A Perfect Mind

Perfect World #3

by Julia E. McColgan

After months of plotting, Ollie and Courtney make their move, allowing themselves to be captured in order to infiltrate enemy territory. Leaving the others behind isn’t an easy decision, but according to Courtney’s visions, this is their only chance to destroy their creators once and for all. They’ve existed under the looming shadow of Merit Institute for long enough. Retribution is necessary. The question is, will they survive executing their revenge?

Waking up to the reality of Ollie and Courtney’s absence solidifies the gravity of their situation. Leslie and the others can’t stand to wait for a message in the journal that may never come, deciding instead to investigate every possible clue leading to Merit’s headquarters. Aimless, furious, and heartbroken, they race against the clock, hoping to get to their friends before it’s too late.

Genres: Dark Romance

481 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Alexandra St Pierre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so FREAKING MUCH!

That ending was fucking diabolical. Be prepared. It's a cliffy and it SUCKS! I rage cried.

However, I am confident that Julia will fix it in book four. *shakes butter knife at author* or else!

This book was a fucking roller coaster. We had Leslie and Miranda's romance arc playing out in parallel with Courtney and Ollie's captivity/ the villain interludes. So one second you would be squealing kicking your feet and swooning over Lesanda then you would get to an Ollie/Courtney chapter and immediately remember that everything sucks again lmfaooooo.

However, I am a broken damaged psycho and if the book doesn't hurt me I don't want it.

Every single one of these characters has such a special place in my heart so when they hurt I hurt. When they're happy, I'm happy.

Finishing this book left a big hole in my heart that only my loveable gang of mutants can fill. I can't wait to get my physical copy so I can flip through and visit them whenever I'm missing them because TBH I'm missing them a WHOLE LOT RIGHT NOW!!!

Anyway, this whole series is one of a kind and vastly underrated. If you haven't picked up A Perfect World yet, there's still time to get through books one and two before this mind-melter of a book hits the shelves.

Not Ollie sniggering at 'mind-melter.'

QUIET OLLIE! YOU HAVE WORK TO DO MISTER!

[Diem McAuliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me gather my damn thoughts after that ending. Jfc. I am not okay.

Regardless of the absolute destruction my emotions have been put through, Julia is an incredible writer and I adore this series.

[paper&spine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! A Perfect Mind was PERFECTION!

Let me start by saying Julia is an extremely talented writer, and APM just shows how incredible she is. The way I feel when I read a book from Julia is unmatched. I'm in Love ok?!?!?!

Julia has a way of writing that's unlike any other I've seen, her imagination is ten fold and there is so much thought put into her characters, their development and the storyline, everything down to the playlists she puts together for her books. The foreshadowing, the descriptions, and metaphoric/poetic writing is literal GOLD.

Ive said it before and Ill say it again. I will never get enough of this series.

With that being said APM destroyed me! if youve reached book 3 thats means your invested in these characters and let me tell you - be warned, though action packed - you will be clutching your heart and crying like a little b.
APM Had me frothing at the mouth, full of rage, gasping, and then puffy eyed from crying.

I cant end this without touching on our Merry Band of Murderous Mutants and...others. sooo.

Leslie - ooftah! Dayumm blue eyed baby boy, you can take me into the red anytime.
Miranda - Ill say it 3 times. SAVAGE. SAVAGE. SAVAGE.
Ollie - Always DADDYYY - You tortured, beautiful monster MASTERMIND
Courtney - Hold me closer Tiny Dancer. You are a devious, feral, savage queen!!
Jack - You have me cackling every time, the banter is delicious
Serina - Sassy, techy, little beacon of light, really finding the depth of your power has been so cool to see.
Buddy - You golden bullet, I lurv your fluffy butt sm!!
Frank - Can come protect me anytime :) *rawr*
Carissa - Go Kick Rocks - I hope both sides of your pillow are warm at night for the rest of your life.
Tyler - I have mixed feelings for you. Your a tortured soul too, and just went I felt bad you effed it all up.

Anyways - go read this series - seriously - your missing out if you haven't picked it up yet!!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤❤️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Julia’s done it again with A Perfect Mind, the third book in the Perfect World Series. This one really puts our favorite characters through the wringer, and trust me, it’s a lot to handle! Julia has this way of making us love these characters so much that watching them go through tough times feels personal. And just when you think you’ve made it through the worst of it, she hits you with a cliffhanger that’ll have you reaching for the tissues and begging for more. The mix of hope, heartbreak, and suspense keeps you glued to every page, and by the end, you’ll be counting down the days until the next book. Julia really knows how to keep her readers on their toes—and maybe just a little tortured, in the best way possible!

[Rose DeVault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not okay.

A Perfect Mind is the 3rd book the series and I swear to everything if Julia doesn’t makes things better by the final book I’m rioting in the streets of Florida.

My emotions were on a roller coaster ride this entire book. We followed Miranda and Leslie’s romance and relationship blossom as well as Courtney and Ollie on Merit’s property.

I have fallen in love these characters along with Jack and Serina. The banter throughout the book really helped lighten some of the darkness that the characters were being put through.

Thanks for hurting my heart again with the damn ending. I’ll be on your DMs yelling at you until I get my HEA

[Lizard’s library · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️

Now that I’ve processed that ending… WOW!!!! I love this series and this one didn’t disappoint. Ollie, the MMC, somehow got even more feral. The story broke my heart and left me staring at a wall. I read it in like three days, I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what was going to happen to my precious characters!

When does the next book come out because I need to know what happens… I’m not okay.

[Naj_ana_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ A Perfect Mind by Julia McColgan ✨

"Remind me, Angel."

INTENSE. Thats how I would describe book 3. Julia definitely put Courtney and Ollie through hell on this one. Courtneys visions are more constant and stronger, so they elaborate a plan to bring down Merit once and for all but in order to get to the finish line they will have to endure pain and suffering and they will have to leave their loved ones behind.

I love how Julia gives us multiple POVs, in addition to Ollie and Courtney we also get them from Leslie and Miranda. I love how they are becoming integral to the stoy line as well. And the interludes! I love how they come from the villains POV.

Book 3 will give you some happy moments, you will see how Leslies' love story is evolving and how the group bonds become stronger. Be prepare for the cliffy at the end of the story and to find the plot twist regarding Dr. Blackthorn.

And like Julia suggested during her acknowledgements. While I wait for book 4 in my mind, I will dream that soon they will have thier perfect life in their perfect world.

If you love
💫 Found Family
💫 Revenge Arc
💫 Possessive MMC and FMC
💫 Mëntål Health / Träûmą Rep

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stand Alone or Series: The Perfect World Series
TWs: Yes, please check TWs

💋naj_ana_reads💋
Mood Reader
TikTok l Instagram l Goodreads l Amazon l Audible Reviews #bookrecommendation #juliamccolganauthor #aperfectmindbook #comingsoon #romancebooktok #paranormalromancebooks

[Adrianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I broken into a tiny million pieces? Yes.
But can I still breath, knowing there will be another book? Also yes.

Julia broke my heart with this book. I mean that in the best possible way, but it is lingering with me long after reading it.

Ollie and Courtney have had such a shït show handed to them, and they took control of the narrative instead of being controlled.

This book focuses a lot on Miranda and Leslie, which had me giggling and sweating.

Also, the people you've grown to hate in the previous books... yep, still hate them.

A Perfect Mind is the 3rd book in this series, and if you haven't read the first 2 books, they are some of my top recommendations. The characters have a mind of their own and you will truly feel like you're a friend of theirs along for the journey.

[Jonna K · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I wanted to tell him that if I could, I'd reach into his chest and hold his heart in my hands so it couldn't break further. If I could, I'd breathe into his lungs so the agony stopped strangling him. If I could, I'd absorb his tears so those bright blue eyes could beam again."

Julia did it again.
this book hurt me, my heart is broken.
one of the best books of the year so far! i love Leslie,he is my favorite forever❤️
I'm glad that there is more to come from this series. Julia is a wonderful writer, her skill is in a class of her own. but even though I love you Julia, I hate you when you break my heart and the hearts of others💔😭

[Jaimie Frerichs · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ 3.5🌶️

Did I start this at like 8am? Yes! Is it now shortly after 2pm and I’m crying? Also yes! Ahhhh! I was warned so many times that this book would destroy me, and it definitely did! Julia what was that ending??? I need book 4 asap…. I absolutely love this series. Leslie is isn’t as innocent as he seems 😉 Ollie always knows how to make me laugh in a serious situation 😂
Please tell me there’s a happy ending to come 🫶🏻

[Kyla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia is the queen of twists and turns, and she never loses the plot. The spice? Magnificent. The emotional turmoil? Impeccable. The witty banter? Next level. A wonderful addition to the series. I’ll be here, foaming at the mouth, waiting for the next one.

[KayCee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg what a ride this series has been. If you’ve been thinking about reading these books don’t walk, run. The world Julia has built is absolutely amazing. Bring on the finale. Definitely cannot wait to see how the story concludes.

[Destiny Zabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another day emotionally drained by a phenomenal read! How does she continue to pull me, get frisky, make me cry and rage, then leave me on a cliffhanger? I keep coming back for more! This was just an amazing read!

[♡Shelthebookaddict♡ Shelbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much!! I connected so much with the characters in this one. They are just perfection. I love how the author writes the chapters. I can totally invision this book like an intense tv show and I freaking love it. I'm just at a loss of words right now. Read this series!!

[Mikaycakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bruh.

That’s it. That’s my review. I’m hurt. But I still loved it.

[Kristina Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional Rollercoaster with no brakes

This picks up right after the cliffhanger of book 2 and just keeps on wrecking.

I laughed, I cried , I screamed and walked away to process. This had me feel everything 😭
listen to Julia when she says you will be hurting. She did a masterful job on weaving things together that I never picked up on until now EVEN BACK IN BOOK ONE.

Frank is the best and the best boy ever.

[Kayla (Kayuhlareads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝙷𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚞𝚌𝚑 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚞𝚛𝚎𝚜, 𝚜𝚊𝚟𝚊𝚐𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚙𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚞𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎. 𝙼𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚘𝚍. 𝙼𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚡. 𝙼𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚢. 𝙼𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚑𝚗𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚢. 𝙼𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚠𝚎𝚊𝚙𝚘𝚗𝚜. 𝙷𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚠𝚎𝚊𝚙𝚘𝚗𝚜"

Not often does a book leave me utterly speechless and broken hearted. BUT HERE TF WE ARE!
92 highlights later...
Julia, JULIA, J U L I A!!!! YES I AM YELLING AGAIN! You out done yourself on this one and I really didn't think I could love this world and characters even more, but I do!
Julia is such a talented and poetic writer and I will keep saying that no matter how many of her books I read! The way she has develops all these characters so uniquely without it falling flat, and they continue to grow is incredible. I have not found any book that has drawn me in and etched itself into my existence like this series has.

"𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙 ℎ𝑖𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑓 𝐼 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑, 𝐼’𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐ℎ 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑡 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑠 𝑠𝑜 𝑖𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑𝑛’𝑡 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝑓𝑢𝑟𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟. 𝐼𝑓 𝐼 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑, 𝐼’𝑑 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑢𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑠𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑖𝑚. 𝐼𝑓 𝐼 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑, 𝐼’𝑑 𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑟𝑏 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑠𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑏𝑟𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑏𝑙𝑢𝑒 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛."

APM was a great addition to the perfect world series, this book was soul wrenching, HOT AF, & suspenseful. I can never guess what is coming next and I think that is what I love the most about this one. ESPECIALLY THAT EFFIN ENDING! but the journal is here to save the day I just have to remind myself.

This group of beautiful mutant babies have my whole heart every single one of them and after everything they experience in this book.

Miranda and Leslie.....THAT TENTION!!! Les really won me over with that mouth of his, I knew he was going to be assertive, but yes please!
Ollie and Courtney......Dirty talking telepathically while captive had me cackling, the unhinged will never be matched with these two!

If you have not read this series yet, what are you waiting for!!!!!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Mind by Julia McColgan is book three in the Perfect World Series. I’m already a huge fan of this series and of the author herself so needless to say I was eager and emotionally worried for this book. But let me tell you it was incredible on all accounts. The amount of time I spent clutching my kindle was insane; but I just could not stop reading. That being said, you do have to read the books in order as each one continues where the previous book ended. You know I don’t think I have the words to even describe how great this book truly is… I’m still emotionally wrecked and the ending!!! There are so many twists, turns that I could not put the book down. But in all honesty hands down my favorite part of these books has been the characters. I’ve become so invested in each and every one of them. The emotional rollercoaster I went on during this book was remarkable that I went from chuckling to remembering that my heart is cracked open. The writing is on another level of fantastic but the descriptions and characters is where is truly shines. Each character there’s just something you find that you relate to them about… at least that was in my case. This has got to be one of my favorite paranormal series. Also this does end on a cliffhanger so be prepared for that. I can’t even begin to say how much I need the fourth book right now. But this series and author is a high recommendation from me.

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Makena Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is be prepared! Be prepared for the laughter, angst, passion, sarcasm, vigilante behavior, love, and heartbreak that is the genius of A Perfect Mind.

This book makes you feel something on a soul level. This whole series does, and is frankly, a series that once you have read it, you will forever be changed and, look for more like it, because it is just that memorable. You become even further attached to our mutants and, as always, Julia’s writing makes you feel like you are right there experiencing it right beside them.

This book is definitely heavier than the last two but, don’t worry, there is comedic relief and plenty of that mutant sarcasm we have grown to love so much! I will warn you that the cliffhanger is a doozy but, will also say that from the source, book 4 will make it worth it. If you like darker-themed paranormal romance that give stranger things vibes, look no further than this series. Please as always check your trigger warnings. Happy Reading!

[Lyrical · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this series blind and came out wrecked. The Perfect Mind is the third installment to Julie E. McColgan's A Perfect World series, which should only be read in order.

A Perfect World introduced me to Courtney, Ollie, Jack, and Miranda, then left me weeping. A Perfect Life put a band-aid on my heart, introduced me to Leslie and Serina, ripped the damn band-aid off, and left me hanging on until I got my hands on A Perfect Mind.

A Perfect Mind picks up where A Perfect Life left off. Let me tell you, I devoured this book in a day. If you have read this series, brace yourself for some tears, some laughs, more spice (Leslie 😍), and lots of twists and turns. If you haven't read any of these books and are looking for a darker grown-up Stranger Things/XMen, then the A Perfect World series should be your next read.

[Alexis Kymberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Perfect Mind is my absolute FAVORITE book in this series so far! This story starts right where the last book ends and it doesn't stop to even let you breathe. I couldn't put this book down once I started it. This book is an emotional rollercoaster from the very first page, ALL THE WAY to the cliffhanger ending. I haven't gotten upset at a book's ending for a while, and I can't wait for the next one. The need to know what happens next is unreal. This book mostly focuses on Leslie and Miranda but, all of the other characters are present and make themselves known. The Multi POV help to drive the plot, the feelings, and actions that all the characters take.

This third entry in the series does require reading the first 2 due to context, but the journey is more then well worth it

[Ashley Book.markedbyash · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
🌶️🌶️.5

🐊Multiple POVs
🩸Dark Paranormal Romance
🐊Found Family
🩸Revenge
🐊Trauma Rep
🩸Morally Grey MMC and FMC

Wow! I don’t have words. Stare at a wall type of genius!

I was an alpha reader for APM! This one hurt Julia! I’m so emotional over that ending.

I have fallen more in love with the characters. The found family in this series is my favorite. I’m am emotionally attached! When they hurt I hurt!

Also…Frank! Ahhhhh! I freaking love Jack and his powers. I can’t get enough!

This entire series is my “Roman Empire”. Court and Ollie have a romance that’s unhinged but in the best way! We also see more romance brewing between other characters. I will forever recommend these books. Screaming, crying and throwing up.

[Brandon Nagel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart breaking perfection. This is a straight-up assault on the heart with an extreme case of emotional whiplash. I wouldn't trade it for the world despite my current frustration of being left on the side of a massive cliff.

I love these characters so freaking much. The connection and emotion between them is palpable, beautiful, and it's agony. The exchange of banter, sarcasm, and playfulness peppered throughout help safeguard from free falling into sadness amidst the chaos that unfolds.

Beautifully and masterfully written.

[Jessica Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely shattered at the end of this book!! This series has been a roller coaster of emotions! I fell in love with the characters and the emotional plot and emotionally gripping relationships! I feel like Julia E McColgan knows how to destroy you build you back up and then rip your heart out! I need book four now!! And the stranger things vibe just adds to the plot and the twists!! Definitely a must read series!! Release day is Oct 29th look out guys!!

[Katie Deiulius · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMFG I TOLD YOU I WAS SCARED AND I SEE WHY YOU SAID I SHOULD BE.

THE ONE WAY YOU COULD HAVE HURT ME WAS WITH MY BOY LESLIE.

I would be more mad but honestly I’m so EXCITED bc I love to see Ollie’s rage. (I have mental issues I know) but I’m so excited to see how everything turns around. Bc all I’m saying is it better freaking turn around.

But anyway, READ THIS FREAKING SERIES NOW.

[Amriel (Harli) Bang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb

I thought this was a trilogy for some reason, so I was surprised by the end 😂
However, this series, so far, is everything. I love the characters, the story, and the action. The world building is just 🤌🤌

This is also possibly one of the most earth-shattering epilogues I've ever read? Like? Hello? Lmfao

[mrsbattle · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY POOR HEART!!
Screaming. Crying. Throwing up. Shocked pikachu. In that order.
These books may destroy your soul but I promise they’re SO GOOD!!
You may need tissues or a pillow though. You’ve been warned. 😈

[Amy Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia's latest accomplishment is a testament to her versatility and skill as a author, able to elicit laughter, excitement, and poignancy with equal ease. With its thrilling plot twists, A Perfect Mind will keep you on the edge of your seat and turning pages well into the night.

[Ashley Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia has done it AGAIN. Consider me obliterated - this was such a wild ride and I was not ready (but would I ever be?) and I'm already begging for book 4. So many emotions and twists you'd NEEVERR see coming!!!

[Erika Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ollie and Courtney are two of my favorite characters I love the first two books the mind set of these books is so different but in a great way the way there written is so thoughtfully and full of emotion Julia can do no wrong with her writing