Left

by Niccoyan Zheng

For over 25 years, Emmanuel Scott’s life has been the epitome of success and happiness. Married to the love of his life, the brilliant Dr. Ivy Scott, and blessed with three wonderful children, he has enjoyed a reputation of respect and admiration. But even the strongest foundations can crack when secrets from the past surface.

As hidden betrayals come to light, the life Emmanuel has carefully constructed begins to unravel. The reappearance of a figure from his distant past not only shatters his peaceful existence, but also casts long shadows over the couple's cherished relationship. Now, Emmanuel and Ivy must confront the painful truths that threaten their family's stability and the community's respect.

Navigating through the debris of shattered trust and exposed lies, the question Can they mend what was broken, or is the damage too deep to repair? This gripping tale of love, betrayal, and the quest for redemption will leave you questioning the very nature of forgiveness.

Publisher's For the best reading experience, we suggest going in blind. Enjoy the journey!

Standalone (First book in connected series)


Marriage In Peril
Second Chance
Secrets

446 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2025

About the author

Niccoyan Zheng is a Canadian wife, mother, and foodie. The written word has always held her captive. Even before her debut novel “Consumed,” her characters have been urging her to write their stories for years. She looks forward to sharing their diversity, complexity and flaws.
 

Reviews

[Disgusted Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soap opera drama from beginning to end! I was HOOKED

[Ju Berrymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A soap opera!

Ivy's marriage is tested when someone sues her husband for a paternity. Manny swears he's doesn't know the woman and is not the father, but 3 paternity tests say different. Ivy and Manny have been together for 3 decades, and their love is goals, but science doesn't lie. However, people do! This was an emotional rollercoaster. My heart broke and swooned at the same time for these two. The way secrets and lies unfold had me riveted til the end. I can't wait for what's next!

[Mylene Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!! This book has it all. And I loved the twists and turns. The actions of a member of this family has come to light. And it's about the destroy the foundations of a strong loving family in it's path. They love hard and long. An extremely good read. Thank you, Ms Zheng. This is more than 5*

[Antoinette Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's an absolutely amazing read!! Niccoyan Zheng outdid herself with this book!!

This story had me in a death grip from the beginning until the very end. Emmanuel and Ivy Scott have been together happily for over 2 decades of marriage. They have 3 beautiful awesome children, thriving careers, and a very loving and happy home. The love, respect, and passion they have for one another is unshakable. Until it wasn't. What happens when shocking and devastating news begins to form cracks in their once solid foundation?

Throughout this book, Emmanuel and Ivy will go through a rollercoaster of emotions. Face their toughest trials as a couple. Secrets and lies will call in to question the truth, trust, love, and even respect of those they hold dear. When everything that was going right suddenly starts to go left.

The twist and turns in this book will make you want to scream, cry, and cuss. Because that's exactly what I did. This author did the dang thing with this book! I couldn't put my Kindle down until I finished reading. When I say this book will keep you engaged until the end, I'm not lying. Every chapter was more riveting than the last. This book is a definite must-read.

[BookKraves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely consumed me from start to finish. Imagine having a rock-solid, loving marriage for 26 years—three wonderful kids, successful careers, and a beautiful home filled with laughter and love—only to have it all shattered in an instant. Emmanuel and Ivy were the definition of a strong couple, but one unexpected DNA test changed everything, throwing their entire world into chaos.

The moment Emmanuel receives life-altering news, their marriage is put to the ultimate test. Trust is broken, accusations fly, and family secrets start unravelling at an alarming pace. Loyalties shift, emotions run high, and the once unshakable foundation of their relationship crumbles under the weight of doubt and betrayal.

But this story isn’t just heartbreak and turmoil—it’s layered with humour, deep emotional moments, and steamy romance that reminds you why Emmanuel and Ivy fell in love in the first place. Despite the devastation, their chemistry remains undeniable, making every moment between them feel raw and real.

Just when I thought I had it figured out, the book threw in twists that left me completely unprepared. It was more than just a drama-filled rollercoaster—it was a deeply moving exploration of love, resilience, and what it truly means to be a family. If you're looking for a book that keeps you hooked, makes you feel every emotion, and delivers a story that stays with you long after the final page, this is it. Highly recommend!

[CLorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Day in a Life

Versatile author Niccoyan Zheng has given her readers couples in all stages of relationships, from couples in the first throes of love to couples struggling to navigate the pitfalls of marriage and life. In her new novel Left, we are given a glimpse of a couple with arguably a picture-perfect marriage. Wealthy businessman Emmanuel Scott and Dr. Ivy Scott have been married for over two decades, they have three incredible children, and their love is just as sturdy and heated as it was when they first took their vows. For the people around them, Emmanuel and Ivy represent true “couple’s goals”. But what will happen when this rock-solid couple is assailed by evidence pointing to a major breach in their fortress of love? The optics appear to suggest that Emmanuel is not the man Ivy believes he is and Ms. Zheng layers this riveting story that is part scientific suspense and part family drama with many years of secrets and hidden agendas. When the smoke clears and all the lies have been uncovered will the life that Emmanuel and Ivy so lovingly assembled remain standing? I enjoyed the construction of this story as Ms. Zheng seamlessly takes us from the past to present so that we are aware of the events that tie the story together. I also enjoyed seeing couples from her other stories and I am eager to see what happens in the next story in this series. Not to be greedy, but I would be interested in reading more about Darsh, Asher (even though he never appeared in this book) and Anna Harkness.
https://theretiredreader.com/f/left-b...

[Tamarah Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story begins with our main couple, Emmanuel “Manny” and Dr. Ivy Scott. To the outside world, they seemed to have all: a happy marriage, continued success in their respective fields, and great kids, to name a few. However, their seemingly perfect life stops when Manny is served on one of the biggest nights in Ivy’s career.
Without giving away too much of the story, Manny and Ivy go through a wild ride to fight for their marriage, family, and much more. Amid the intense drama, there are several moments of humor, steamy romance, and heartwarming moments. Several moments had me in my feelings for several reasons. Of course, some characters left an impression on me (both good and bad). Although it was not always easy at Emmanuel, Ivy and Noah were determined to fight for their marriage and get the answers they deserved. I did have my theories, but I was still pleasantly surprised. Overall, I did enjoy the story. I am looking forward to reading how the story continues in the next book.

[Dayn3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Niccoyan has done it again another great book and couple. Left is full of family secrets and mysteries and it did not disappoint.
Our MCS (Emmanuel) Manny and (Ivy) Doc have been together for many years and a wonderful family (relationship goals). Manny is devoted to his wife and children and would never do anything to jeopardize the love he has for his family, but one day he is served with a paternity suit and his world is turned upside down. Manny is adamant that he would never cheat on Doc or go against everything he has instilled in his children. Doc even conducts a second paternity test with the same results he has a child with another woman and paternity tests don’t lie. Initially Doc is very hurt but starts to remember the man she has loved since college. Doc decides she is going to find the answers to this mystery and beings to unravel family secrets that will either destroy her relationship with Manny or breathe new life and devotion to her and Manny’s marriage.
Left is a page turner and unable to put this book done until the mystery is solved.

[Shalandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially, I was going to put this book on my Do Not Read (DNR) list because I thought it was JUST about an already married couple facing issues, which isn't really my thing. Honey, I was WRONG! I'm so glad this book wasn't LEFT on my DNR list. The story of Manny and Ivy was amazing from start to finish. Family certainly has a way of testing Manny and Ivy, but their love for each other remains strong throughout the story. Manny is the hero of all heroes; he never wavered in his love for Ivy, not once. I can’t say more without giving away the good details, but I will mention that I figured out part of the story early on and was excited to see my predictions confirmed in the end. This is such a wonderful read, and there were even cameos from some of my other favorite heroines!

[Renetia Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal!

**No Spoilers** This was a book I did not know I needed. Enjoy the character builds at the beginning of the book because it's all gas and no brakes after that! The secrets and lies were like, whoa. The female characters were the bomb! Each one spoke and made moves like the Bad B's they were. Communication between the FMC and MMC was precisely what you'd expect from an adult couple. The angst was handled like a healthy couple would in real life. This book was an all-around banger. Kudos to Ms. Zheng for bringing the fire with this one. I can't wait for the next!

