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The Witness #1
The Witness
He would spend his days riding his bike up and down residential streets, eager to preach the Gospel and God's love to anyone willing to listen. He was well-dressed, mannerable, and handsome, qualities that easily gained his victim's trust. All he needed them to do was invite him inside. Damian was on the hunt for victim #17 when he stumbled upon Grace working in her garden. His teeth sank into his bottom lip as he observed her from the distance while she pruned her roses. The woman was nowhere near his usual type, and that fact alone sucked him in. She was tall with a large frame and generous curves. His groin stirred in excitement once she bent over to tend the roses closer to the ground. He went through his mental checklist of supplies that weighed heavy in his duct tape, rope, a bowie knife, towels, change of clothes. Everything was present and accounted for. "Good evening, Ma'am. I've never seen such beautiful roses before," Damian complimented as he observed the blush of the roses and her smooth sepia skin that he hoped would be littered with cuts and bruises. “Thank you. They’re beautiful but feisty,” she replied, waving her bandaged fingers at him. “You’re not the only one who has fallen victim to the thorns. A woven crown of thorns was placed on the head of Jesus during his crucifixion.” “And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying Hail, King of the Jews,” the woman breezily quoted. “Matthew 27:29. You’re quite familiar with the Word of God. I’m impressed,” Damian commented, smirking at the woman. “Guilty. I am a preacher’s daughter.” “Well, it’s nice to meet you, preacher’s daughter.” “Please, call me Grace.” “Grace, what a beautiful name. My name is Damian. Do you have a few minutes to spare to humor a Witness?” "Sure. It wouldn't hurt." Damian bit back his grin. The irony was overwhelming. He had deadly plans for Grace... **Please be advised that there may be triggering topics in the story, such as murder and mentions of sexual assault and domestic violence. The male lead is a serial killer who poses as a Jehovah’s Witness to scout his victims. The story is in no way intended to offend, insult, disparage, mock, or disrespect anyone from the faith. Damian’s actions do not represent Jehovah's Witnesses' actual beliefs or practices. This story ends on a major cliffhanger! The second part will be released in February 2023!
- GenresDark RomanceRomance
79 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2022
42 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
A.N. Boyden
23 books152 followersA. N. Boyden began her writing journey in 2018 as an escape from the pressures and demands of a high-stress social services job. She never expected her nearly illegible scratching to turn into not only a passion but a career three years later. A. N. Boyden's humble beginnings began on Wattpad, where "Spouse Swap" was born. She gained thousands of adoring and supportive followers who gave her the confidence and boost she needed to finally self-publish.
A. N. Boyden's niche is interracial romances and thrillers that feature an abundance of steamy scenes, drama, and countless laughs. The majority of A. N. Boyden's female characters are strong Black women who reside in the great state of Texas, just like her. She sometimes refers to herself as a "one-woman" show, but frequently finds herself pitching her storylines to her husband, who is her number one fan.
A. N. Boyden's niche is interracial romances and thrillers that feature an abundance of steamy scenes, drama, and countless laughs. The majority of A. N. Boyden's female characters are strong Black women who reside in the great state of Texas, just like her. She sometimes refers to herself as a "one-woman" show, but frequently finds herself pitching her storylines to her husband, who is her number one fan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 5, 2024
I’m so torn on Damian!!!! Do I love him??? Do I hate him??? I literally don’t know??
Damian is a serial unaliver posing as a Jehovahs Witness when he sets his eyes on Grace, a preachers daughter. He decides to make Grace his 17th victim….. but when the circumstances change he finds himself falling for her, and she’s falling for him!
The ending leaves on a major cliff and now I have to read the sequel to find out how it all goes down!
How will this all play out? Will Damian finally get caught? Not me hoping he doesn’t get caught tho!! 😂
Damian is a serial unaliver posing as a Jehovahs Witness when he sets his eyes on Grace, a preachers daughter. He decides to make Grace his 17th victim….. but when the circumstances change he finds himself falling for her, and she’s falling for him!
The ending leaves on a major cliff and now I have to read the sequel to find out how it all goes down!
How will this all play out? Will Damian finally get caught? Not me hoping he doesn’t get caught tho!! 😂
June 13, 2025
4.1✨’s 🫣…tbh I’m not sure if I would’ve taken a chance on this book had it not been for my sudden insomnia last night. 😂
Damian was looking for victim #17 but instead stumbled across his everything. 🖤
(Below review for both books fyi)
Woah, this story was something… I just had to hang on to my pearls and enjoy (or try to) the ride. I’d also like to say, I have nothing against ride-or-diers because I’m personally ride or dying for my hubby BUT DANG BABE can you un@live bad people?!?! Must we slay vulnerable, unsuspecting, didn’t do a thing to you - women?! Then on top of that, you pretend to practice a religion to get said victims to let their guard down & quoting scripture better than the Saints?! C’mon now, at some point we’re doing too much, and it’s a little too evil. (I’m a little wuss so I pretended he had Dexters moral code when it came to his little side hobby. Also, I stopped watching Dexter after season 2 or 3 so don’t come for me if that comparison doesn’t hold up in court.) All that being said — I loved the romance and the banter between the MC’s and my mouth real life popped open at the cliffy in Book 1. Honestly, my heart actually dropped when I found out he went back to his extracurriculars in the first place.
This book would’ve been 5 stars if:
•H un@lived w/ some kind of moral compass
•H’s childhood was expounded upon, esp showcasing how he was raised to be… himself
•no time jumps of their relationship, I wanted to experience them: getting pregnant + married
•some more smut, there was only one scene (but dare I say - I was so wrapped up in this story for ONCE the spice took a backseat for me.)
•we knew WHY the OM was in H’s house and if he found anything incriminating
•book was dual POV 1st person
•no plot holes, and climax and ending of book 2 was buttoned up a little better w/ more info. Clearly H planned that, or did he? See, idk and that’s the problem.
🖤’d:
•H immediately having h’s back against her mom
•H arguing w/ little Tiara over those cookies🤣
•h was the first human H ever loved
•”you have 10 seconds to come up with a safe word” wait a minuteeee 😩 (fyi, she was so taken aback she wasn’t able to think of one in time😏)
•H takes h on picnics & reads spicy books to her
•H left h when the ducks invaded 🤣 (he rescues her later)
⚠️ + Info:
— Instalust for both, but love came quickly.
— Serial un@living bc he had mommy issues and was raised by a woman hater.
— No virgins, both experienced but we know for certain h has been celibate for many years.
— Low spice: 1 explicit scene per book if I remember correctly.
— No: OWD (we are never told H is intimate with his victims), sharing, cheating, push/pull, separation or 3rd act break up
— OMD: h is continually pursued by OM, and H takes care of him (book 1)
— Gaslighting
— Miscarriage (book 2)
— Police brutality (book 2)
— Death of loved one (mentioned in book 1 and on page in 2)
— HFN + HEA: Ends on a cliffy, but the couple is married w/a son. (Book 1) Married, and no more children except junior. (Book 2)
Damian was looking for victim #17 but instead stumbled across his everything. 🖤
(Below review for both books fyi)
Woah, this story was something… I just had to hang on to my pearls and enjoy (or try to) the ride. I’d also like to say, I have nothing against ride-or-diers because I’m personally ride or dying for my hubby BUT DANG BABE can you un@live bad people?!?! Must we slay vulnerable, unsuspecting, didn’t do a thing to you - women?! Then on top of that, you pretend to practice a religion to get said victims to let their guard down & quoting scripture better than the Saints?! C’mon now, at some point we’re doing too much, and it’s a little too evil. (I’m a little wuss so I pretended he had Dexters moral code when it came to his little side hobby. Also, I stopped watching Dexter after season 2 or 3 so don’t come for me if that comparison doesn’t hold up in court.) All that being said — I loved the romance and the banter between the MC’s and my mouth real life popped open at the cliffy in Book 1. Honestly, my heart actually dropped when I found out he went back to his extracurriculars in the first place.
This book would’ve been 5 stars if:
•H un@lived w/ some kind of moral compass
•H’s childhood was expounded upon, esp showcasing how he was raised to be… himself
•no time jumps of their relationship, I wanted to experience them: getting pregnant + married
•some more smut, there was only one scene (but dare I say - I was so wrapped up in this story for ONCE the spice took a backseat for me.)
•we knew WHY the OM was in H’s house and if he found anything incriminating
•book was dual POV 1st person
•no plot holes, and climax and ending of book 2 was buttoned up a little better w/ more info. Clearly H planned that, or did he? See, idk and that’s the problem.
🖤’d:
•H immediately having h’s back against her mom
•H arguing w/ little Tiara over those cookies🤣
•h was the first human H ever loved
•”you have 10 seconds to come up with a safe word” wait a minuteeee 😩 (fyi, she was so taken aback she wasn’t able to think of one in time😏)
•H takes h on picnics & reads spicy books to her
•H left h when the ducks invaded 🤣 (he rescues her later)
⚠️ + Info:
— Instalust for both, but love came quickly.
— Serial un@living bc he had mommy issues and was raised by a woman hater.
— No virgins, both experienced but we know for certain h has been celibate for many years.
— Low spice: 1 explicit scene per book if I remember correctly.
— No: OWD (we are never told H is intimate with his victims), sharing, cheating, push/pull, separation or 3rd act break up
— OMD: h is continually pursued by OM, and H takes care of him (book 1)
— Gaslighting
— Miscarriage (book 2)
— Police brutality (book 2)
— Death of loved one (mentioned in book 1 and on page in 2)
— HFN + HEA: Ends on a cliffy, but the couple is married w/a son. (Book 1) Married, and no more children except junior. (Book 2)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2024
Damn, I hate that I truly liked this book.
I don't like innocent people getting... unalive 🙃 in books so the fact that our mmc is a serial killer (which I love but when they go after bad people) has me conflicted.
This man planned to make the fmc his 17th victim but ended up hitting it off with her, meeting her family, and having an unintentional sex-filled weekend that resulted in his son and a shotgun wedding.
Unfortunately... or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, his last victim survived so now his idyllic life is in peril.
I personally was anxious throughout because we never knew if the fmc was going to meet her demise or if the mmc would get caught; that question will be answered in the next book.
I don't like innocent people getting... unalive 🙃 in books so the fact that our mmc is a serial killer (which I love but when they go after bad people) has me conflicted.
This man planned to make the fmc his 17th victim but ended up hitting it off with her, meeting her family, and having an unintentional sex-filled weekend that resulted in his son and a shotgun wedding.
Unfortunately... or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, his last victim survived so now his idyllic life is in peril.
I personally was anxious throughout because we never knew if the fmc was going to meet her demise or if the mmc would get caught; that question will be answered in the next book.
November 3, 2022
Addicted
I'm sad to report that I'm addicted. I love the heat between Grace and Damian. Is Damian the name of all killers? I like the back story for Damian. I like how Ms Boyden did not make Damian stop killing because of Grace. I'm curious as to how this will play out in the sequel.
I'm sad to report that I'm addicted. I love the heat between Grace and Damian. Is Damian the name of all killers? I like the back story for Damian. I like how Ms Boyden did not make Damian stop killing because of Grace. I'm curious as to how this will play out in the sequel.
June 29, 2024
Amazing book , absolutely loved the storyline from start to finish . Really nice read for a rainy day or even before bed . Really pulls you in and you don't want to put it down
March 27, 2023
Hooked!
Plot is original, scary, yet it'll keep you transfixed.
Verbal byplay is engaging, and at times, comedic (dry sarcastically funny, not slap your knee).
The FMC didn't just fall into bed with the ML, and she's not a gullible, naive, damsel.
The ML is charming, but that is a trait of sociopaths.
A relationship occurs out of the most unusual circumstances and I'm looking forward to the next book.
I did not like the depiction of the church attendees. It was entirely too stereotypical and full of negative derogatory characteristics of black people; and, how the black church is viewed through racist eyes. That description should be removed or modified, if the book is ever updated. It didn't enhance the story, scenery, or provide a clearer understanding of the congregations behavior.
I also caught the 6th heartbeat reference, and considering no one else in the story antagonized the ML per his race.. his attitude, inner thoughts, and comments were telling.
My rating was 4.7, rounded to t.
Please read the book and write your own review, which might differ from mine. But, I recommend this book, if you're interested in a thriller with a heavy dollop of romance and a few dashes of humor.
Plot is original, scary, yet it'll keep you transfixed.
Verbal byplay is engaging, and at times, comedic (dry sarcastically funny, not slap your knee).
The FMC didn't just fall into bed with the ML, and she's not a gullible, naive, damsel.
The ML is charming, but that is a trait of sociopaths.
A relationship occurs out of the most unusual circumstances and I'm looking forward to the next book.
I did not like the depiction of the church attendees. It was entirely too stereotypical and full of negative derogatory characteristics of black people; and, how the black church is viewed through racist eyes. That description should be removed or modified, if the book is ever updated. It didn't enhance the story, scenery, or provide a clearer understanding of the congregations behavior.
I also caught the 6th heartbeat reference, and considering no one else in the story antagonized the ML per his race.. his attitude, inner thoughts, and comments were telling.
My rating was 4.7, rounded to t.
Please read the book and write your own review, which might differ from mine. But, I recommend this book, if you're interested in a thriller with a heavy dollop of romance and a few dashes of humor.
November 15, 2022
Damien’s darkness, Graces light🖤🤍😍
Another great story by A.N. Boyden and this one has got me torn on how I feel about the MMC Damian😯🤔.
Damian certainly laid it on thick to get Graces attention for her to be his #17. Oh how quickly the table turned when mom showed up for an unannounced visit🫤! The chemistry between the two is most definitely fire and kinky🔥😈🥵 and them playing house is very interesting as Damian continue to act on his blood lust🩸.
This book had me going on an emotional rollercoaster at every turn🎢. It does end in a cliffhanger so we’ll have to wait for the next book to see when, how, why and what happens when Grace learns of Damian’s dark side😬🤭😵.
Another great story by A.N. Boyden and this one has got me torn on how I feel about the MMC Damian😯🤔.
Damian certainly laid it on thick to get Graces attention for her to be his #17. Oh how quickly the table turned when mom showed up for an unannounced visit🫤! The chemistry between the two is most definitely fire and kinky🔥😈🥵 and them playing house is very interesting as Damian continue to act on his blood lust🩸.
This book had me going on an emotional rollercoaster at every turn🎢. It does end in a cliffhanger so we’ll have to wait for the next book to see when, how, why and what happens when Grace learns of Damian’s dark side😬🤭😵.
November 25, 2022
Torn
Wow.. I usually hate 2 partners when part 2 hasn't been released but, I took a shot. This story is really good. It ropes you in and confuses the heck out of why I am rooting for a killer to get a hEA. I mean the signs are all there that he is the serpent in the garden of Eden. He is named Damien for goodness sake. Poor Grace impatiently awaiting part 2.. this was such a good and quick read
Wow.. I usually hate 2 partners when part 2 hasn't been released but, I took a shot. This story is really good. It ropes you in and confuses the heck out of why I am rooting for a killer to get a hEA. I mean the signs are all there that he is the serpent in the garden of Eden. He is named Damien for goodness sake. Poor Grace impatiently awaiting part 2.. this was such a good and quick read
December 17, 2023
Damien and Grace
Scouting out his next kill Damien got way more than what he'd bargained for when he walked up on Grace while she was gardening. What was supposed to be his next kill turned into a fake relationship that turned into her being his wife and the mother of his son. He was doing good until the woes of Parenthood got the best of his and he'd made his first mistake ever. His victim was still alive.💟💟
Scouting out his next kill Damien got way more than what he'd bargained for when he walked up on Grace while she was gardening. What was supposed to be his next kill turned into a fake relationship that turned into her being his wife and the mother of his son. He was doing good until the woes of Parenthood got the best of his and he'd made his first mistake ever. His victim was still alive.💟💟
October 19, 2025
The problem with this book is it felt to realistic I don't know which made Damian being a serial killer all the worse I didn't like that and also Grace had the survival instincts of a Donut everything felt too rushed not enough chemistry, all in all it wasn't a bad read but oh it was annoying, I dont know I just wish there was more, and Grace being a killer too? Especially getting away with all the heinous things thw couple did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2023
Where is part 2?
This book was great! I wasn't sure how I would feel about a serial killer finding love but I was pleasantly surprised. Their chemistry is awesome. I really can't wait to see what the next chapter enfolds. I think Damian is gonna find that his wife is not the sweet good girl he thinks she is. Ms.Boyden please release the second book ASAP!!
This book was great! I wasn't sure how I would feel about a serial killer finding love but I was pleasantly surprised. Their chemistry is awesome. I really can't wait to see what the next chapter enfolds. I think Damian is gonna find that his wife is not the sweet good girl he thinks she is. Ms.Boyden please release the second book ASAP!!
July 2, 2023
Dark Thriller⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was introduced to ✍ A.N. Boyden in her Mail Order Groom 📕 which was deliriously funny & romantic. In this book, she shows her versatility, by penning a decidedly pitch dark, addictive, 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶thriller featuring Damien who is a serial unaliver 😰 who develops a soft spot for sweet Grace. I'm hooked on this story now & can't wait to read 📚2!!!
I was introduced to ✍ A.N. Boyden in her Mail Order Groom 📕 which was deliriously funny & romantic. In this book, she shows her versatility, by penning a decidedly pitch dark, addictive, 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶thriller featuring Damien who is a serial unaliver 😰 who develops a soft spot for sweet Grace. I'm hooked on this story now & can't wait to read 📚2!!!
November 26, 2022
On the edge of my seat
Damian is a trip! Him arguing with a toddler and using the bible to do so was hilarious i laughed so freaking hard ...I enjoyed this book and can't wait for part 2
Damian is a trip! Him arguing with a toddler and using the bible to do so was hilarious i laughed so freaking hard ...I enjoyed this book and can't wait for part 2
February 13, 2023
Worth The Read
This is the second book, and not the last, I’ve read by this author and I love her writing. I love that while reading I can see the book play out in front of me. Keep it up.
This is the second book, and not the last, I’ve read by this author and I love her writing. I love that while reading I can see the book play out in front of me. Keep it up.
March 6, 2023
Omg I don't know what to say
This story has me spinning in my head. First off, I HATE CLIFFHANGERS! What will Grace do when the truth comes out? Babies know good and evil. DJ can sense his father is pure evil.
This story has me spinning in my head. First off, I HATE CLIFFHANGERS! What will Grace do when the truth comes out? Babies know good and evil. DJ can sense his father is pure evil.
March 13, 2023
Brilliant storyline
Wow! Storytelling at its best. Church girl and the serial killer. Grace and Damien. Looking forward to part 2. What happens when Grace realizes her husband is a serial killer!
Wow! Storytelling at its best. Church girl and the serial killer. Grace and Damien. Looking forward to part 2. What happens when Grace realizes her husband is a serial killer!
June 3, 2023
A great start to this 2 book short story by A.N. Boyden. Intrigue and suspense had me turning the pages at a record pace. With a compelling cast of characters with emphasis on the duality of good and evil this one should not be missed. Now onto book two.
June 19, 2023
A serial killer with a heart!!
This story was not what I expected. Damian thought he would kill Grace and that was the end, but as faith would have it he fell in love with her and created a life he never imagined he could have. Great story with a lot of twist and turns.
This story was not what I expected. Damian thought he would kill Grace and that was the end, but as faith would have it he fell in love with her and created a life he never imagined he could have. Great story with a lot of twist and turns.
November 1, 2022
Wow
Quick and to the point story! A good woman can save a troubled man, or can she?? Cant wait for book 2!
Quick and to the point story! A good woman can save a troubled man, or can she?? Cant wait for book 2!
November 8, 2022
🔥🔥🔥
You always amaze me!! I can’t wait to part 2 it was in fact a short story but we’ll written and it flowed to where nothing felt missing cause it’s just that a short story
You always amaze me!! I can’t wait to part 2 it was in fact a short story but we’ll written and it flowed to where nothing felt missing cause it’s just that a short story
December 26, 2022
I knew it was too good to be true!
Damien is Lucifer walking and Grace has accomplished a fate not expected. Quelling the demon. When does the sequel arrive??
Damien is Lucifer walking and Grace has accomplished a fate not expected. Quelling the demon. When does the sequel arrive??
April 25, 2023
Wish it was longer
Wait until Grace find out the truth I feel really bad for her. To hold out that long only to meet man like Damien.
Wait until Grace find out the truth I feel really bad for her. To hold out that long only to meet man like Damien.
October 26, 2023
Amazing!!
Great read loved the story and the characters. Can't wait to read the next book, I'm completely hooked. Definitely will recommend to my friends!
Great read loved the story and the characters. Can't wait to read the next book, I'm completely hooked. Definitely will recommend to my friends!
January 31, 2024
My only issue is I wish it was longer, that the lead up from point A to B to C wasn't so quick. But it's a fun read!
May 15, 2024
Good
This was a good read can’t wait to read book 2, the only thing is that it felt a little rushed.
This was a good read can’t wait to read book 2, the only thing is that it felt a little rushed.
September 30, 2024
It was great until they had the kid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2025
Hell no. You even look at my cat the wrong way and id end you. No way am I reading about a sick sociopath offing cats.
November 21, 2022
Saved by Grace!
I really would have preferred to see the conclusion to this story in this short trip into mind of a serial killer! I find myself wondering how Grace will handle the truth of who and what Damien is outside of his love and life with her! This is different and really pulls you in, but I am already hooked into this author's Kindle Vella series, so I will need to pass on this Cliffhanger!
I really would have preferred to see the conclusion to this story in this short trip into mind of a serial killer! I find myself wondering how Grace will handle the truth of who and what Damien is outside of his love and life with her! This is different and really pulls you in, but I am already hooked into this author's Kindle Vella series, so I will need to pass on this Cliffhanger!
November 26, 2024
add a last four words
This book is a little deprived, but also a really good story would totally recommend for anyone who likes to think outside the box or is open to a new type of storyline
This book is a little deprived, but also a really good story would totally recommend for anyone who likes to think outside the box or is open to a new type of storyline
December 16, 2024
A good and fast read
I basically read this in a few hours. I am hooked and glad I waited for the 2nd book.
Damian, if you don't count his
I basically read this in a few hours. I am hooked and glad I waited for the 2nd book.
Damian, if you don't count his
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews