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The Mind He Left Behind
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jan 26When a new string of murders perfectly mirrors the signature of a serial killer who died in the '80s, investigators are stunned to find a thirty-five-year-old man who looks exactly like the long-dead butcher. He refuses to speak, offers no explanation, and the detectives call in Dr. Emily Beckett to break through his silence.
Emily craves answers. But as she digs into his fractured psyche, the line between doctor and patient blurs. What she believes is progress is just his influence sinking deeper into her own wounds. Her trauma tells her a monster like him might still be capable of loving someone like her.
She thinks she's close to the truth behind the killings, but she couldn't be further from it.
Zayne Mercer was never acting alone.
He is one of two twins made in the lab of the Halden Institute. And when he finally escapes and reunites with his brother, Emily learns the hardest
Some monsters are born.
Some are made.
And some… are loved.
Emily craves answers. But as she digs into his fractured psyche, the line between doctor and patient blurs. What she believes is progress is just his influence sinking deeper into her own wounds. Her trauma tells her a monster like him might still be capable of loving someone like her.
She thinks she's close to the truth behind the killings, but she couldn't be further from it.
Zayne Mercer was never acting alone.
He is one of two twins made in the lab of the Halden Institute. And when he finally escapes and reunites with his brother, Emily learns the hardest
Some monsters are born.
Some are made.
And some… are loved.
- GenresDark Romance
224 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 21, 2026
9 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
A. Em
20 books369 followers“Where others write ever after, I write never after.” -A.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
December 24, 2025
This book might honestly be the one I’ve been most desperate to read in a very long time. From the very first day A started this project, she pulled us in and guided us through a trail of clues, hints, and mysteries, building anticipation step by step until it all culminated in what I can only describe as a true masterpiece. All of that naturally set my expectations incredibly high—and somehow, this book didn’t just meet them, it shattered them.
A’s writing reaches me in a way no other author ever has, and this story is no exception. There’s something about the way she writes that gets under your skin and stays there. Through Emilie and Zayne’s story, you’re taken on an emotional journey that will absolutely destroy you. Every moment feels intentional. The plot is carefully thought out, the details are rich and precise, and everything is woven together in a way that feels effortless yet powerful.
The character development is absolutely brilliant. Emilie and Zayne feel painfully real—flawed, vulnerable, and deeply human. Their pain, their connection, and their choices sink under your skin and refuse to let go. A has an incredible ability to make you emotionally bond with her characters so deeply that their suffering becomes your own.
This isn’t a book you simply read and move on from. It consumes you. It leaves you emotionally wrecked, hollow, and staring at the wall once it’s over, wondering what the hell you’re supposed to do with your life now. I would give anything to erase this story from my memory just so I could experience the destruction all over again for the first time.
A’s writing reaches me in a way no other author ever has, and this story is no exception. There’s something about the way she writes that gets under your skin and stays there. Through Emilie and Zayne’s story, you’re taken on an emotional journey that will absolutely destroy you. Every moment feels intentional. The plot is carefully thought out, the details are rich and precise, and everything is woven together in a way that feels effortless yet powerful.
The character development is absolutely brilliant. Emilie and Zayne feel painfully real—flawed, vulnerable, and deeply human. Their pain, their connection, and their choices sink under your skin and refuse to let go. A has an incredible ability to make you emotionally bond with her characters so deeply that their suffering becomes your own.
This isn’t a book you simply read and move on from. It consumes you. It leaves you emotionally wrecked, hollow, and staring at the wall once it’s over, wondering what the hell you’re supposed to do with your life now. I would give anything to erase this story from my memory just so I could experience the destruction all over again for the first time.
December 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5 out of 5 spice
This book did not just entertain me. It emotionally bodyslammed me and then asked if I was okay while I lay there questioning my life choices.
I went in knowing the triggers were heavy and somehow still came out shocked. From page one I was hooked. The tension was nonstop, the psychology was intense, and the way this story crawls into your brain and refuses to leave should honestly come with a warning label of its own.
I felt everything while reading this. Unsettled. Emotional. Turned on. Confused. Slightly feral. There were moments I had chills, moments I had tears, and moments where I just stared at the page like wow okay cool so I definitely need therapy after this.
The dedication alone already had me spiraling and then the story just kept going deeper and darker. This is not a light read. This is the kind of book that rewires something in your brain and leaves you needing to unpack your feelings with a licensed professional.
The characters are complex, damaged, and fascinating. This book will either consume you or make you realize you should have read the trigger warnings more carefully. Please actually read them. I’m serious.
It is twisted. It is spicy. It is emotional. It is disturbing in a way that pulls you in instead of pushing you away. I loved it and I am also deeply concerned about myself.
I already want to reread it even though I know it will emotionally ruin me again. Five stars. Five spice. One future therapy session booked.
Proceed with caution. Or don’t. Just know I warned you. 🖤
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5 out of 5 spice
This book did not just entertain me. It emotionally bodyslammed me and then asked if I was okay while I lay there questioning my life choices.
I went in knowing the triggers were heavy and somehow still came out shocked. From page one I was hooked. The tension was nonstop, the psychology was intense, and the way this story crawls into your brain and refuses to leave should honestly come with a warning label of its own.
I felt everything while reading this. Unsettled. Emotional. Turned on. Confused. Slightly feral. There were moments I had chills, moments I had tears, and moments where I just stared at the page like wow okay cool so I definitely need therapy after this.
The dedication alone already had me spiraling and then the story just kept going deeper and darker. This is not a light read. This is the kind of book that rewires something in your brain and leaves you needing to unpack your feelings with a licensed professional.
The characters are complex, damaged, and fascinating. This book will either consume you or make you realize you should have read the trigger warnings more carefully. Please actually read them. I’m serious.
It is twisted. It is spicy. It is emotional. It is disturbing in a way that pulls you in instead of pushing you away. I loved it and I am also deeply concerned about myself.
I already want to reread it even though I know it will emotionally ruin me again. Five stars. Five spice. One future therapy session booked.
Proceed with caution. Or don’t. Just know I warned you. 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh A... once again, you've demonstrated your remarkable talent. You possess a unique ability to craft words that resonate profoundly with your readers; every book you've written has carved out a special place in my heart, making me feel truly seen and heard.
Now, turning to the book itself—simply, wow. I am eager to learn how this project began and where it ultimately leads. The book was masterfully written, with exquisite artistry! My emotions were stirred entirely, and as soon as I thought I had grasped a certain truth, a twist emerged, making me question my own sanity—absolutely mesmerizing!
Some of my favorite quotes include:
"If he is the devil, he wears my sins like a crown."
"The moon is nothing without the sun. The sun is nothing without the moon. Always close. Always apart."
Oh man, that ending... was both shocking and beautifully crafted.
Now, turning to the book itself—simply, wow. I am eager to learn how this project began and where it ultimately leads. The book was masterfully written, with exquisite artistry! My emotions were stirred entirely, and as soon as I thought I had grasped a certain truth, a twist emerged, making me question my own sanity—absolutely mesmerizing!
Some of my favorite quotes include:
"If he is the devil, he wears my sins like a crown."
"The moon is nothing without the sun. The sun is nothing without the moon. Always close. Always apart."
Oh man, that ending... was both shocking and beautifully crafted.
January 13, 2026
“Sometimes all thas is left behind is the understanding that loving someone doesn’t make them safe. That monsters don’t always look like monsters. That Narcissists and psychopaths sit beside us, hold us, promise us everything, and slowly take pieces of your minds with them.
Triggers: Age gap, Serial Killer, Doctor/patient dynamics, asylum, FMC smart mouth, MMC psychopath, stalking
What a book, She did it again. She makes the reader question everything. The plots, the turns, absolutely unpredictable.
“when we leave, wenever leave completely. We always leave ieces behind. Our trust. Our innocente. The version of ourselves that believed love can’t hurt like this”
Such a good book, the characters, the emotions, the darkness. So much tension and plots. It keeps you hooked from the first page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Mind He Left Behind by A. eM
Holy. Fucking. Shit.
I read the triggers and I know imma be buckling in for something wild, depraved and fucked.
Dedication:
To the ones who grew up starving for love, and let the wrong person feed them.
😭 kill me now and then bring me back so I can experience this book all over again. I am shattered. Confused. Broken. Horny? This book really fucked with me in like a good way but also a fuck I need to up my therapy type of way.
When I tell you I had chills from the beginning to the end I mean it. Hell I even had tears coming out. You don't know what you're stepping into with this story and you definitely want to heed the warnings.
Holy. Fucking. Shit.
I read the triggers and I know imma be buckling in for something wild, depraved and fucked.
Dedication:
To the ones who grew up starving for love, and let the wrong person feed them.
😭 kill me now and then bring me back so I can experience this book all over again. I am shattered. Confused. Broken. Horny? This book really fucked with me in like a good way but also a fuck I need to up my therapy type of way.
When I tell you I had chills from the beginning to the end I mean it. Hell I even had tears coming out. You don't know what you're stepping into with this story and you definitely want to heed the warnings.
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️/4🔥
My Mind is Blown!
The Mind He Left Behind is a psychological er0tic thriller/ hørr0r with no happy ever after. This was a change of pace for me and what I normally read from A. eM. I loved it! I wanted to hate the MMC, but the author wouldn't allow it & I'm not mad about it. That twisted ending sh0t me right through the 🖤 and I laughed at the pain because this is what I signed up for—over and over again. Needing an emotional, thrilling, and dark romance read? This one is for you.
My Mind is Blown!
The Mind He Left Behind is a psychological er0tic thriller/ hørr0r with no happy ever after. This was a change of pace for me and what I normally read from A. eM. I loved it! I wanted to hate the MMC, but the author wouldn't allow it & I'm not mad about it. That twisted ending sh0t me right through the 🖤 and I laughed at the pain because this is what I signed up for—over and over again. Needing an emotional, thrilling, and dark romance read? This one is for you.
December 25, 2025
wow this book.. it had EVERYTHING.
all the feels. the mind fck of ARE YOU KIDDING ME. i was gasping. i could not put it down. A does it again and did not disappoint with this. i’m literally in tears.
♾️✨
all the feels. the mind fck of ARE YOU KIDDING ME. i was gasping. i could not put it down. A does it again and did not disappoint with this. i’m literally in tears.
♾️✨
December 25, 2025
*• ARC Review•*
The Mind He Left Behind by A.Em
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes
💉Doctor x Patient
📼 Serial Killer
💉Age Gap (6years)
📼Human Experiments
💉No HEA
"Emily Beckett, pull your shit together. You can do this."
Well this book did not disappoint! Worth the wait and all the late nights trying to figure out the clues.
So many things I wasn't expecting, and the end had me crying, make sure you have the playlist ready.
I highly Recommend this book, but remember it's not a Happy Ever After and read the trigger warnings. Your mental health matters and what I like you may not. 💋
The Mind He Left Behind by A.Em
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes
💉Doctor x Patient
📼 Serial Killer
💉Age Gap (6years)
📼Human Experiments
💉No HEA
"Emily Beckett, pull your shit together. You can do this."
Well this book did not disappoint! Worth the wait and all the late nights trying to figure out the clues.
So many things I wasn't expecting, and the end had me crying, make sure you have the playlist ready.
I highly Recommend this book, but remember it's not a Happy Ever After and read the trigger warnings. Your mental health matters and what I like you may not. 💋
Review of advance copy received from Author
A does it again!
This book was full of twist and turns, Mysteries that needed to he solved, Emotional damage and wreckage. I'm still processing that ending and I dont think I'm ok.
This book was full of twist and turns, Mysteries that needed to he solved, Emotional damage and wreckage. I'm still processing that ending and I dont think I'm ok.
December 24, 2025
Rating ✨✨✨✨✨
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
I don’t even know why I wear makeup while reading A’s books it always smudges by the end 😭.
“They were right. It was a tale as old as time. You never know what you have until it’s gone forever from your hands.”
What can I say A has a way of connecting with her readers in a special way. With each book I read of hers I feel seen, I can tell myself I’m worth it by the end despite the little voice in my head telling me otherwise. The way I was left guessing with each page, the suspense, the heartbreak I knew was coming. The way I cried in the last two chapters ugh it doesn’t matter how much I prepare myself going into A’s books I always come out with a piece of my heart missing. You connect with the characters, fall in love with them despite the red flags that are waving in the air, when they leave the pages you are always left heartbroken. But as with every single one of A’s books you leave with a lesson, and this one was no different.
You are worthy of love, you matter, and remember your actions always have consequences so be a good person. Put out into the word the things you want back (kindness, love, respect, loyalty,etc).
Never wait for the what if, the should have, could have, would have. Don’t hold your words for too long, don’t stand there expecting your blessings to fall into your hands. We are all human and no one’s hands are clean of sin but you are worthy of so much love ❤️
“The moon is nothing without the sun. The sun is nothing without the moon. Always close. Always apart.”
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
I don’t even know why I wear makeup while reading A’s books it always smudges by the end 😭.
“They were right. It was a tale as old as time. You never know what you have until it’s gone forever from your hands.”
What can I say A has a way of connecting with her readers in a special way. With each book I read of hers I feel seen, I can tell myself I’m worth it by the end despite the little voice in my head telling me otherwise. The way I was left guessing with each page, the suspense, the heartbreak I knew was coming. The way I cried in the last two chapters ugh it doesn’t matter how much I prepare myself going into A’s books I always come out with a piece of my heart missing. You connect with the characters, fall in love with them despite the red flags that are waving in the air, when they leave the pages you are always left heartbroken. But as with every single one of A’s books you leave with a lesson, and this one was no different.
You are worthy of love, you matter, and remember your actions always have consequences so be a good person. Put out into the word the things you want back (kindness, love, respect, loyalty,etc).
Never wait for the what if, the should have, could have, would have. Don’t hold your words for too long, don’t stand there expecting your blessings to fall into your hands. We are all human and no one’s hands are clean of sin but you are worthy of so much love ❤️
“The moon is nothing without the sun. The sun is nothing without the moon. Always close. Always apart.”
Review of advance copy
What starts as a disturbing investigation turns into something far more psychological and emotionally devastating than expected. The mystery unfolds in layers, constantly shifting your perspective and forcing you to question what you think you understand. Every revelation pushes you deeper into uncertainty, and the truth never lands where you expect it to.
Emily is driven, damaged, and painfully real. Her need for answers feels less like curiosity and more like survival. As she dives deeper into the mind of a man who shouldn’t exist, her own past begins to surface in unsettling ways. Watching her lose her footing — emotionally and morally — is uncomfortable, intense, and incredibly compelling.
Zayne is not a character you can easily define. He exists in the gray, somewhere between victim and threat, and the story refuses to let you label him neatly. The connection between him and Emily is complex, unsettling, and emotionally charged, blurring lines that should never blur. It’s dark, tragic, and impossible to look away from.
The pacing is deliberate, the structure precise. Nothing feels accidental. Small details quietly build toward moments that hit hard when you least expect them. This isn’t a book that relies on shock for impact — it earns every emotional blow.
By the time I reached the end, I felt drained in the best possible way. This is not a comforting story. There is no easy resolution, no neat bow to tie things together. Instead, it leaves you sitting in silence, processing everything you just experienced.
⚠️ Check the trigger warnings before reading. This book explores heavy and potentially distressing themes, and it is NOT a Happily-Ever-After!
Emily is driven, damaged, and painfully real. Her need for answers feels less like curiosity and more like survival. As she dives deeper into the mind of a man who shouldn’t exist, her own past begins to surface in unsettling ways. Watching her lose her footing — emotionally and morally — is uncomfortable, intense, and incredibly compelling.
Zayne is not a character you can easily define. He exists in the gray, somewhere between victim and threat, and the story refuses to let you label him neatly. The connection between him and Emily is complex, unsettling, and emotionally charged, blurring lines that should never blur. It’s dark, tragic, and impossible to look away from.
The pacing is deliberate, the structure precise. Nothing feels accidental. Small details quietly build toward moments that hit hard when you least expect them. This isn’t a book that relies on shock for impact — it earns every emotional blow.
By the time I reached the end, I felt drained in the best possible way. This is not a comforting story. There is no easy resolution, no neat bow to tie things together. Instead, it leaves you sitting in silence, processing everything you just experienced.
⚠️ Check the trigger warnings before reading. This book explores heavy and potentially distressing themes, and it is NOT a Happily-Ever-After!
January 9, 2026
As always, an amazing read by this author. This was tragic and so sad. I had tears in my eyes at the end. Even though she writes many romantic horror/thriller/ psychological reads, they always have a deep message, which I love. I am extremely fascinated by mental illness and psychopaths/killers and this book really exemplified that.
This story is about a psychiatrist named Emily and a serial killer in a mental institute named Zayne. There are many twists and turns, which made me go “oh my gosh!” This was really, really good but I will warn you there is no HEA between the two main MC’s and there is also gore. But, as always with her books, you still leave the story satisfied. Sad, but satisfied and wanting more. I highly recommend this authors books if you love good, dark, psychological romances.
This story is about a psychiatrist named Emily and a serial killer in a mental institute named Zayne. There are many twists and turns, which made me go “oh my gosh!” This was really, really good but I will warn you there is no HEA between the two main MC’s and there is also gore. But, as always with her books, you still leave the story satisfied. Sad, but satisfied and wanting more. I highly recommend this authors books if you love good, dark, psychological romances.
December 24, 2025
Well that was nothing of what I expected….. but it was everything i needed…
Being a first time reader to your work I must say you hoodwinked me and I don’t mind at all … entering this not knowing what to expect … I entered this reading inhaling and I swear I don’t think I exhaled till the very end….
Putting me in a chokehold ahh !!
Had me playing detective along with my FMC only to be mind bottling …
I’m hooked Aem ..
Soo many thoughts and emotions By the end of it …
I didn’t know .. what didn’t I know , I have no fukn clue
This novel Tops it for me …
I will be rereading this cause. Ain’t no way this book hit me like that …
You certainly gained a new fan to your work …
Being a first time reader to your work I must say you hoodwinked me and I don’t mind at all … entering this not knowing what to expect … I entered this reading inhaling and I swear I don’t think I exhaled till the very end….
Putting me in a chokehold ahh !!
Had me playing detective along with my FMC only to be mind bottling …
I’m hooked Aem ..
Soo many thoughts and emotions By the end of it …
I didn’t know .. what didn’t I know , I have no fukn clue
This novel Tops it for me …
I will be rereading this cause. Ain’t no way this book hit me like that …
You certainly gained a new fan to your work …
December 26, 2025
The Mind He Left Behind by A. eM
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Even bad choices can lead to something good”
This was my first book by A but I will be reading all her other books. This had me hooked from page one. I signed up for this book after only reading the trigger warning list. I didn’t have a cover, title, or blurb and I’m so glad I did.
There are dark topics that pull at your emotions. This had so many things that I love.
- Doctor X patient
- Touch her and 💀
- Experimenting
- Serial killer
- Secret identity
- Asylum
- Stalker
“She will have the mind of a man who learned that even monsters, even those born wrong, deserve to be loved and to love in return”
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow — this book was another absolute hit for me.
The Mind He Left Behind delivers 182 pages of pitch-black erotic horror, and I loved every unsettling second of it.
It’s dark, disturbing, and intense in the way only this genre can be. The atmosphere is heavy, the tension never lets up, and the story pulls you straight into its twisted depths without hesitation. Short but powerful, this book proves that you don’t need hundreds of pages to leave a lasting impact.
If you enjoy horror that pushes boundaries and isn’t afraid to go dark — very dark — this one is definitely worth your time.
A top-tier read for fans of bold, unapologetic, and haunting stories. 🖤
The Mind He Left Behind delivers 182 pages of pitch-black erotic horror, and I loved every unsettling second of it.
It’s dark, disturbing, and intense in the way only this genre can be. The atmosphere is heavy, the tension never lets up, and the story pulls you straight into its twisted depths without hesitation. Short but powerful, this book proves that you don’t need hundreds of pages to leave a lasting impact.
If you enjoy horror that pushes boundaries and isn’t afraid to go dark — very dark — this one is definitely worth your time.
A top-tier read for fans of bold, unapologetic, and haunting stories. 🖤
Read
December 30, 2025🔪ARC review🔪
The mind he left behind by @iam_a_em
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Seriously !!! You are a freaking genius. You start with the authors note that always hits me straight to the chest. And then you go a write the most heartbreakingly painful and beautiful story. Every book of yours that I have read (and let’s be honest, it’s just about all of them because I can’t get enough) they are so damn powerful and so relatable. I seriously will never get over how good your books are and it’s such an honor to be a part of your team 💥
The mind he left behind by @iam_a_em
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Seriously !!! You are a freaking genius. You start with the authors note that always hits me straight to the chest. And then you go a write the most heartbreakingly painful and beautiful story. Every book of yours that I have read (and let’s be honest, it’s just about all of them because I can’t get enough) they are so damn powerful and so relatable. I seriously will never get over how good your books are and it’s such an honor to be a part of your team 💥
January 2, 2026
From the day I saw the post about this book, I knew I had to read it. I went in completely blind, knew absolutely nothing. And it sure didn’t disappoint. It’s amazing how much a book can make you feel, almost to the point of being overwhelming. The twists, the turns, the ups && downs. The complete mindf*ck. I’m just blown away tbh. There was some vile things up in here so tread carefully. I read this in 2 hours, I couldn’t stop. Whatever the heck she puts in her books, I eat it right up. I’m emotionally damaged and that ending has my mind on a loop. 10000% worth it though.
December 26, 2025
I devoured this ARC👀 I loved it so much. A. writes so well and the plot of the story kept me hooked the whole time. I thought I knew what was going on until I realized I really didn’t! So many unexpected twists and I ate it up!
The characters are so complex and so much to uncover about them and their past. Everything gets revealed and it all makes sense. It was dark and depraved and very much a horror with no happily ever after so make sure you’re mentally prepared for that emotional roller coaster! I loved it so much, I can’t say it enough!
The characters are so complex and so much to uncover about them and their past. Everything gets revealed and it all makes sense. It was dark and depraved and very much a horror with no happily ever after so make sure you’re mentally prepared for that emotional roller coaster! I loved it so much, I can’t say it enough!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have no words, this book was absolutely brilliant. I couldn't put it down, I loved both Emily and Zayne and despite him being a killer, the way he loves Emily is beautiful.
Making a child that's half him and half Emily 😭 and the letter he wrote to Emma 😭😭 I was SOBBING. Part of me wishes they got their HEA but the way the book ended was beautiful in its own way. Zayne may not have got to be the man Emily deserved but I love that he changed to be the Father that Emma needed.
Making a child that's half him and half Emily 😭 and the letter he wrote to Emma 😭😭 I was SOBBING. Part of me wishes they got their HEA but the way the book ended was beautiful in its own way. Zayne may not have got to be the man Emily deserved but I love that he changed to be the Father that Emma needed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I picked this up fully aware it was going to be heavy. I was not prepared for how deeply it would wreck me anyway.
This wasn’t just a story—it felt like being dragged through someone else’s trauma while uncovering your own along the way. From the opening pages, the atmosphere is suffocating in the best way. The tension never lets up, the psychological depth is relentless, and once it sinks its claws into you, it does not let go.
Reading this felt like experiencing a full emotional spectrum on fast-forward. I was uneasy. I was invested. I was overwhelmed. There were moments my heart raced, moments my chest ached, and moments where I had to pause and just sit with what I’d read because wow… that hit harder than expected.
The dedication alone set the tone, and from there the story only spirals further into darker territory. This is not something you breeze through for fun. This is the kind of book that lingers, that shifts how you think, that makes you stare at the wall afterward wondering what exactly just happened to you.
The characters are layered, broken, and disturbingly compelling. Emily feels raw and driven by something deeper than logic—her pursuit of the truth feels necessary, not optional. Watching her unravel as the story progresses is uncomfortable in a way that feels intentional and powerful.
Zayne is even harder to pin down. He exists in the uncomfortable in-between, forcing you to constantly reassess him. The dynamic between him and Emily is intense, morally messy, and emotionally charged, crossing lines that feel wrong but inevitable. It’s dark, tragic, and completely consuming.
The pacing is sharp and intentional. Every detail matters. Nothing is wasted. Instead of relying on shock value, the story slowly tightens its grip until the emotional hits land exactly where they hurt most.
And A’s writing ? On another level—as always. She already knows she’s one of my absolute favorite authors for dark books. She doesn’t just write stories; she lets them crawl inside you, consume your soul, and then never give it back. Am I now emotionally unstable and in need of therapy ?Probably. Do I regret reading it ? Not even a little.
By the end, I felt hollowed out—in a way that somehow still felt rewarding. There’s no comfort here. No clean ending. Just silence and a lot of feelings to process once the final page is turned.
Please take the content warnings seriously. This book explores heavy themes and does not offer a fairytale ending.
Would I read it again ? Unfortunately, yes.
Did it emotionally ruin me ? Also yes.
Do I have concerns about myself ? Deeply.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🧠 one existential crisis included
Read responsibly. Or don’t. Just don’t say you weren’t warned.
This wasn’t just a story—it felt like being dragged through someone else’s trauma while uncovering your own along the way. From the opening pages, the atmosphere is suffocating in the best way. The tension never lets up, the psychological depth is relentless, and once it sinks its claws into you, it does not let go.
Reading this felt like experiencing a full emotional spectrum on fast-forward. I was uneasy. I was invested. I was overwhelmed. There were moments my heart raced, moments my chest ached, and moments where I had to pause and just sit with what I’d read because wow… that hit harder than expected.
The dedication alone set the tone, and from there the story only spirals further into darker territory. This is not something you breeze through for fun. This is the kind of book that lingers, that shifts how you think, that makes you stare at the wall afterward wondering what exactly just happened to you.
The characters are layered, broken, and disturbingly compelling. Emily feels raw and driven by something deeper than logic—her pursuit of the truth feels necessary, not optional. Watching her unravel as the story progresses is uncomfortable in a way that feels intentional and powerful.
Zayne is even harder to pin down. He exists in the uncomfortable in-between, forcing you to constantly reassess him. The dynamic between him and Emily is intense, morally messy, and emotionally charged, crossing lines that feel wrong but inevitable. It’s dark, tragic, and completely consuming.
The pacing is sharp and intentional. Every detail matters. Nothing is wasted. Instead of relying on shock value, the story slowly tightens its grip until the emotional hits land exactly where they hurt most.
And A’s writing ? On another level—as always. She already knows she’s one of my absolute favorite authors for dark books. She doesn’t just write stories; she lets them crawl inside you, consume your soul, and then never give it back. Am I now emotionally unstable and in need of therapy ?Probably. Do I regret reading it ? Not even a little.
By the end, I felt hollowed out—in a way that somehow still felt rewarding. There’s no comfort here. No clean ending. Just silence and a lot of feelings to process once the final page is turned.
Please take the content warnings seriously. This book explores heavy themes and does not offer a fairytale ending.
Would I read it again ? Unfortunately, yes.
Did it emotionally ruin me ? Also yes.
Do I have concerns about myself ? Deeply.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🧠 one existential crisis included
Read responsibly. Or don’t. Just don’t say you weren’t warned.
January 9, 2026
Emily is a psychiatrist. specializing in the criminal mind, who was brought in to interview and assess a notorious serial killer. The crimes being investigated are a perfect match to those committed by a man who died in the early 80s, and when she sees a photo of the initial killer, she realizes that he is identical to the man she is evaluating. As she spends more time with the patient, he begins to get under her skin, leaving her to wonder whether he is simply playing into her own trauma, or could actually feel something for her.
Zayne’s future was set out from the moment he was created, as one of a pair of twins made in a lab with the DNA of a killer, his “father” was determined to see whether early intervention could prevent him from following the same path as the man he was made from. As we learn more about his daily life in the institution, we realize that he is not acting alone, and will be left trying to solve the lasting debate of nature versus nurture.
I received an early copy of this book from the author and I was hooked long before I turned the first page. The build up with this one in itself had me counting down the days to get the file, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The list of trigger warnings should have given me a clue that this one was going to be dark, but I still wasn’t prepared for the level of depravity in this book. While the plot seemed predictable at first, there were so many unexpected twists that kept me guessing, and the ending took me completely by surprise. I appreciated how Emily was stuck trying to reconcile her experiences with her education, and explaining away the unexplainable, yet still allowed herself to live every moment, which allowed us to see a more human side of Zayne. If I had one complaint about this book, it’s that it was too short, and I wanted to see so much more from them.
Zayne’s future was set out from the moment he was created, as one of a pair of twins made in a lab with the DNA of a killer, his “father” was determined to see whether early intervention could prevent him from following the same path as the man he was made from. As we learn more about his daily life in the institution, we realize that he is not acting alone, and will be left trying to solve the lasting debate of nature versus nurture.
I received an early copy of this book from the author and I was hooked long before I turned the first page. The build up with this one in itself had me counting down the days to get the file, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The list of trigger warnings should have given me a clue that this one was going to be dark, but I still wasn’t prepared for the level of depravity in this book. While the plot seemed predictable at first, there were so many unexpected twists that kept me guessing, and the ending took me completely by surprise. I appreciated how Emily was stuck trying to reconcile her experiences with her education, and explaining away the unexplainable, yet still allowed herself to live every moment, which allowed us to see a more human side of Zayne. If I had one complaint about this book, it’s that it was too short, and I wanted to see so much more from them.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Mind He Left Behind
Author: A.EM
Genre: Erotic Horror/Thriller
“ Abuse doesn’t always leave scars, it leave something worse. It wounds your mind. It changes the way you breathe, and it teaches you to shrink.”
Thank you A for the ARC…the clues leading up to the release were a fun addition!
This was a wild one! I’m rereading it because there are so many connections that I’m sure I missed a few. And I rarely reread anything. The characters were well written with histories laid out to give us an idea of why they are the way they are. I feel like I need a cork board and some string to sort it all out! The settings were well described adding to the angst and fear that the main FMC was experiencing. It is clear that her past trauma shaped who she was and it comes across the page. For the dark romance girlies, Zayne is going to be your new prison daddy!
My only negative is I wish it was longer! But that’s just me being greedy!
Regarding the “Note to readers”…this was such a thoughtful inclusion….. everyone has their own story and it’s easy to forget that for some of use these are just stories that have no lingering effect on our psyche…and for some they are better left unread.
Triggers: as someone who has no triggers I strongly recommend that if you have any triggers, you take a look before you proceed! Be good to yourself!
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #books #indyauthor
Author: A.EM
Genre: Erotic Horror/Thriller
“ Abuse doesn’t always leave scars, it leave something worse. It wounds your mind. It changes the way you breathe, and it teaches you to shrink.”
Thank you A for the ARC…the clues leading up to the release were a fun addition!
This was a wild one! I’m rereading it because there are so many connections that I’m sure I missed a few. And I rarely reread anything. The characters were well written with histories laid out to give us an idea of why they are the way they are. I feel like I need a cork board and some string to sort it all out! The settings were well described adding to the angst and fear that the main FMC was experiencing. It is clear that her past trauma shaped who she was and it comes across the page. For the dark romance girlies, Zayne is going to be your new prison daddy!
My only negative is I wish it was longer! But that’s just me being greedy!
Regarding the “Note to readers”…this was such a thoughtful inclusion….. everyone has their own story and it’s easy to forget that for some of use these are just stories that have no lingering effect on our psyche…and for some they are better left unread.
Triggers: as someone who has no triggers I strongly recommend that if you have any triggers, you take a look before you proceed! Be good to yourself!
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #reviews #books #indyauthor
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, A this book was an emotional rollercoaster. I had to take a break and let my tears dry before I could write this, and even as I write this now they start again. I related to so much unfortunately, which is why it was an emotional rollercoaster. But it was worth every tear spilt. Emily and Z both went through things no child or adult should go through. The kind of things that breaks people spirits and turn them bitter. And maybe that is what draws them together: like attracts to like. But either way their souls were meant to meet and even though it was short lived, a powerful connection was formed and something incredibly beautiful was formed even as toxic as it was. But nothing last forever, and sometimes someone else wants what is yoursand will do anything to take it from you. Even if that means breaking it just so you can't have it. This book has twist and turns and surprises you won't see coming. I warn you READ YOUR TRIGGERS! IT GETS DARK! But if you need a good cry and can get past the triggers, I highly recommend this book. Also, if you want hand in hand walking off into the sunset together I'd move on because even though I see the beauty and would consider it a happy one it's not you're traditional HEA it's heartbreakingly beautiful. Thank you A for this cry. Your words throughout this book hit deep in my soul and shattered me into pieces. You're one author I will let break my heart over and over again, because you do it so well!!
"There will be days when you feel lonely. Days that feel impossible. Just do your best. No matter how hard it gets,it can always get worse. So live."
"There will be days when you feel lonely. Days that feel impossible. Just do your best. No matter how hard it gets,it can always get worse. So live."
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Mind He Left Behind by A.eM. A Pitch Black Psychological Erotic Thriller/Horror that does not end with a HEA, that’s follows Zayne Mercer and Emily Beckett. 🚩🚩 This is for adult readers only (18+) as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers. I cannot stress this enough…there are extremely dark themes so please check out the content warning before you dive in 🚩🚩
My thoughts 💭
It’s rare that I am left speechless after reading a book, I typically recover quickly and move on to the next one. But this book….wow. A - she did the damn thing with this one. If you are looking for a dark romance with a typical HEA then this book is NOT for you. But if you are looking for a pitch black psychological thriller with open door, cage, & dreams spice - this one is definitely it. The plot twist after plot twist after plot twist - all the way until the final page is soooooo good and unexpected. I don’t want to dive too much into the book because even the smallest detail risks ruining it for you and I refuse to do you any injustice, but read it. I, one million percent recommend you reading it. You have to read and understand the triggers, I know I mentioned it but it’s important to understand and protect yourself….but wow. Read it. Infinity stars for this one. Truly this is my number 1 read of 2025 (I know it is out in 2026).
✨I would like to thank author A.eM. for the opportunity to read and review The Mind He Left Behind.
My thoughts 💭
It’s rare that I am left speechless after reading a book, I typically recover quickly and move on to the next one. But this book….wow. A - she did the damn thing with this one. If you are looking for a dark romance with a typical HEA then this book is NOT for you. But if you are looking for a pitch black psychological thriller with open door, cage, & dreams spice - this one is definitely it. The plot twist after plot twist after plot twist - all the way until the final page is soooooo good and unexpected. I don’t want to dive too much into the book because even the smallest detail risks ruining it for you and I refuse to do you any injustice, but read it. I, one million percent recommend you reading it. You have to read and understand the triggers, I know I mentioned it but it’s important to understand and protect yourself….but wow. Read it. Infinity stars for this one. Truly this is my number 1 read of 2025 (I know it is out in 2026).
✨I would like to thank author A.eM. for the opportunity to read and review The Mind He Left Behind.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I cried, I threw my kindle and I felt nauseous. Sign of an excellent read.
She never fails to disappoint. A. Em has written another masterpiece.
⚠️ Read. The. Trigger. Warnings. ⚠️
❝𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫.❞
I had no idea what I was stepping into as we had no information prior to reading. I don’t know what I was expecting, but this, this was not it.
❝𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐲. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬.❞
This was a story FULL of twists and turns. Think you know what’s coming next? I promise you, you don’t. Think you know the ending? I promise you, you don’t. Prepare for MANY “what the actual fuck” moments, rapid blinking and throwing your kindle. Because WHAT IN THE EVERLOVING FUCK?!
❝𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐩, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐧𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.❞
There is spice, but again, it is not what you think. Go in with an open mind. You’ll end the book more confused than you entered. This is a book that will live in my head rent free for many, many months.
💉 Age gap (6 years)
🖤 Serial Unaliver
💉 Doctor-Patient dynamics
🖤 FMC smart mouth
💉 MMC psychopath
🖤 Stalk!ng
💉 Asylum
🖤 🩸 play
💉 🔪 play
🖤 🕷️ play
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 3/5
She never fails to disappoint. A. Em has written another masterpiece.
⚠️ Read. The. Trigger. Warnings. ⚠️
❝𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬. 𝐈𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫.❞
I had no idea what I was stepping into as we had no information prior to reading. I don’t know what I was expecting, but this, this was not it.
❝𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐲. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬.❞
This was a story FULL of twists and turns. Think you know what’s coming next? I promise you, you don’t. Think you know the ending? I promise you, you don’t. Prepare for MANY “what the actual fuck” moments, rapid blinking and throwing your kindle. Because WHAT IN THE EVERLOVING FUCK?!
❝𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐩, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐧𝐨 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.❞
There is spice, but again, it is not what you think. Go in with an open mind. You’ll end the book more confused than you entered. This is a book that will live in my head rent free for many, many months.
💉 Age gap (6 years)
🖤 Serial Unaliver
💉 Doctor-Patient dynamics
🖤 FMC smart mouth
💉 MMC psychopath
🖤 Stalk!ng
💉 Asylum
🖤 🩸 play
💉 🔪 play
🖤 🕷️ play
⭐️ 4.5/5
🌶️ 3/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
First off, A.eM sent us clues, little breadcrumbs and lured us in before we even received the book itself. To say I was I was begging for more each time an email came is putting it lightly. Any time A.eM writes a book, I know she is going to destroy me, but in the absolute best way possible. This is a psychological thriller and erotic horror. It is not a dark romance, yes there are some dark romance aspects, but don’t dive in this book looking for a beautiful happy ending because you’ll leave crying and broken and not in a good way.
I had freaking chills reading this book! I was a fiend needing more, not able to stop. Dr. Emily Beckett is called in to diagnosis a patient so they can convict him for the murders he has been charged for, but it’s not that simple. The story of Zayne is so much more complicated and twisted and it’s a mindf*ck! There were so many twists and turns. You think you have it figured out, nope here comes another twist. He was a killer, he was OBSESSED with Emily, he loved her. It was beautiful and my sick mind wanted them to have their HEA.
I don’t want to give too much away because it’s such a dark, twisted, mind blowing, and beautiful read. Of course check all triggers because it’s important. And yes, I ended this book bawling like a baby, because like I said, A.eM enjoys destroying me. But I’ll keep coming back for more EVERY SINGLE TIME!
I had freaking chills reading this book! I was a fiend needing more, not able to stop. Dr. Emily Beckett is called in to diagnosis a patient so they can convict him for the murders he has been charged for, but it’s not that simple. The story of Zayne is so much more complicated and twisted and it’s a mindf*ck! There were so many twists and turns. You think you have it figured out, nope here comes another twist. He was a killer, he was OBSESSED with Emily, he loved her. It was beautiful and my sick mind wanted them to have their HEA.
I don’t want to give too much away because it’s such a dark, twisted, mind blowing, and beautiful read. Of course check all triggers because it’s important. And yes, I ended this book bawling like a baby, because like I said, A.eM enjoys destroying me. But I’ll keep coming back for more EVERY SINGLE TIME!
January 10, 2026
This book had me by the throat just from the “not to readers”
“There are moments when the pain doesn’t come from within, but from the people we love, from words, from hands, from silence that makes you doubt your own reality. Abuse doesn’t always leave scars. It leaves something worse. It wounds your mind. It changes the way you breathe, and it teaches you to shrink.”
“That monsters don’t always look like monsters. That narcissists and psychopaths sit beside us, hold us, promise us everything, and slowly take pieces of our minds with them.”
“You are not weak for hurting. You are strong for surviving.”
And the dedication
“To the ones who grew up starving for love, and let the wrong person feed them.”
The mind he left behind…. And That’s the truth.
Holy mind fuckery. I went in to just read a chapter or 2 before bed.. then it was 31% later! I enjoyed the fast pace to this book as well as the mystery element. Even some horror… and you know I’m an absolute slut for a horror book!
The story was top tier, the twists were everything, and the heartbreak… gut wrenching. A is the queen of a 5 star book.
So many quotes I loved… but I’ll only drop a few.
“Some people never change. They only learn how to pretend better”
“That is how I know it’s not really about drowning. It’s about how easy it is to go. How familiar it feels to let myself slip away without being missed. I have lived so long carrying my own weight that the idea of someone else noticing, deciding I matter enough to pull me back, feels almost unbearable.”
“We all wear dog collars. We are all bound by chains we can’t see. We can’t speak. We can’t scream the truth of our pain, or name the ones who hurt us. We stay silent, swallowing our words, carrying them until one day they become just another file. Another case locked inside a drawer.”
“There are moments when the pain doesn’t come from within, but from the people we love, from words, from hands, from silence that makes you doubt your own reality. Abuse doesn’t always leave scars. It leaves something worse. It wounds your mind. It changes the way you breathe, and it teaches you to shrink.”
“That monsters don’t always look like monsters. That narcissists and psychopaths sit beside us, hold us, promise us everything, and slowly take pieces of our minds with them.”
“You are not weak for hurting. You are strong for surviving.”
And the dedication
“To the ones who grew up starving for love, and let the wrong person feed them.”
The mind he left behind…. And That’s the truth.
Holy mind fuckery. I went in to just read a chapter or 2 before bed.. then it was 31% later! I enjoyed the fast pace to this book as well as the mystery element. Even some horror… and you know I’m an absolute slut for a horror book!
The story was top tier, the twists were everything, and the heartbreak… gut wrenching. A is the queen of a 5 star book.
So many quotes I loved… but I’ll only drop a few.
“Some people never change. They only learn how to pretend better”
“That is how I know it’s not really about drowning. It’s about how easy it is to go. How familiar it feels to let myself slip away without being missed. I have lived so long carrying my own weight that the idea of someone else noticing, deciding I matter enough to pull me back, feels almost unbearable.”
“We all wear dog collars. We are all bound by chains we can’t see. We can’t speak. We can’t scream the truth of our pain, or name the ones who hurt us. We stay silent, swallowing our words, carrying them until one day they become just another file. Another case locked inside a drawer.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 ⭐️ IT HAD TO HURT. A NECESSARY DEVASTATION.
This book felt deeply personal. It’s not just a book. Not another read. It’s a message. A reminder for those who endure the same kind of pain. It captures what many of us experience in the quiet darkness… A mind that’s shattered and was left broken. To rot. Lose that battle and everything shatters. Fight long enough and you don’t just survive it. You emerge stronger. You become anew.
It’s heavy. It’s deep. It’s emotional. It’s dark and painful, uncomfortable by design. Yet somehow, it’s also grounding. It’s asking us to face the truths we often choose not to see.
I went into this book unprepared. It made me gasp, it made me cry and when I finished, I felt as if I were in a limbo. It left me feel quietly confused but comforted at the same time while holding a piece of myself I didn’t realise I had lost. And damn, I’m holding it like a lifeline.
I felt every word A wrote. This is, without a doubt, my favourite book of hers. She never simply just write stories but she writes stories that carries meaning. Lessons we hold onto long after the book is closed.
This book asks to be read. Not just that, but to be remembered for the message it leaves behind.
This book felt deeply personal. It’s not just a book. Not another read. It’s a message. A reminder for those who endure the same kind of pain. It captures what many of us experience in the quiet darkness… A mind that’s shattered and was left broken. To rot. Lose that battle and everything shatters. Fight long enough and you don’t just survive it. You emerge stronger. You become anew.
It’s heavy. It’s deep. It’s emotional. It’s dark and painful, uncomfortable by design. Yet somehow, it’s also grounding. It’s asking us to face the truths we often choose not to see.
I went into this book unprepared. It made me gasp, it made me cry and when I finished, I felt as if I were in a limbo. It left me feel quietly confused but comforted at the same time while holding a piece of myself I didn’t realise I had lost. And damn, I’m holding it like a lifeline.
I felt every word A wrote. This is, without a doubt, my favourite book of hers. She never simply just write stories but she writes stories that carries meaning. Lessons we hold onto long after the book is closed.
This book asks to be read. Not just that, but to be remembered for the message it leaves behind.
December 29, 2025
I inhaled this book so greedily initially, that I needed to come back to it again at a slower pace to really allow every single word and detail to sink in and work its magic.
This book had me turning pages like there was no tomorrow, the suspense drip fed perfectly, making it impossible to put the book down.
Zayne became my obsession. I could feel myself being drawn to him the way the other characters in the book were. The author created his persona perfectly, a drop dead gorgeous selective mute with eyes that could pin you in place and an energy that made the whole room have goosebumps 🥵.
Emily Beckett, the beautifully put together doctor given the job of diagnosing Zayne. It’s no time at all before he starts to get under her skin and begins to unravel her.
Two broken souls drawn to eachother, deeply flawed and vulnerable. Is it possible to love a monster?
This is a story that makes you question everything. It can’t be categorised simply a psychological thriller because it is so much more than that. It is a masterpiece - raw, disturbing, intense, uncomfortable, shocking and incredible.
I wish I could erase my memories and read this book for the first time all over again.
A has written another book which will now be etched on my heart forever 🖤.
This book had me turning pages like there was no tomorrow, the suspense drip fed perfectly, making it impossible to put the book down.
Zayne became my obsession. I could feel myself being drawn to him the way the other characters in the book were. The author created his persona perfectly, a drop dead gorgeous selective mute with eyes that could pin you in place and an energy that made the whole room have goosebumps 🥵.
Emily Beckett, the beautifully put together doctor given the job of diagnosing Zayne. It’s no time at all before he starts to get under her skin and begins to unravel her.
Two broken souls drawn to eachother, deeply flawed and vulnerable. Is it possible to love a monster?
This is a story that makes you question everything. It can’t be categorised simply a psychological thriller because it is so much more than that. It is a masterpiece - raw, disturbing, intense, uncomfortable, shocking and incredible.
I wish I could erase my memories and read this book for the first time all over again.
A has written another book which will now be etched on my heart forever 🖤.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Mind He Left Behind – A.Em
Wow. What a book. A.Em has done it again.
Firstly, I absolutely love how A.Em includes every country’s helpline at the beginning, reminding readers that it’s okay to not be okay—and that someone is always there for you. That alone speaks volumes.
Secondly, this book is deeply psychological. It makes you question everything. The twists, the turns, the unpredictability—it hooks you and sinks into you, holding you hostage until the very end.
For me personally, this book had everything. It was exactly what the doctor ordered.
No happy ending. Plot-driven. Smut. Questions and answers. This book was on point. Every detail was thought out, creating a true masterpiece of a story.
Dr. Emily was incredibly strong, even in her weakest moments. Zayne was wild yet present, always watching, always seeing the real you. And sometimes, that’s all people want—to be seen.
This book shows that flaws are okay. That everyone has them. It shows that people can be strong even when they feel weak. This story was pure, raw, and felt like a lifeline.
I hope everyone gives this book a chance.
A. Em’s mind is brilliant, and I can’t wait to see where her mind takes us next.
Wow. What a book. A.Em has done it again.
Firstly, I absolutely love how A.Em includes every country’s helpline at the beginning, reminding readers that it’s okay to not be okay—and that someone is always there for you. That alone speaks volumes.
Secondly, this book is deeply psychological. It makes you question everything. The twists, the turns, the unpredictability—it hooks you and sinks into you, holding you hostage until the very end.
For me personally, this book had everything. It was exactly what the doctor ordered.
No happy ending. Plot-driven. Smut. Questions and answers. This book was on point. Every detail was thought out, creating a true masterpiece of a story.
Dr. Emily was incredibly strong, even in her weakest moments. Zayne was wild yet present, always watching, always seeing the real you. And sometimes, that’s all people want—to be seen.
This book shows that flaws are okay. That everyone has them. It shows that people can be strong even when they feel weak. This story was pure, raw, and felt like a lifeline.
I hope everyone gives this book a chance.
A. Em’s mind is brilliant, and I can’t wait to see where her mind takes us next.
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