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HIS NEXT VICTIM
TRIGGER Warning: This story contains NON-CONSENT/ PHYSICAL ABUSE/ VERBAL ABUSE/ STOCKHOLM SYNDROME/SELF HARM.
Kenise Shepard was perfect for him. He knew this upon first glance. Nevermind her wayward fashions and silly dreams of her future, that would be corrected in no time. He preferred to focus on the positive; the present. She would be perfect laying beneath him, caged in his arms, like a butterfly in his palm never to be set free.
For her, this was a nightmare, a parallel universe when the handsome man she was dating turned into a demon, perfectly crafted to claw at her fragile mind.
He couldn't force himself in her life, could he?
There were laws against this sort of thing, right?
Embry Johnston, a sex worker at a local Atlanta nightclub. There she stumbles into the world of the dangerous, Devon Kimber, a brutal pimp whose affection for the woman he fancies turns grave.
What happens when Embry leads naive Kenise to this dangerous world and Devon likes what he sees? Will Kenise fall for Devon's charm and wit? Or will she see the monster beneath the mask?
Kenise Shepard was perfect for him. He knew this upon first glance. Nevermind her wayward fashions and silly dreams of her future, that would be corrected in no time. He preferred to focus on the positive; the present. She would be perfect laying beneath him, caged in his arms, like a butterfly in his palm never to be set free.
For her, this was a nightmare, a parallel universe when the handsome man she was dating turned into a demon, perfectly crafted to claw at her fragile mind.
He couldn't force himself in her life, could he?
There were laws against this sort of thing, right?
Embry Johnston, a sex worker at a local Atlanta nightclub. There she stumbles into the world of the dangerous, Devon Kimber, a brutal pimp whose affection for the woman he fancies turns grave.
What happens when Embry leads naive Kenise to this dangerous world and Devon likes what he sees? Will Kenise fall for Devon's charm and wit? Or will she see the monster beneath the mask?
470 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2020
143 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
D.W. Thomas
23 books19 followersD.W. Thomas is an emerging author with varying niches of dark fiction covering psychological thrillers, dark romance, and horror. She has always had an obsession with the darker side of humor, art, and literature since childhood. She flexes her wild imagination to transport you to a world different from yours. While she meets your needs for excitement, thrill, and gut-wrenching angst, there is always more beneath the words.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 18, 2020
3.5 stars
A dark themed story, a mixture of suspense / thriller, obsessive, pathological love, angst, abuse with some urban fiction trappings. The story included a host of supporting characters of varying motivations and backgrounds, and yet for everyone they experienced some damage, some childhood or traumatic relationship influence.
While there were pockets of humor to be found particularly with one side character, Embry, the story largely portrays the abuse Kenise (“Kenny”) experiences regularly at the brutal hands of Devon. Devon is obsessed, disturbed, wanting to fashion Kenise into his doll, catering to his every desire. And she is not his first coerced to accede to his demands. This was a tale about a young, impressionable woman who encounters and then is trapped in an abusive, controlling relationship with a successful yet monster of a man.
A lengthier story considering what actually transpired, I found it compelling, holding my attention. I wouldn’t call it a love story or a romance. Love scenes were not steamy; rather, non consensual. The story was largely situational, various scenes among characters progressing the arc along.
Good character development though character behavior, growth remained relatively static, other than as would be expected at the heroine’s final rebellion. I loved the relationship the heroine had with her perceptive mother. However, oddly I don’t think even one male in the story exhibited redeeming qualities. Personal quip with true villain characterizations as was the case with Devon, they are one dimensional. There is little left for the reader to feel other than a desire for his demise. I will admit to feeling a small measure of sympathy given his upbringing and his crazy “love” for Kenise. Then again other key characters had painful beginnings too. Still, Devon is very one dimensional.
I felt the story added too many themes to the storyline, which were not organic. Also, the ending. A stand-alone or part of a series? One is left wondering what the point of the emotional upheaval the reader experienced was. A few editing errors that did not detract from the story.
Overall, though, an engaging story for a dark romance reader who doesn’t mind abuse elements. I would be interested in reading part 2.
A dark themed story, a mixture of suspense / thriller, obsessive, pathological love, angst, abuse with some urban fiction trappings. The story included a host of supporting characters of varying motivations and backgrounds, and yet for everyone they experienced some damage, some childhood or traumatic relationship influence.
While there were pockets of humor to be found particularly with one side character, Embry, the story largely portrays the abuse Kenise (“Kenny”) experiences regularly at the brutal hands of Devon. Devon is obsessed, disturbed, wanting to fashion Kenise into his doll, catering to his every desire. And she is not his first coerced to accede to his demands. This was a tale about a young, impressionable woman who encounters and then is trapped in an abusive, controlling relationship with a successful yet monster of a man.
A lengthier story considering what actually transpired, I found it compelling, holding my attention. I wouldn’t call it a love story or a romance. Love scenes were not steamy; rather, non consensual. The story was largely situational, various scenes among characters progressing the arc along.
Good character development though character behavior, growth remained relatively static, other than as would be expected at the heroine’s final rebellion. I loved the relationship the heroine had with her perceptive mother. However, oddly I don’t think even one male in the story exhibited redeeming qualities. Personal quip with true villain characterizations as was the case with Devon, they are one dimensional. There is little left for the reader to feel other than a desire for his demise. I will admit to feeling a small measure of sympathy given his upbringing and his crazy “love” for Kenise. Then again other key characters had painful beginnings too. Still, Devon is very one dimensional.
I felt the story added too many themes to the storyline, which were not organic. Also, the ending. A stand-alone or part of a series? One is left wondering what the point of the emotional upheaval the reader experienced was. A few editing errors that did not detract from the story.
Overall, though, an engaging story for a dark romance reader who doesn’t mind abuse elements. I would be interested in reading part 2.
September 28, 2020
So well written and spine chilling at the same time. This is not a read for the faint hearted. Heed those trigger warnings!
I loved Kenise, and I’m so happy she got the ending she deserved. I can’t wait to find out more about Embry & the house of Aphrodite. I think I might have a love/hate relationship with Zeus.
I loved Kenise, and I’m so happy she got the ending she deserved. I can’t wait to find out more about Embry & the house of Aphrodite. I think I might have a love/hate relationship with Zeus.
July 8, 2020
D.W. Thomas's first book has developed characters. The story is dark & twisted, but it's the way the storyline goes that made it difficult for me to throughly enjoy. It forced me to put together what I thought happened never really sure if what I thought happened was actually what happened. Overall, it's a good start
September 14, 2020
This was a dark read. And I’m certainly interested to see what happens to Embry in House of Aphrodite.
The storyline had me curious and I liked the ending but this is not a romance. Sure call it a thriller. But when I read dark romances like this it’s always in wonder of how twisted relationships end up achieving a plausible HEA.
I promise no spoilers, but I don’t agree that this is a dark romance. I also found the POVs difficult to stay invested emotionally. The characters were detached and cold. I repeat, I like the ending and is why I’m rating this 3 stars. It was the best outcome in such a fucked up situation, but the level of abuse and how the story was narrated was not for me.
Good job to the author for writing cruel and detached characters that I really hated. The heroine was sweet and I’m happy she got her happy ending. As for Embry, her character was cold and selfish but I need to know what mess is waiting for her in House of Aphrodite.
The storyline had me curious and I liked the ending but this is not a romance. Sure call it a thriller. But when I read dark romances like this it’s always in wonder of how twisted relationships end up achieving a plausible HEA.
I promise no spoilers, but I don’t agree that this is a dark romance. I also found the POVs difficult to stay invested emotionally. The characters were detached and cold. I repeat, I like the ending and is why I’m rating this 3 stars. It was the best outcome in such a fucked up situation, but the level of abuse and how the story was narrated was not for me.
Good job to the author for writing cruel and detached characters that I really hated. The heroine was sweet and I’m happy she got her happy ending. As for Embry, her character was cold and selfish but I need to know what mess is waiting for her in House of Aphrodite.
December 19, 2022
It's a thin line between love & hate
Omg, where do I begin! This author pulled me in. When I tell you I could not put this book down, I could not put it down. As much as I loved to hate Devon's behavior, I hated the fact that I liked him. So, what does that say about me? I'm a fan. It's official.
Omg, where do I begin! This author pulled me in. When I tell you I could not put this book down, I could not put it down. As much as I loved to hate Devon's behavior, I hated the fact that I liked him. So, what does that say about me? I'm a fan. It's official.
January 1, 2021
Kept me on the edge
This story had me experiencing a wide spectrum of emotions. It made me laugh, made my heart cry, made me nod in understanding, made me rant in anger, and finally made me rejoice at the decision of the character. Kenise is young and gullible, Devon is older and disturbed. Many might say why did she stay with him for so long? Why didn't she tell someone?? Maybe her mom, dad, friend etc. What I valued about the story is the authenticity. Most victims suffer quietly for a while. Its a psychological cage more than anything else. Ms. Thomas wasn't afraid to write the story in the way she did. A broken girl colliding with a broken man and then revealing the pandemonium that ensues. Can't wait to see what she writes next!
This story had me experiencing a wide spectrum of emotions. It made me laugh, made my heart cry, made me nod in understanding, made me rant in anger, and finally made me rejoice at the decision of the character. Kenise is young and gullible, Devon is older and disturbed. Many might say why did she stay with him for so long? Why didn't she tell someone?? Maybe her mom, dad, friend etc. What I valued about the story is the authenticity. Most victims suffer quietly for a while. Its a psychological cage more than anything else. Ms. Thomas wasn't afraid to write the story in the way she did. A broken girl colliding with a broken man and then revealing the pandemonium that ensues. Can't wait to see what she writes next!
July 17, 2021
I don't know what I thought this was going to be but whatever it is fell short for me. I feel like the cards were shown way too quickly for this to be a thriller or a suspense novel. The behavior is textbook and you expect every twist.
I honestly wanted to DNF but stuck with it. It wasn't bad but I think it wasn't that great due to my own expectations going in. I also don't think there is a single likeable character in this story. I have to want to root for someone and they all were kind of flat and annoying.
This is all strictly my opinion though so I may not have been the target audience for this.
I honestly wanted to DNF but stuck with it. It wasn't bad but I think it wasn't that great due to my own expectations going in. I also don't think there is a single likeable character in this story. I have to want to root for someone and they all were kind of flat and annoying.
This is all strictly my opinion though so I may not have been the target audience for this.
December 25, 2020
It was poorly edited, if at all and hard to follow the story. At times hard to figure out who was speaking or doing as each paragraph would start with ‘He’ or ‘She’ but not necessarily meaning one of the characters who were just talking to each other. The characters seem to stutter all the time and scenes would jump from place to place with the odd cryptic message. The parents seemed dismissive of signs of trouble and were more consumed with their own lives.
July 29, 2022
Great story but this doesn’t have a HEA in this book
The story is good but I’m having to DNF because it doesn’t have a HEA ending. Just a personal preference. It’s very dark and the male character is irredeemable but at the same time I had trouble putting it down. If you are okay with reading the whole series to find out what happens then I totally recommend this! I just can’t wait 10 books before I find out if the main male character changes and they end up together.
The story is good but I’m having to DNF because it doesn’t have a HEA ending. Just a personal preference. It’s very dark and the male character is irredeemable but at the same time I had trouble putting it down. If you are okay with reading the whole series to find out what happens then I totally recommend this! I just can’t wait 10 books before I find out if the main male character changes and they end up together.
October 27, 2022
A dark, suspenseful thriller, full of angst and trauma. This was well written and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. It’s dark and twisted. Be sure to check the trigger warnings before reading.
The way the storyline is laid out was a bit confusing to me and I spent a lot of time trying to piece together my feelings regarding the book. The ending wasn’t a HEA and I’m not sure what to make of it. I would be interested in reading a second part to this.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The way the storyline is laid out was a bit confusing to me and I spent a lot of time trying to piece together my feelings regarding the book. The ending wasn’t a HEA and I’m not sure what to make of it. I would be interested in reading a second part to this.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 23, 2021
Psycho is right!
Trigger warning ! If you don't like any type of mental or physical abuse then this book is not for you.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. The truth is there are probably real situations like such as this that really exist in this world. I found this book definitely kept my interest.
Trigger warning ! If you don't like any type of mental or physical abuse then this book is not for you.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. The truth is there are probably real situations like such as this that really exist in this world. I found this book definitely kept my interest.
September 25, 2020
Great read!
A new author for me but I really enjoyed this book. Devon is as evil as they come. He’s obsessed with Kenise and does all he can to trap her and when she’s there, there is no escaping. If you can get through the abuse, you will be rewarded in the end.
A new author for me but I really enjoyed this book. Devon is as evil as they come. He’s obsessed with Kenise and does all he can to trap her and when she’s there, there is no escaping. If you can get through the abuse, you will be rewarded in the end.
January 15, 2023
DNF’d at 60%
There were several discrepancies, weird timeline, and the story was all over the place. You couldn’t tell who’s POV it was half the time. We have Embry, Devon, Derrick, Kenise, Colleen, and Brad all have POV at different times in random parts.
There were several discrepancies, weird timeline, and the story was all over the place. You couldn’t tell who’s POV it was half the time. We have Embry, Devon, Derrick, Kenise, Colleen, and Brad all have POV at different times in random parts.
April 13, 2024
“His next victim” …was ME, because WTF! The story might have been good but I couldn’t get over the vernacular. Can we form can for a coherent sentence? I abandoned ship when it went a little something like this:
“Damn hoe I thought you liked me”
“You ight”
Chiiiile. Just no. NO.
“Damn hoe I thought you liked me”
“You ight”
Chiiiile. Just no. NO.
July 29, 2020
#bookreview #hisnextvictim #justreleased
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🌺
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His next victim - D.W. Thomas @thewriter_dwthomas
.
🌺
.
Main characters Kenise and Devon.
This book is dark, very dark...
It’s and dark romance with adult scenes and violence.
☠️
Good looking man with a twisted mind and behavior...
It’s shocking and intriguing at the same time, it captivated me in a way that I couldn’t stop reading 📖 I did take a break half way because of the darkness 😊 but I finished it in two days 🤨 do I have an twisted mind for saying that I liked reading it? But i do understand how sick it is. But even this is an fictional book I know in my subconscious that this could happen to girls if they are not careful enough. Because there are sick bastard people out there for sure.
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🌺
.
Blurb
"You should be grateful I'm giving this to you!" he spat, wanting a reason to snatch the phone away.
Her heart thrashed in her chest, "I-I am grateful! T-Thank you, Devon. I'm sorry. Fifteen minutes is more than enough time. I-I shouldn't be -"
"A fucking cunt?" he taunted.
She paused briefly, hiding the anger behind her eyes. "Yes."
"Say it!" he screamed, his massive body heaving. She feared she'd shapeshift into a monster. Bile lodged in her throat as the words poured out of her mouth.
"I shouldn't be a fucking cunt," she whispered, staring into his hooded eyes, noticing the smile of satisfaction on his face.
This had to be a dream. Or a parallel universe when the patient, handsome man she was dating turned into her worst nightmare. He couldn't force himself in her life, could he?
There were laws against this sort of thing, right? He couldn't do this, right?
Embry has been dancing at Club Sapphire for three years. While there she stumbles into the world of the dangerous, Devon Kimber, a brutal pimp whose affection for the woman he fancies turns grave.
What happens when Embry leads naive Kenise into Club Sapphire and Devon likes what he sees? Will Kenise fall for Devon's charm and wit? Or will she see the monster beneath the mask?
🦋
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🦋
#darkromance #error #reading #creative #adultbook #bookstagram #book #bookmark #humantraffic #abuse #hatelove
.
🌺
.
His next victim - D.W. Thomas @thewriter_dwthomas
.
🌺
.
Main characters Kenise and Devon.
This book is dark, very dark...
It’s and dark romance with adult scenes and violence.
☠️
Good looking man with a twisted mind and behavior...
It’s shocking and intriguing at the same time, it captivated me in a way that I couldn’t stop reading 📖 I did take a break half way because of the darkness 😊 but I finished it in two days 🤨 do I have an twisted mind for saying that I liked reading it? But i do understand how sick it is. But even this is an fictional book I know in my subconscious that this could happen to girls if they are not careful enough. Because there are sick bastard people out there for sure.
.
🌺
.
Blurb
"You should be grateful I'm giving this to you!" he spat, wanting a reason to snatch the phone away.
Her heart thrashed in her chest, "I-I am grateful! T-Thank you, Devon. I'm sorry. Fifteen minutes is more than enough time. I-I shouldn't be -"
"A fucking cunt?" he taunted.
She paused briefly, hiding the anger behind her eyes. "Yes."
"Say it!" he screamed, his massive body heaving. She feared she'd shapeshift into a monster. Bile lodged in her throat as the words poured out of her mouth.
"I shouldn't be a fucking cunt," she whispered, staring into his hooded eyes, noticing the smile of satisfaction on his face.
This had to be a dream. Or a parallel universe when the patient, handsome man she was dating turned into her worst nightmare. He couldn't force himself in her life, could he?
There were laws against this sort of thing, right? He couldn't do this, right?
Embry has been dancing at Club Sapphire for three years. While there she stumbles into the world of the dangerous, Devon Kimber, a brutal pimp whose affection for the woman he fancies turns grave.
What happens when Embry leads naive Kenise into Club Sapphire and Devon likes what he sees? Will Kenise fall for Devon's charm and wit? Or will she see the monster beneath the mask?
🦋
Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🦋
#darkromance #error #reading #creative #adultbook #bookstagram #book #bookmark #humantraffic #abuse #hatelove
January 16, 2021
Amazingggg
Loved it! Started this story on Wattpad, usually I wouldn’t go outside of the app to finish a book, but the first few chapters pulled me in I knew I had to finish it, and it was completely worth it. I literally could not put my phone down I was too involved and invested in this story, it had plot twist and plenty of ‘oh shit’ moments! The Author is amazing at capturing the characters thoughts and feelings to where you can’t help but have empathy towards them as if they’re real. I cannot wait to see what’s next!
Loved it! Started this story on Wattpad, usually I wouldn’t go outside of the app to finish a book, but the first few chapters pulled me in I knew I had to finish it, and it was completely worth it. I literally could not put my phone down I was too involved and invested in this story, it had plot twist and plenty of ‘oh shit’ moments! The Author is amazing at capturing the characters thoughts and feelings to where you can’t help but have empathy towards them as if they’re real. I cannot wait to see what’s next!
January 21, 2023
Although it was interesting I just don't feel a connection to the book I think Thompson lack's experience to be a writer but with time may grow this however is an awful book
March 30, 2024
Chile this book had me come to the realization 🫠 I don’t want anyone to ever be obsessed with me 🤦🏾♀️
May 30, 2024
This book was a good book. If you are a super anxious person I wouldn’t recommend to read this. Very intense and hard to read all at one time. There were times I couldn’t stop reading but there were also times where I had to take a break from all the gore, smut, and torture. This book kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. You won’t be disappointed. There are some trigger warnings, so read with caution.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews