The Victim

by Jennifer R. Jensen

Harper had spent the better part of her adult life keeping everyone at arm’s length—fearing they would leave her like others before.

Six months after starting therapy and finally admitting how she really felt about Caleb, she had hoped the sinking feeling would disappear.

But while the reality of her future began to take hold, she found herself questioning just who exactly the real Harper Jones was. Or even more so, who the real Harper Jones could be.

424 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2021

About the author

Jennifer R. Jensen is a fiction author who dove back into the world of writing in 2019. She had spent a decade away from her passion becoming a wife, mom, and advancing her career. With six independently published books and two novellas under her belt, she is beginning to expand her love and knowledge for writing into the world of traditional publishing. She is looking forward to the next big adventure in her writing career that will expand her knowledge on the publishing process, and take her creative works to the next level.

Reviews

[Katelin Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dnf at 50% for now because of my mental health. Will continue when series is complete. These books have been nothing but raw emotion. I might have mentioned it in my review for the first book, but the main character is so similar to me that its scary. It was just too hard to continue to read. I was crying uncontrollably and I could feel my mental health spiraling. Thats not to say that these aren’t excellent books. They most certainly are amazing. I just need to be in a better mind frame when I continue this series. Props to Jennifer for writing these real experiences and making me truly feel something.

[Chessa Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was beautifully broken … in a good way. Jennifer R. Jensen doesn’t shy away from the realism of depression, anxiety, toxic relationships, and other difficult topics.

The main character, Harper, is a hot mess and she knows it. From the very first chapter, she struggles with her inner voice flaunting her insecurities and fears as she simply tries to survive a wedding dinner and reception. Surrounded by strangers, enemies, and an open bar, Harper knows attending the event isn’t the greatest idea, but she pushes her fears aside for the sake of her ever-loving boyfriend, Caleb.

Although Harper wants to make the relationship work, she is also aware she’s sabotaging it too by keeping secrets or minor tidbits. Watching anyone spiral into darkness is difficult, and Harper is no exception, making bad choices, self medicating, alienating friends, etc. But, unfortunately, this is the painful and accurate reality of mental illness, and Jensen doesn’t hold back on the darkness and heartbreak.

Through Jensen’s storytelling, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride – from mentally yelling at Harper to get her act together to rooting for her to find her happiness. But despite all the pain, damage, and sadness, Jensen at least gives the readers with a little bit of hope.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang! These books are tough to read, but so worth it. Jennifer Jensen has captured an absolutely fascinating and heartbreaking story about dealing with trauma and mental illness in all the wrong ways.

Harper is drowning, and she's dragging everyone who loves her down with her. She manages her crushing depression, anxiety, and trauma with alcohol and other extremely unhealthy habits. She and the love of her life are tangled in a toxic exchange that can hardly be called a "relationship" on most days. She lies to everyone all the time. Her cruel inner voice suggests she tattoo "I'm Fine" on her forehead to save her breath.

Watching her struggle and hurt everyone around her is so hard. But my goodness, it's an absolute page turner. I'm usually a sappy romantic with an affinity for happy endings, but I'm completely engrossed with this series and can't wait for the next one.

TW: alcoholism, drug abuse, suicide discussed, sexual trauma discussed

[Kacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really love this series. It's heartbreaking and emotional. I love all the characters and am enjoying following them through life to see what's going to happen. Definitely shed some tears here. The ending has me counting down the days till book three. Check trigger warnings because there is a big emphasis on mental health related topics.

[Anshul (stories.buddy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really smitten by the story. It’s an experience to read it. Knowing further about Harper & Caleb was fun, their ups and downs were terrific. You can easily feel those things, it’s high on emotional level and heartbreaking to see them like this. Life throws a lot of things in their path and checking up on their mental health is advisable. Reading about Harper will give you life lessons. I enjoyed both the books in the series. Hoping for book 3, so that story can unravel itself further.

[Cmvj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first book ‘The Vice’ and loved it so much so I had to read the second book.
The Victim brought forth so many emotions. I am invested in the main character, Harper and I cannot wait to read book #3 when it comes out!
Jennifer is such a talented author.