black men. This book looks into love, deceit, self hatred, corruption and abuse. Poor Jaylah was so conflicted that she had no clue as to what her true identity was. Thanks to the love and attention that Osun gave her, she was finally able to understand and embrace who she really was. I would love to read more about these two, along with finding out the deal between her twin Jael and her baby daddy. I’d definitely recommend this book to read.
Profile Image for Tajuana.
222 reviews6 followers
November 22, 2020
Derailed
By Dominique Thomas
Chileeeeee before I could think what I was doing,  I slapped the pure taste out of Jaylay's mouth when she was talking to her boss. Her mindset as a whole needed a reboot. Kylie needed sense beat into her literally. Ain't nothing worse than a high class nothing ass bihh.
Oshun A.K.A. King definitely stood up to his nickname.
This story pulled out a world wind of emotions learning the life of Malik Lacoste and the suffering of his family. It also takes you into the mindset of far too many black people that hate their own people. Although this was an emotional read, it was a great one.
5* from the very first page to the last.
602 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2021
I was derailed by this!!

This story, omg I was definitely derailed by this!! Jaylah had me seeing her as just another African American young lady that wanted a better life and not be stereotyped. I had no way shape or form seeing her get played into the corrupt like this. This entire story and each situation gripped my heart. It is so realistic and Oshuns character needs to carry on hopefully in future books as Not being a dope boy. I am so proud of this author showing a different much needed image of the black man, sheet kept it urban and hood with a flow of elaborate living. I loved this story, I hope the bad twin get that pretty grey eyed baby to her real daddy.
Profile Image for Gina Martin.
764 reviews11 followers
August 24, 2020
Honestly, I liked this story, but I did not love it. It started off great, but somehow lost its way. The flow of the story was not seamless. The transitions from one thing to another were not good. They were very abrupt. I found myself getting confused at times. A flawless flow is important because it enables the reader to clearly see the picture the author is trying to paint while we are reading the story. Nevertheless, the content was good. The issues being discussed in this story were important. Also, the characters were like-able for the most part. Oshun and Jaylah had a great connection and great chemistry. It was undeniable, but I digress. It seems like Jael has a story to tell, so I do look forward to reading it.
Profile Image for Sherri Hill.
15 reviews
August 26, 2020
Powerful, Speechless

This story had me so emotional. Dominique is a beast in this writing game. The way she laced a love story in with the of the killing of black people by police was so powerful. The story of Oshun and Jaylah had a healing quality, that I wasn't expecting. There was so many layers to this story and she did a beautiful job developing each one. Plus she did it as a standalone. Definitely loved every moment of this story. I hope she writes a story about Jael and her connection with Deen.
Profile Image for Imoni.
161 reviews5 followers
August 31, 2020
Gems and drama !

If the book world offered an Oscar, this book would be it. So many gems in this book, it’s so hard to form the right words for this review. This author has been a beast for years , but as time progress; she dabbles in today’s world issues with a spin of urban fiction. Sad to say we are still living in it. I love how it was brought to light, and different angles were discussed on the solution...Loved the new entrepreneurs that she mentioned throughout this book. We must support and stand together as women. Whew and the drama with Bad twin and .... omg. Now I’m ready for the future line up because the tea and jaw dropping post ya got me like 🥴.
2 reviews
October 18, 2020
The Best Book I've Read this year!!

Reading this book was so awesome. Since the covid19 pandemic all I do is read and watch movies. My favorite book used to be Harlem Girl Lost by Treasure e. Blue, but now my favorite book is Derailed by Dominique Thomas!!!! I truly hope there will be more to this story. Would love to know her sister Jael's story! Thank you for blessing the world with your great work! Stay blessed!!
-Kyania Freeman
231 reviews6 followers
December 25, 2020
Talk about identity crisis..there aren't many books where I cannot stand the heroine but at the beginning, I cringed when I read about Jaylah. As the story unfolds, I kind of understand her perspective and I am glad she was able to take the blinders off. Oshun was that guy, period! I didn't understand his attraction to her but I am happy they got their happily ever after. Loved how close knit their family was and it was refreshing to read about a successful black family who weren't into the "illegal" businesses.
11 reviews
July 9, 2021
Amazing

I loved this book, it was sad to see how Jaylah felt in the beginning but I am glad that she ended up seeing the error in her ways & actually seen what can happen. Oshun was bae...mmmkay with his freaky behind lol....Malik, that was a sad situation & Tiff, baby girl was strong!!! Sadie, my Sadie...love her spirit! Gio, glad he got it together. This was a great read. Of course, seems Jael may have a story of her own featuring fine ass Deen, I'm here for it...hopefully we get one. Amazing work. Amazing read.
Profile Image for Nelly.
164 reviews7 followers
February 19, 2022
Must read!!!

Where do I begin? This was a story that was outside of the box! I was intrigued, skeptical, angry, mad, sad, happy, relieved, and any other emotion you can name. It took me a long to like jaylah. I was disgusted by her behavior. Talk about hating the skin your in. And no I don't care what happened to her even though it was horrible. On the flip I absolutely loved Oshun! He definitely lived up to the 👑KING! I knew Oshun was gone bring jaylah all the way to her knees! Please read this story! It's a WOKE love story with a happy ending.
Profile Image for Aarika.
296 reviews25 followers
August 20, 2020
A must needed read for this year

This book will have you thinking of your bias and also what is going on in our world. It’s a sad thing to resonate with the book because things have happened to you or others like you but it was presented in such a beautiful way that you learn, grow and get wrapped into it. I loved the additional of other characters from series. This was a amazing book! I also Need a spin off for Jael and her baby “father”
1 review
August 21, 2020
AMAZING!!!!

I loved every single thing about this book. It captivated me in a way that I haven’t experienced in a while! I loved the development of the characters. Most importantly I loved the element of redemption. That no matter the mistakes you make God can and will forgive you! This was an absolutely beautiful story!!! Dominque you never cease to amaze with your writing abilities. You have a God given gift!! 💕
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews

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