[K JAY · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's so funny that we see couples, and sometimes automatically assume their lives are perfect. This book opens the pages and gives a glimpse of how perfect may not be the best word. Niccoyan always has a way of pulling you into the story and making you fall in love with the characters. I can say that while reading, I had several emotional reactions. I love it when a book pulls you in and has you fighting right along with the characters. Niccoyan never disappoints with her FMC’s. She creates characters that are relatable and strong. This book is a MUST READ for 2025.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when the love of your life is accused of fathering a child outside of your marriage? Dr. Ivy Scott stands by Emmanuel Scott, until the facts prove her life has been a lie. Ivy is torn between scientific proof and the man she knows Emmanuel Scott to be. The journey to disprove paternity allegations uncovers family secrets and deceptions by those closest to the couple. Is the love Ivy and Emmanuel share enough to survive the secrets they uncover? Take they journey with the Scotts and family as loyalty and bonds are tested.

[T T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emmanuel and Ivy are the goals people look for in life. They are loving life until they get an interruption in life. This books is a story of the power of love and the consequences of lies. Emmanuel is a man whose loves his wife and family with his whole heart. Ivy is brilliant doctor and she use those skills to navigate this crazy twist. They love each other enough to fight for their life together. They also are a sexy power couple. Don't cross either of this folks. They're family and friends love them with passion. I must read.

[Willie-mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left by author Niccoyan Zheng was an awesomely and beautifully written book! Manny and Ivy’s journey was filled with love, deception, secrets and lies! This book had amazing and strong characters! The storytelling was top notch and the storyline will leave you captivated, entertained and intrigued! It had just the right amount of fire and steam to keep you engaged!! Looking forward to reading the next book in this amazing new series!! I highly recommend this book!!

[shelly shells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy...

This right here was like watching a soap opera lol... There is so much to unpack in a great way. This author wove the stories together beautifully
There is drama, trauma, heartbreak, funny moments and lots of spice..
You felt the love between Manny and Ivy, the pain in the situation for him and Leo and the loyalty between the characters except for Larson... Great read...

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left is love at it's most vulnerable. From unpredictable to inevitable, Zheng covers the heart from every angle. Manny and Ivy take emotions through the heat of attraction, the heartache of romance and the chaos of life. A wild ride of beautiful moments, heartbreaking, revelations and haunting romance that sticks to the soul.

[Cynthia Dlamini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything(trust issues, drama, betrayal, etc... ) , the love story between Emmanuel and Ivy, the couple is put through a test when a comes forward and claims and sues Manny for a child support.

[TabCat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was enthralling, for sure! The reveals lead to more questions, leaving you guessing. But the love between Ivy and Manny was EVERYTHING! Their devotion and trust in each other, Ivy going to great lengths to find the truth was next level. Great story, and can't wait to read the next one!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me emotionally spent by the end. The secrets, the lies man I could not put it down. The characters were well developed, the story grip you and held you all the way until the end. I don’t know if my emotions can take another book but I am definitely looking forward to it. You will definitely not be disappointed.

[Shawn Pinzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left a REAL life drama that left my mind reeling! This book will definitely have you in your feelings. I like all characters in this book even the villains. I liked how Emmanuel was truthful to his wife (Ivy) about everything. This is one of the best book I've read for 2025. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I loved the story.

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Pandora's Box of secrets

Each secret revealed was ike peeling off a layer of an onion. The next secret was worse than the previous one. Thank goodness for a strong marriage and relationship between Manny and his Doc. Their marriage was definitely tested and caused Ivy to have some doubts, but she used her knowledge of her husband and her knowledge of science to push to find the truth. It was her pushing that finally found the truth and in doing so saved her marriage, but was the undoing of another.

Manny gained knowledge of who he truly was and gained acceptance of the new part of his family with some reservations. His mother, Grace, stood up to her name with grace and dignity, more so than I would have shown. Manny and Doc's children, Oliver, Benjamin, and Sage, were typical sibling teenagers who had to deal with the disruption in their family life, watching their parents survive the turmoil in their marriage. There was one thing they knew for sure was that their parents loved them and even though their faith was shaken, they did know that.

There was one theme over and over in the story was how much Manny and Ivy loved each other and were determined not to let lies destroy that love.

I really enjoyed reading the book. I wanted to bash Leonardo upside his head for all of the havoc he caused. I get the impression he didn't understand what his actions did to his brother's marriage. Even though in the end he seemed remorseful but I was not convinced. I don't blame Jasmine for not wanting to have anything to do with him after the fact.