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He's Found Me
Please note that this is a revised version of the book previously published as Without You
He’s found me. My ex-husband says if I don’t come back to him he’ll kill everyone I love.
I thought I was safe.
For seven years, I built a new life, a new identity — far away from the man who knew me better than anyone. The man I once loved. The man I ran from.
Then a red box appears on my doorstep. Just like the ones from before.
Evan has found me. And he’s not here to forgive.
He’s already tangled himself into my world, charming my friends, smiling at my boyfriend, acting like he belongs here. He’s always been patient. Calculating. And now, he’s given me a choice — go back with him willingly, or watch the life I built crumble, piece by piece.
I know what he’s capable of. I know what he’s done.
But the worst part?
He knows who I really am.
He’s found me. My ex-husband says if I don’t come back to him he’ll kill everyone I love.
I thought I was safe.
For seven years, I built a new life, a new identity — far away from the man who knew me better than anyone. The man I once loved. The man I ran from.
Then a red box appears on my doorstep. Just like the ones from before.
Evan has found me. And he’s not here to forgive.
He’s already tangled himself into my world, charming my friends, smiling at my boyfriend, acting like he belongs here. He’s always been patient. Calculating. And now, he’s given me a choice — go back with him willingly, or watch the life I built crumble, piece by piece.
I know what he’s capable of. I know what he’s done.
But the worst part?
He knows who I really am.
- GenresThriller
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2024
1408 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Alesha Dykema
8 books92 followersAlesha Dykema is a thirty-something-year-old author of thriller novels. She lives in the dreadful Midwest with her strange husband, head-banging toddler son, a neurotic dog, and warden cat. Besides writing, Alesha loves to read (like every other author in the world). Alesha is also a health and fitness junkie and a dabbler in furniture refinishing. She is extremely anti-social and wishes she lived off-grid in the middle of the woods, but her husband hates good ideas and happiness and won’t allow this to happen. Even though she’s pretty anti-social, she still likes to make new friends and have casual chats about people’s childhood traumas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 3, 2024
Without You by Alesha Dykema. Thanks to the author for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Scarlett has spent the last seven years hiding from her past but now it has come to find her.
This was a great suspense read that turned into a cat and mouse thriller at the end. It was fast paced and extremely hard to put down. There is a lot of gray morally area with the characters, and I loved how the past played into it.
“Having the capacity to be evil and choosing not to be requires more strength than you’ve ever had.”
Without You comes out 4/25.
Scarlett has spent the last seven years hiding from her past but now it has come to find her.
This was a great suspense read that turned into a cat and mouse thriller at the end. It was fast paced and extremely hard to put down. There is a lot of gray morally area with the characters, and I loved how the past played into it.
“Having the capacity to be evil and choosing not to be requires more strength than you’ve ever had.”
Without You comes out 4/25.
May 31, 2025
This book can be tough to read at times. Two foster friends get married and carry out horrific acts. Both are complicit. Eventually the wife can’t take their actions any more and runs away. She meets an honorable man and tries to hide her past. But as she meets her best friend’s boyfriend, she is thrown back into her past. Will she be able to escape it and move forward? Or will that past come crashing down, ruining the nice life she has built herself?
July 27, 2025
honestly idk. i had high hopes but everything felt repetitive, predictable, and the “twist” wasn’t a surprise at all and left so many plot holes in the end LMFAO
1 star bc of how long it took me to get through this and i was bored for 90% of the story
1 star bc of how long it took me to get through this and i was bored for 90% of the story
September 18, 2025
4.5 stars// this was a little too scary and graphic but it was such a page turner
May 21, 2024
This book hooked me from the start! I really enjoyed this thriller. I can't wait to read more by this author.
Alesha did a great job immersing the reader into this world. It leaves you wondering about the role nature versus nurture play in the decisions a person makes and really tests your moral ground. Are we inherently good or evil? Can someone be both?
This psychological thriller had me on the edge of my seat and is filled with lots of twists and turns. The dual timelines and points of view keep you engaged and wanting more. So happy my book club picked this book to read. Lots of great things to think about and discuss!
Alesha did a great job immersing the reader into this world. It leaves you wondering about the role nature versus nurture play in the decisions a person makes and really tests your moral ground. Are we inherently good or evil? Can someone be both?
This psychological thriller had me on the edge of my seat and is filled with lots of twists and turns. The dual timelines and points of view keep you engaged and wanting more. So happy my book club picked this book to read. Lots of great things to think about and discuss!
July 26, 2025
Great book! I found the ending quite sad.
January 11, 2026
if youre a scaredy cat chicken its gonna be on the spooky side but its dang good! Definitely a suspense thriller!
April 25, 2024
*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*
"Don't try to appeal to my love for you or try to diminish it. I love you more than life itself, and living without you is not an option. So you see, I have no choice. But you do."
"...it confuses me. To love a monster."
Chills throughout reading the mounting nonstop tension filled Without You by anxiety inducing psychological thriller author Alesha Dykema. As secrets are revealed the danger increases but so do the twists.
Scarlett is speechless at her birthday dinner with friends and live in boyfriend Dan, for the past six years, when her best friend's boyfriend, who they are all meeting for the first time, turns out to be her husband no one knows about, but she knows, now that he's found her they are all in danger.
How? Why? What? So many questions. I love that amidst all the anxiety building tension between Scarlett and Evan we get all the jaw dropping answers. How they met as kids and developed a particularly deadly "hobby" together. Why they fell in love and the development that made Scarlett run and hide. What's in the secret red box under her bed!
This writer needs a movie contract now because this wild psychological thriller is a ready made movie and personally I think @chrisevans and @dakotajohnson would be perfect as Scarlett and Evan.
How dangerous is love? How protective are we of it? What would we sacrifice for it? What would we do without it? Reading Without You might provide some intriguing answers.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
"Don't try to appeal to my love for you or try to diminish it. I love you more than life itself, and living without you is not an option. So you see, I have no choice. But you do."
"...it confuses me. To love a monster."
Chills throughout reading the mounting nonstop tension filled Without You by anxiety inducing psychological thriller author Alesha Dykema. As secrets are revealed the danger increases but so do the twists.
Scarlett is speechless at her birthday dinner with friends and live in boyfriend Dan, for the past six years, when her best friend's boyfriend, who they are all meeting for the first time, turns out to be her husband no one knows about, but she knows, now that he's found her they are all in danger.
How? Why? What? So many questions. I love that amidst all the anxiety building tension between Scarlett and Evan we get all the jaw dropping answers. How they met as kids and developed a particularly deadly "hobby" together. Why they fell in love and the development that made Scarlett run and hide. What's in the secret red box under her bed!
This writer needs a movie contract now because this wild psychological thriller is a ready made movie and personally I think @chrisevans and @dakotajohnson would be perfect as Scarlett and Evan.
How dangerous is love? How protective are we of it? What would we sacrifice for it? What would we do without it? Reading Without You might provide some intriguing answers.
I received a free copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 24, 2025
He’s Found Me is a quick yet gripping read that explores the life of Scarlett, the daughter of a serial killer. The story dives into the impact of her father’s crimes on her upbringing, the decisions she makes, and the circumstances those choices eventually lead her into.
Haunted by the belief that she’s “evil” simply because of where she came from, Scarlett gravitates toward destructive people and environments. When her world shifts, she seizes the chance to escape and begins reshaping her life for the better. Yet, paranoia and fear linger at every turn, and as expected, her past inevitably comes back to threaten not just her but everyone she holds dear.
The book is well thought out, and certain moments tugged hard on my heartstrings. While at first I found Scarlett and the main characters to be unfortunate and even somewhat unlikeable, their unlikely circumstances were written in a way that felt grounded and real. That said, there are a couple of intimate scenes that lean on the descriptive side; normally that isn’t my preference, but here I found them tolerable.
Ultimately though, it was the side characters that shone brightest—Miss Pamela in particular was the true standout, a character who will stick with me for a long time. The ending also leaves the door open for a sequel, and I’d be eager to see if Alesha Dykema chooses to continue the story.
Overall, He’s Found Me was an engaging read with well-developed characters, thoughtful consequences, and a story that kept me hooked. I’m giving it 4 stars—an enjoyable and emotional ride that left me curious for more.
Haunted by the belief that she’s “evil” simply because of where she came from, Scarlett gravitates toward destructive people and environments. When her world shifts, she seizes the chance to escape and begins reshaping her life for the better. Yet, paranoia and fear linger at every turn, and as expected, her past inevitably comes back to threaten not just her but everyone she holds dear.
The book is well thought out, and certain moments tugged hard on my heartstrings. While at first I found Scarlett and the main characters to be unfortunate and even somewhat unlikeable, their unlikely circumstances were written in a way that felt grounded and real. That said, there are a couple of intimate scenes that lean on the descriptive side; normally that isn’t my preference, but here I found them tolerable.
Ultimately though, it was the side characters that shone brightest—Miss Pamela in particular was the true standout, a character who will stick with me for a long time. The ending also leaves the door open for a sequel, and I’d be eager to see if Alesha Dykema chooses to continue the story.
Overall, He’s Found Me was an engaging read with well-developed characters, thoughtful consequences, and a story that kept me hooked. I’m giving it 4 stars—an enjoyable and emotional ride that left me curious for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2024
I get so pumped when I discover a new incredible indie author, like Alesha Dykema! If you enjoy psychological thrillers or suspense novels by the likes of Kiersten Modglin or Frieda McFadden, I highly recommend that you add her new release, Without You, to your TBR. It gives serial killer vibes, daddy issues, fake life, and twisty secrets galore. The story flows so smoothly through the easy to follow dual timelines and multiple POV’s. As a woman who has been through a horrible relationship, I loved the transformation of the main character through all her lows. I can’t wait to read more by Dykema and do I dare ask for a sequel to Without You?!
August 16, 2025
This was an interesting read.
Predictable in the fact Marin’s new boyfriend would be the person who haunted Scarlett’s past. The extent to which she tried to remain hidden was extensive and the book gave a great account into the demise of Evan and Scarlett’s relationship.
It was a well rounded book with every element coming into play and the real reason Scarlett remained scared being the fact she did indeed have a daughter she wanted to protect from Evan.
The end of the book however felt rushed with no indication of what happened to Dan or Marin after that dreadful night. And suddenly jumped 16 years to the life Phoenix now had ….
Predictable in the fact Marin’s new boyfriend would be the person who haunted Scarlett’s past. The extent to which she tried to remain hidden was extensive and the book gave a great account into the demise of Evan and Scarlett’s relationship.
It was a well rounded book with every element coming into play and the real reason Scarlett remained scared being the fact she did indeed have a daughter she wanted to protect from Evan.
The end of the book however felt rushed with no indication of what happened to Dan or Marin after that dreadful night. And suddenly jumped 16 years to the life Phoenix now had ….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2024
DNF 60%. I completely lost interest once I read how violently the FMC committed murder. The build up of the "bad thing" up to that point just didn't make sense, i.e., that she would do something so violent simply because she thought it was "in her blood", especially since her father writes in his letters that he wanted her to have a "normal" life so likely didn't raise her to kill. I thought about quitting once the neighbor helped her cart Evan into her house at 2 am (!!!) without thinking much of it, then again when Evan (unbelievably) escaped, but didn't and wish I had.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2025
This book felt a bit too unpleasant for me. Yes, I understand it’s a murder "mystery", but the content still felt like too much. Maybe I’m just a bit too naive or soft-hearted, but I really wished that at least one of the main characters had turned out to be somewhat innocent in the end. The good deeds at the end were a little too unbelievable, considering everything that came before. Because of that, the whole reading experience felt heavier than I expected, and not in a way I personally enjoyed.
January 2, 2026
Predictable
He Found Us was an okay read overall. While the story had moments that kept my interest, several parts of the plot were predictable, which took away from the suspense and emotional impact. The concept had potential, but I found myself anticipating key twists before they happened. It wasn’t a bad book by any means—just not one that fully pulled me in. A decent, light read, but not particularly memorable.
He Found Us was an okay read overall. While the story had moments that kept my interest, several parts of the plot were predictable, which took away from the suspense and emotional impact. The concept had potential, but I found myself anticipating key twists before they happened. It wasn’t a bad book by any means—just not one that fully pulled me in. A decent, light read, but not particularly memorable.
October 5, 2025
4.25✨i actually loved this book, the ending was exactly what i needed. i know that phoenix wasn’t in the book like a lot but i felt her character was so important in the end and i loved the fact that phoenix ended up taking over the home. what i didn’t enjoy was that our main character lied and it resulted in a lot of people she loved dying, it just sorta sucked but otherwise slay book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2025
THE END DIDN’T HAVE AN ENDING! So many characters that were discussed throughout the whole book and have no idea what happened with them. Other than that- moves quickly but man, the ending needed to END. Also, kind of disturbing at times but just read it. You’ll see. It was a page turner for sure but not really in the best way at times.
June 8, 2025
Depressing and not believable.
I had to force myself to finish this book. It was depressing. The characters and events were unrealistic and dismal. I hope this author improves any more books she writes.
I had to force myself to finish this book. It was depressing. The characters and events were unrealistic and dismal. I hope this author improves any more books she writes.
February 17, 2026
⭐️3.5 STARS⭐️
I liked this book & the twists were good. But I felt it could have been so much better! Would have liked to have known what happened with Dan & Marin rather than jumping straight in to Phoenix’s story 16 years later! It was just so rushed at the end.
I liked this book & the twists were good. But I felt it could have been so much better! Would have liked to have known what happened with Dan & Marin rather than jumping straight in to Phoenix’s story 16 years later! It was just so rushed at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2026
Warning there are some gruesome parts, and very detailed in this book! I’ll admit it did bother me a bit.
This is my first time reading this author. It caught me right away. First it went back and forth which I’m used to. Scarlett was placed in a foster home of sorts after her father was put in jail. The girls at the home weren’t very nice. That’s when she met Evan since It was co-ed. They instantly became friends. When he left she felt empty. When she left well she moved in with him. They were inseparable. He asked her to marry him. But then he asked her the most bizarre thing. She wasn’t sure she heard him right? He was serious. That’s where it gets gruesome. After awhile she didn’t want to continue. They talked a lot when they were in the home, and she even confided in him who her dad was. At one point they go see her dad in jail. It took a lot, but Evan was her rock. Her dad sees something that he doesn’t like. He’s shocked she’s married. Scarlett reads a letter from her dad telling her something that shocks her to the core.
Evan would do anything for her, but he couldn’t stop what they were both doing together. She followed him one day. He did something out of the normal thing, and she knew she had to leave.
When she reached a town she felt good. It was there she meet Dan. He was good, and he treated her the best. On The day of her birthday a box was on the door step where she was living with someone new. It was a signature she knew all too well. He Found Her. It wasn’t until they went to the restaurant her friend introduced her new boyfriend to everyone.
She never told Dan. She just couldn’t. All Scarlett could do was play it cool.
It was a game for Evan. He knew her so well, and vice versa.
He gave her three days to come home with him or else he would start hurting people she cared about.
Only one thing she never told him why she really left him.
He actually came to wonder about that. He was determined to know why so he used someone to lure her.
An awesome ending. However it seems there was something missing. What happened to certain people?
I still give it a 5.
This is my first time reading this author. It caught me right away. First it went back and forth which I’m used to. Scarlett was placed in a foster home of sorts after her father was put in jail. The girls at the home weren’t very nice. That’s when she met Evan since It was co-ed. They instantly became friends. When he left she felt empty. When she left well she moved in with him. They were inseparable. He asked her to marry him. But then he asked her the most bizarre thing. She wasn’t sure she heard him right? He was serious. That’s where it gets gruesome. After awhile she didn’t want to continue. They talked a lot when they were in the home, and she even confided in him who her dad was. At one point they go see her dad in jail. It took a lot, but Evan was her rock. Her dad sees something that he doesn’t like. He’s shocked she’s married. Scarlett reads a letter from her dad telling her something that shocks her to the core.
Evan would do anything for her, but he couldn’t stop what they were both doing together. She followed him one day. He did something out of the normal thing, and she knew she had to leave.
When she reached a town she felt good. It was there she meet Dan. He was good, and he treated her the best. On The day of her birthday a box was on the door step where she was living with someone new. It was a signature she knew all too well. He Found Her. It wasn’t until they went to the restaurant her friend introduced her new boyfriend to everyone.
She never told Dan. She just couldn’t. All Scarlett could do was play it cool.
It was a game for Evan. He knew her so well, and vice versa.
He gave her three days to come home with him or else he would start hurting people she cared about.
Only one thing she never told him why she really left him.
He actually came to wonder about that. He was determined to know why so he used someone to lure her.
An awesome ending. However it seems there was something missing. What happened to certain people?
I still give it a 5.
August 20, 2025
Another 5 Star book!!
I finished (and reviewed) Everything I Wanted 2 days ago and tonight I finished He’s Found Me. Oh geez! What a ride this one was!!! Like the last the protagonist is also quite an anti-hero of sorts. You love her for who she wants to be but despise who she let herself be persuaded to be. Not a black and white, good guy/bad guy story. It pulls at your heartstrings and gets your adrenaline flowing. On to book #3, If She’s Found!! Thank you Alesha for writing these unformulaic (is that a word??) stories!!
I finished (and reviewed) Everything I Wanted 2 days ago and tonight I finished He’s Found Me. Oh geez! What a ride this one was!!! Like the last the protagonist is also quite an anti-hero of sorts. You love her for who she wants to be but despise who she let herself be persuaded to be. Not a black and white, good guy/bad guy story. It pulls at your heartstrings and gets your adrenaline flowing. On to book #3, If She’s Found!! Thank you Alesha for writing these unformulaic (is that a word??) stories!!
January 13, 2026
Roller Coaster
Loved the buildup you just knew he would find her but the game of cat and mouse and the slow letting out of the back stories. I figured out early on what she was hiding but the way everything ended was very well written and there was a little cliff hanger. It was left in a way that left questions but not like most books. There were mistakes here and there but it was well written and flowed well the twists and turns were captivating and the book kept you intrigued.
Loved the buildup you just knew he would find her but the game of cat and mouse and the slow letting out of the back stories. I figured out early on what she was hiding but the way everything ended was very well written and there was a little cliff hanger. It was left in a way that left questions but not like most books. There were mistakes here and there but it was well written and flowed well the twists and turns were captivating and the book kept you intrigued.
April 28, 2026
Two very damaged teenagers grow up in the foster care system, Evan and Scarlett. Scarlett is drawn to Evan because he seems protective of her but that is not the case. When Scarlett leaves foster care, she meets up with Evan again and they get married. Evan is extremely controlling. After years, Scarlett is able to escape and establish a new life.
However, years later, Evan finds her and the violence starts again. The ending is rushed and could be more detailed.
Triggers: extreme violence and gore.
However, years later, Evan finds her and the violence starts again. The ending is rushed and could be more detailed.
Triggers: extreme violence and gore.
April 14, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Scarlett has been running, hiding from her husband Evan for 7 years. She creates a new life for herself, lying to everyone around her. But what happens when Evan shows back up? Secrets never stay hidden.
There is past/present chapters, paranoia, codependency, betrayal and more. I cannot get over how good this was!
I received an ARC from Alesha and this is now my favorite book she’s done!
Scarlett has been running, hiding from her husband Evan for 7 years. She creates a new life for herself, lying to everyone around her. But what happens when Evan shows back up? Secrets never stay hidden.
There is past/present chapters, paranoia, codependency, betrayal and more. I cannot get over how good this was!
I received an ARC from Alesha and this is now my favorite book she’s done!
October 5, 2025
Unpredictable!
I loved this book. Well written and original. Never knew what was going to happen next. Looking for more books from this author as she still has me thinking about this story and these characters. As an aspiring writer who is too lazy to actually write anything down, this is the kind of book that inspires me to do so. Love her twisted mind! And I mean that as the highest of compliments
I loved this book. Well written and original. Never knew what was going to happen next. Looking for more books from this author as she still has me thinking about this story and these characters. As an aspiring writer who is too lazy to actually write anything down, this is the kind of book that inspires me to do so. Love her twisted mind! And I mean that as the highest of compliments
December 31, 2025
I really wish I could give 4.7 stars. It's not quite a five but it comes close. This is not a conventional story and I was pleasantly surprised. I was engaged and curious. Some of the characters didn't completely ring true but I give credit that they were more than two-dimensional. There were choices I questioned, but without which the story wouldn't have been worth telling. So I can overlook them. I really recommend this book.
May 4, 2024
Wow! Thank you for getting me out of my reading slump!
Alesha never fails to impress with her storytelling. I devoured this book in one sitting.
It had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish with its lightning-fast pace and an addictive and shocking plot.
I was completely immersed throughout.
Looking forward to reading more books by Alesha Dykema.
Alesha never fails to impress with her storytelling. I devoured this book in one sitting.
It had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish with its lightning-fast pace and an addictive and shocking plot.
I was completely immersed throughout.
Looking forward to reading more books by Alesha Dykema.
August 8, 2025
Another winner. WOW
I am very hard to please! Second book by this author I've read. Both excellent and unput down able. You will be engrossed from page one! I am so grateful I found her. Way to go Alesha. Keep them coming and, of course, thank you for sharing your God given talent.
I am very hard to please! Second book by this author I've read. Both excellent and unput down able. You will be engrossed from page one! I am so grateful I found her. Way to go Alesha. Keep them coming and, of course, thank you for sharing your God given talent.
October 13, 2025
So Good!!!
OMG!!! What a ride this was! This book kept my attention the whole time. All the shocking twists and turns. The characters were well fleshed out, and the plot was solid, and the story was fast-paced. This was my first book by this author, but most certainly not my last.
I totally recommend this book!
OMG!!! What a ride this was! This book kept my attention the whole time. All the shocking twists and turns. The characters were well fleshed out, and the plot was solid, and the story was fast-paced. This was my first book by this author, but most certainly not my last.
I totally recommend this book!
November 11, 2025
He’s Found Me by Alesha Dykema is an intense, emotional thriller that keeps you hooked. The story follows a woman whose abusive ex-husband tracks her down after years of hiding, threatening everything she loves. A chilling, emotional, and entertaining read with strong writing and a haunting sense of danger.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews