Lessons Learned

by A. Em

Oh, hi there,

Who are you?

Long ginger hair, green eyes that spark when they catch the light, a sprinkle of freckles dancing across your cheeks. Tight jeans hugging your curves just right, and a simple white top that does little to hide. You've got no idea what you're doing to me, do you?

So, what brings you here tonight? Just a quiet moment with a book, or maybe you're hoping to meet someone new?

Oh, you're shy. I can see it in the way you look away, the way you tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. That's alright. You don't have to know me. Not yet.

But I'm going to know everything about you. Every secret, every little habit, every thought that crosses that pretty mind of yours.

And when the time comes, you will be mine, and mine alone.

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark

421 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2025

About the author

“Where others write ever after, I write never after.” -A.

Social Media;

Instagram: iam_a_em

Pinterest: a_em_author

TikTok: a_em_author

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost no words for the perfection that is this book. Reading an A. eM. novel is a FULL experience. The imagery is vivid, the tales are dark and the emotion will flood you. I love everything she writes but this may be my new favourite. HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

“Not all heroes wear capes. Some have venom in their veins. Some teach you lessons that are never supposed to be learned. Some are just villains hiding in plain sight.”

“The faster you run, the harder I’ll chase. But in the end, you’ll always be mine, Little Star.”

[Christina (Bloodycrimsonreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

•ARC review•
Release date: March 31st
Blackthorn book 1

A eM knows how to weave a story shrouded in mystery expertedly. Whenever I read a book from her, the atmosphere is set right from the very beginning and with few words needed; it’s such an amazing craft. It’s like we’re pulled under heavy grey skies and we’re experiencing them just to be brutally shoved underground after a while.

This book is set at Blackthorn Academy where Freya decides to go after she learns she’s got a place waiting for her. Maybe she’ll be able to deceive and lose her stalker that way..? Wrong. Little does she know he’s one of her teachers. And little does she know that she’s about to be thrown into a deadly game while investigating a former student’s death.

The romance and smut elements were present, yet truth be told, what kept me invested the most was the mystery. I wanted answers. I wanted to know what happened, what was actually happening and why. Who was involved, who still is. It was chilling. The ending was even chillier. Such a mindf*ck!

Lessons Learned is a mix of thriller, horror, dark academia, romance. I liked it. I’ve read almost all of A eM’s bibliography, and Lessons Learned is my favorite so far. I cannot wait to read the second book.

Thanks so much to A eM for the arc.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 /5
🌶️🌶️/5

🖤Stalk3r dark romance
🖤Teacher/student
🖤Age gap
🖤Masked man
🖤Dark academia
🖤Thriller elements
🖤Taboo
🖤Forbidden

[Darkacademiareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a week to recover from this book. Send a therapist. And maybe an exorcist.

This story is impeccable. The raw emotion, the suffocating trauma, the quiet ache in every chapter—it all bleeds through the pages so beautifully it feels like a wound you can’t stop tracing.

It’s dark. It’s twisted. It doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings—it yanks them with bloody hands and dares you to keep turning the page. Some chapters feel like standing in a storm you know will drown you, but the writing—God, the writing—makes it worth every gasp, every tear, every shattered breath.

And that plot twist? Glorious. The mystery wraps around you like smoke, the horror crawls beneath your skin, and the tension keeps you teetering on the edge of something you can't quite name.

This book doesn’t do happy. It does trauma. It does horror. It does pain and grief and the kind of love that doesn’t save you—it scars you. Lucias and Freye’s story isn’t a fairytale. It’s a nightmare you want to fall back into. It’s dark. It’s twisted. It’s poetic. Yes, that’s the word—it’s a love letter written in blood and silence.

The ending… I didn't see it coming. It left me breathless, reeling. Like being kissed and stabbed in the same moment. I think I need a moment to recover from the emotional whiplash—but I’d relive it again. And again. And again.

There’s a strange kind of beauty in how this book explores the darkness inside people—their pain, their stillness, the things they don’t say out loud. It’s haunting. It’s honest. It’s a reminder that even in the shadows, we are not alone. And that your voice—no matter how quiet, no matter how broken—deserves to be heard.

This book doesn’t just stay with you.
It haunts you.

[angelictaleslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars are nothing in comparison to you, and yet, you are the only star i want.
-L

First of all I want to say is Thankyou A. eM for the most empowering words at the beginning of this book, they were beautiful and so true…

September 2017 when a girl met a monster hiding in the shadows…

Freya, the mfc feels broken unloved. I just wanted to hug her..
The mmc Lucius her stalker/ professor was hot… the plot & spice was perfect..

The back and forth memories the piecing bits together, the twists 😳😱

It's dark, it's thrilling, spooky and most of all, the mystery grabs you, like no other…
This is a super dark, psychological thriller…
It’s my first read from this author.. incredible….

sometimes, a scream is the only thing louder than words.

"When you're young and reckless, you do stupid things and call them mistakes.
I call them lessons learned."

omg my head is gonna explode, tht ending wth 🫣

You thought it was over?
Cute,
This is just the beginning.

[Cdngurl85 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A. eM has done it again! She has completely scrambled my brain in the best possible way!

Lessons Learned has to be one of my favourites of her books now. Her writing is top notch. I was pleasantly surprised with the spice level too 🔥

Lucius and Freya...I love them. I don't know what else I can say without spoiling anything.

The ending ..oh that ending literally had my jaw dropping!! I'm speechless because I thought I had figured it out, only to be proved wrong not once, but twice.

I need book 2 like yesterday haha.

[Kswag · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy "I have to know" kind books. Those are plots created with such intensity and tension that even when the reader is not reading the novel, they are constantly thinking about it. I enjoy the graphics included in the chapters because they bring the plot to life and ensure that the vision for the setting is maintained, locking in the discomfort and creepiness. If you were able to figure out what was going on right away, kudos to you, since I was completely taken aback and did not expect it. Great read, I enjoyed it!

[Moony Luve · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.Em writes like no one I have ever read before.
Her work is amazing.
It’s thrilling, spicy, dark, heartbreaking, suspenseful.

I’m in love with everything I’ve read by this author.
It’s all so damn good.

This book is incredible. It effeeeeddddd me up a few times there to. Like jeez.

It’s so freaking good. I can’t handle it.

[Onyx Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the forbidden, taboo nature of this. The secret professorXstudent relationship. The way A. eM flipped back and forth between different ages so flawlessly and still made it super relevant to what was happening in the story.

[Sam B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely in awe, everything A. em writes is straight up magic. I loved this book so much.

Talk about insta obsession. This man straight up becomes obsessed with wanting to know everything about Freya. Maybe a little too much at first with how terrified he made her but he will make up for that later.
Freya has a dark and abusive past that drives her to blame herself. She discovers a letter inviting her to Blackthorn Academy. Where ties to her past and present come to the surface. Who is friend and who is foe? Murder mysteries, deadly games and stalkers.
The world building and characters in this book had me hooked from the start. Trying to figure out all the mysteries and secrets as they unfold definitely had me at the edge of my seat. My theories were all over the place and I never knew what to expect next.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know what to say at this point.

From the very beginning I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would come next. I’m not sure there was anything I truly saw coming.

The cliffhanger was shocking, to say the least, and I need more!


I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Lotty Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons Learned is a Dark Romance/Dark Academia book that takes you on a WILD ride. @iam_a_em writes the best psychological thrillers and Lessons Learned is another example of her incredible writing!
~
As I have come to expect with books written by A, the world building and character development were incredible! The plot? INSANE!
~
There are twists and turns that constantly have you guessing where the story is going. You get set on one outcome for the story to take a sudden left turn and you’re back to guessing again! 😍
~
I loved the MMC but I am OBSESSED with his best friend 🤣
The MCs were both perfectly written but the side characters were just as important and the ability to be able to connect emotionally with all of them is one of my favourite things.
~
This book does go into some dark/triggering situations so please make sure you read any content or trigger warnings before jumping in - Your Mental Health Matters 🫶🏻

[Sam Oneill · Rating 5 out of 5]

《**Always read your trigger warnings**》

Freya - Is a student at Blackthorn Academy after being invited to start there. Against her grandmother's better judgement, Freya went to Blackthorn anyway.
Things aren't as they might seem, Freya has a stalker one who is massively obsessed with her.

Lucious - Is a professor at Blackthorn Academy, he sees a beautiful redhead at the library and knows she is who he wants. He becomes a little obsessed and starts stalking her. Little did he know his little redhead is now a student at Blackthorn Academy.

This is a beautifully written dark romance with a lot of mystery and suspense.
The twists and turns this novel had is amazing!

It's dark, it's thrilling, it's spicy, and most of all, the mystery grabs you hook line and sinker.

This is not the first novel of this authors I have read and I can honestly say it will not be the last!

This is a dark, triggering psychological thriller novel, so please do read those trigger warnings first!! If this is your type of vibe then this novel is for you!

A professor x student romance, they shouldn't be together, but they can not keep away from each other.

This book does end on a cliffhanger is only just the start...

I would 100% recommend this novel!

I can't wait for the next instalment

My two favourite quote lines..

'You are my heart, my stars, my everything. Love your L'
&
'The faster you run, the harder I'll chase. But in the end, you'll always be mine, little star. - L'

[Michelle Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

###review###

Lessons Learned by A. Em

🦂⭐🖤

What did I just read, Little Star? My only words are wow. But first, I need to point out how much I love that this book includes helplines for most countries at the beginning—because mental health matters. This story delves into some dark themes, and that acknowledgment is important.

Now, let's dive into the story. Oh my god, what did I just read, and where do I even begin?

I absolutely loved this book—the twists, the turns, the raw emotion of it all. This book teaches you lessons.

Fraya—her emotions are so raw throughout the book that they sink into your skin. The way she describes every feeling is hauntingly real. Her brokenness makes you break along with her, and all you want is to heal alongside her.

Lucius—let's just say I could use a few lessons from him. His emotions are captured just as raw as Fraya’s, but in a completely different way. The way he is always there to pick up her pieces moved me even more.

The student-professor dynamic added such an interesting layer to the story. It deepened the darkness, the twists, and the sense of forbidden tension. The damage, the mystery, the love—it all wove together so perfectly, holding you in its grip right until that cliffhanger of an ending… and there better be a book two! But even if there isn’t, that dramatic finish still works—just like the rest of the book.

The darkness, the romance, the thriller aspects, the detective work, and the psychological depth took me to places of unhingement, and I was absolutely here for it. The unpredictable nature of the story kept me hooked, making it impossible to take my time reading—I had to devour it.

There are no words to truly describe how incredible this book is.

Now, run along and get to class, Little Star—this book has lessons to teach, and you don’t want to miss them. ⭐

[Marisela · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lessons Learned" by A.eM is about to mess with your emotions in the best possible way.

This ARC had me hooked from the AUTHOR'S NOTE!! Like, who does that?! A.eM, that's who. And she did it damn well.
This book is a dark academia rollercoaster. We're talking spicy scenes that'll make you blush, dark mysteries that'll make you question everything, and twists that'll leave your jaw on the floor. Oh, and you'll probably cry too. I sure did!
The world-building is beautifully crafted, immersing you in a dark and twisted world. The character development is exceptional, even the side characters feel real and complex.

Now the Plot, without giving any spoilers, Let's just say it involves a group of students and professors to at an elite academy, dark secrets, forbidden desires, stalking, and a whole lot of emotional trauma. And then there's that ending. Seriously, A.eM, you can't just leave us hanging like that! I need answers!

These quotes sum up the vibe perfectly:

“That’s the thing about dying; you never appreciate life until it flashes before your eyes. You spend your whole life thinking you aren’t afraid of death. That it doesn’t scare you, but when the light starts to fade, all you want is to live. And sometimes, you just can’t.”

“Oh, Little Star, you have no idea. When the time is right, you will be mine. But time is now, and control is what I don’t have when it comes to precious little toys like you. I will hunt you, stalk you, make you mine, and I know now you are the one who will take my heart. Fuck, Little Star, you will be mine.”

A.eM knows how to write a dark romance that'll punch you in the gut and leave you begging for more. “Lessons Learned” is a masterpiece of emotional manipulation, and I'm here for it. I'm already counting down the days until book two. Just...wow. 😭🔥🖤

[Vikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book that’s going to take you on a rollercoaster of emotions while simultaneously making you question your life choices, "Lessons Learned" by A. eM is your ticket to ride. I mean, let’s be honest—this author has a talent for inflicting delicious pain, and I’m here for it. Bob Marley was right when he said that everyone’s going to hurt you; you just have to find out who’s worth it. Well, A is definitely worth every emotional bruise.

This book has officially dethroned all her previous works as my favorite. The FMC? I felt her struggles deep in my soul—more than I ever wanted to, honestly. And don’t even get me started on the MMC, the broody, sexy-as-sin stalker professor whose intense vibes had me losing it. Their chemistry? Let’s just say it’s dripping hot—like, set-the-page-on-fire hot. I was here for the tension, the longing, and every intense moment that made my bookish anxiety climb.

A. eM loves to layer her stories like an onion (or maybe a lasagna, because I hate onions), and you better be ready to peel back those layers. I found myself rereading sections because I needed to soak in all the complexities. Trust me, you’ll never see the ending coming. A. eM has this knack for shocking you to your core, and honestly, I live for the chaos she brings. It’s like she’s playing emotional chess while I’m just trying to keep up.

And let’s not forget the mist scene—oh my god, that scene. It’s hot, it’s intense, it’s everything I didn’t know I needed. But if you want the juicy details, you’ll have to dive into the book yourself.

In short, "Lessons Learned" is a wild ride of dark romance that’s equal parts painful and exhilarating. A. eM has once again proven that she can make me laugh, cry, and scream all in one sitting. I can’t wait to see what kind of deliciously twisted torture she has in store next. Bring it on!

[Elara ᥫ᭡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
.
Happy release day!! I ate this up so fast today 😭 and it did not disappoint. Might be my favorite professor x student dark romance book i’ve read so far.

What to say? I loved the murder mystery that was going on. I was so intrigued and it kept getting better and better. The plot twist in the end??? The way I gasped oh my god. Also the spicy scenes… lord… 🫣

Cassius is such an iconic character and probably my favorite. His humor is unbeatable. I laughed at 70% of his sentences.

Lucius, give me him 🤭. THE SCORPION PLAY?? THE KNIFE PLAY??? Woah. He is into some stuff… His character kept getting more and more interesting, so many secrets from the past. His nickname for her 🥹

Freya, my baby. I feel so bad for her. She deserves the sky. Every time she did that to herself I wanted to cry. Especially with those girls and her boyfriend. At least good karma got them 🫣.

Book 2 needed asap because what was that ending?? The cliffhanger?? Jaw dropped lower than Stella 🥲

“Oh, hi there,

Who are you?

Long ginger hair, green eyes that spark when they catch the light, a sprinkle of freckles dancing across your cheeks. Tight jeans hugging your curves just right, and a simple white top that does little to hide. You’ve got no idea what you’re doing to me, do you?

So, what brings you here tonight? Just a quiet moment with a book, or maybe you’re hoping to meet someone new?

Oh, you’re shy. I can see it in the way you look away, the way you tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. That’s alright. You don’t have to know me. Not yet.

But I’m going to know everything about you. Every secret, every little habit, every thought that crosses that pretty mind of yours.

And when the time comes, you will be mine, and mine alone.”

[Freya · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The lessons learned, are the ones you don’t repeat. The truths you hide, never stay buried for long.”

Ahhhhhh!!!! That cliffhanger!! What?!? I’m dead.
This author never fails to amaze with her genius.

For my quiet girls…..That statement wrecked me. A lot of us I am sure, needed to hear that. Thank you, A, for your inspiration, your art and the way your soul speaks to ours through your words.

Welcome to Blackthorn Academy of Verity and vision. Founded in 1907. Four houses. Four Towers. Four creatures. 5 chosen ones. Endless monsters. Endless secrets. Murder. Masks..literally and figuratively. Hunting. Games for everyone. Broad range of course to choose from such as Toxicology & Poisons, Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity and The Science of Dreams & Hallucinations, to name a few.

Do you want to play a game? Tic Tac Toe with A & O. Solve the riddle and compete the task. If you fail…well…guess you will find out.

No words can possibly describe how epic this book is. Author is a genius. Every book has supernatural elements that no one really talks about, which is curious.

Every character has secrets.. some deeper and dark than others. Past…Present…Future.

-Dark Academia
-Gothic
-Pretty Little Liars vibes but darker and more sinister
-Masked Men
-Psychological Suspense
-Dark Romance
-Trigger Warnings
-Murder
-🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

This is all I will say about this book without giving anything away. A’s books are an experience and you should definitely go experience every single book!

[Kyla Honey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lessons learned

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


I’m speechless, this book was the best mindf*ck ever. Truly. This entire book was quite the ride, and a ride I didn’t want to get off of. I was stuck in this world with freya and luci and had to know what was gonna happen next.. because trust me something was always gonna happen next 🤭

I love a good stalker romance, and man was this a great one . Lucius did not play when it came to freya and his “𝒲𝒽𝑜 𝒹𝒾𝒹 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓉𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊” moment — chefs kiss 💋🤤

Scorpion play? Who knew this would be something I enjoyed so much. Guilty 😅 but honestly anything he did to freya was TOPNOTCH. The first time he put the gas mask on her I had to SIT UP.. and as readers, you guys know exactly what that means 🥰

okay the plot? Let’s talk about the plot. It was SOOO good I thought I was a detective my damn self . I had so many theories throughout the book. Because the games? Yeah they will have you on the edge of your seat. Tic tac toe with A & O is really such a minfu*k but the best one .

Stella… Stella Stella girl 💔 I was SHOOK. Jaw to the floor. Literally speechless.

cass? I really want more of him & more Luna— okay yall are all crazy & WE LOVE TO SEE THAT🤣 okay well I do at least. 🤷‍♀️ & the every year birthday tradition just proved the craziness was at an all time high🤭🤣

Freyas mom & that lady????

THE ENDING???? Are you kidding me . IM DYING INSIDE.

𝒮𝓉𝓊𝒸𝓀 𝒾𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝑒𝓃𝒹𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝑔𝒶𝓂𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝓁𝑒𝓈𝓈𝑜𝓃𝓈 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓃𝑒𝒹, 𝓂𝓎 𝓂𝑜𝓊𝓉𝒽 𝓈𝒽𝓊𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝒾𝓇𝓈𝓉 𝓇𝑜𝓊𝓃𝒹 𝑜𝒻 𝓈𝑒𝒸𝓇𝑒𝓉𝓈 𝓈𝑒𝒶𝓁𝑒𝒹

Holy shittttttt 👏👏👏

[Mercedes Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this book was everything. Literally everything. The plot was perfect, the writing was beautiful, the imagery they give you through the writing is immaculate, the world building and character building was amazing, perfect structure for the story, and it’s very relatable to people (like me) who’ve gone through some of these things mentioned in this book. That being said please check your trigger warnings because this book can be too triggering in some moments!!

Lucious is a Professor at Blackthorn Academy, Freya is a student at Blackthorn Academy. But that’s not how they first met 😏 Freya was walking home from a bookstore to her Grandma’s house when Lucious spots her. He immediately has this pull to her and starts stalking her from there. We love a good obsessed stalker story 🤭 Next thing he knows, she’s in his class at the Academy which completely throws him off and it’s only the beginning of everything. Pleaseeee read this book, there’s so much more to it. It’s a dark romance, with mystery and suspense, including trying to solve a murder and even MORE. Lessons Learned definitely teaches you many lessons in the hardest and most severe ways. This world is built on secrets and when Freya thinks it’s a good idea to go to Blackthorn Academy, she realizes real quick that the secrets she dealt with growing up, wasn’t the end of it.

[Holly Oglesby · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You fell for my darkness, but I fell for your light. And I won't lose you. I will never lose you.” - Lessons Learned by AeM

This book is 10 stars out of 5 !!! AMAZING!!
Can’t rate this book high enough ! The scene and the vibes are Harry Potter meets pretty little liars !!!!!!!!! Adult version of course! Dark romance with an age gap trope type vibe! And on top of that it’s forbidden professor/student trope as well!
This book had me in a CHOKE HOLD !!!! Everything in a book that I wanted!
The characters pulled you in immediately ! Freya was relatable but not predictable! Things she talked about and experienced you could maybe relate to the topic BUT still mysterious enough to want to know more about her and her story! When Lucius comes into the picture and you find out more about him and his background he’s got an edge to him but somehow start to see how sweet he is!! I love the mix of that!! Especially because he’s still unhinged ! Haha
Then relationships happen with characters! And stories are being told and secrets start coming out!!! I can’t! I want the whole series now on my shelf asap!
You won’t want to miss this series ! Hands down my favorite now! Ugh about to go read it again !
Happy reading ! 😉😜

[Canieshia Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do I have words for this book? I don’t know but I’m going to try!

I absolutely loved all the twists and turns in this book. You think you are starting to link everything together then you get a new piece to the puzzle that throws you off.

Here we follow Freya, she feels like no one has ever chosen her until she learns that she has a place at Blackthorn Academy. They want her she is wanted somewhere! This is the perfect opportunity to discover herself, make friends and most importantly lose the st@lker she has gained….? She doesn’t know how much her grandmas words will ring true.. ʙʟᴀᴄᴋᴛʜᴏʀɴ ᴛᴀᴋᴇs, ɪᴛ ɴᴇᴠᴇʀ ɢɪᴠᴇs.

Insert Lucius, our mysterious broody professor, he has secrets that could break Freya but she is already in his sight and he will never let go.

I’m sorry what was that ending??? Like whatttt

Favorite quotes

“The faster you run, the harder I’ll chase. But in the end, you’ll always be mine, Little Star.”

Learning how to leave when no one ever asked me to stay felt like proof that I was never meant to belong in the first place.

Not all cages are made of steel. The strongest ones are built from fear, and the key is knowing you’ll never truly be free.

🖤⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🖤🌶️🌶️🌶️

Tropes
Masked St@lker
Age gap (18/28)
Teacher x Student
Taboo
Dark Academia
Thriller

[Natalie’s_world_in_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly amazing page turner.

Struggling to find the words because no matter what I say it won’t do this book justice.
This book is fantastic.
I can’t even begin to explain.
I can relate to some of the characters.
How they felt. Got me all emotional.
The characters are fantastic! They’re all so brilliant in their own way! Love so many different things about them.
There’s so many really good one liners in this book. Some had me in deep thought and others had me laughing.
A’s words are phenomenal.
Thank you soo much for writing such raw emotions! I felt every single one! Brilliant characters. The plot, the twists and turns.
You’re amazing!!!
This book will definitely be going on my shelf!!

Lessons Learned will keep you guessing!
It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat! Just when you think you know, wrong!! Try again!

If you love a dark romantic psychological thriller then this book is for you!

🖤stalker
🖤professor- student
🖤age gap
🖤gothic
🖤forbidden
🖤hates everyone but you
🖤masked 
🖤secret dating
🖤grumpy x sunshine
🖤he falls first
🖤one bed, 
🖤forced proximity 

“I guess when you have no words, all you can do is scream.”

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

5✨✨✨✨✨
2/5🌶️🌶️

“𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰 𝘴𝘵𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴.
𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥.”

𝙒𝙊𝙊𝙊𝙒 honestly I don’t even know where to begin🫣 This book had some Harry Potter vibes, Pretty Little Liars vibes and YOU vibes!!! this book started off a little slow for me in the beginning but once Freya arrived at Blackthorn Academy that’s when I got sucked in!!

“𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭?”

Freya!!! I LOVED Freya! So many times I just wanted to reach in and hug her😭 for so long she dealt with trauma growing up but even with everything she went through she still had such a kind soul and honestly she just needed someone to really show her that she matters!

“𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑛 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑, 𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑦𝑎 𝑆𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑖𝑟𝑒.”
“𝐴𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑛𝑠? 𝑁𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 ℎ𝑜𝑤 ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑑 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑡, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑦 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢.”

Lucious I’m still unsure of you. You have my mind so confused and I’m still trying to figure you out! Are you really trying to be better? Or are you still playing a sick game?🤔 I feel like I have faith in you but I guess we will find out in book 2!!

𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛?
𝙲𝚞𝚝𝚎,
𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐.

[Dayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot dayum, this book has my jaw on the damn floor.


From start to finish I couldn’t read this book fast enough.

Freya (FMC) is so broken, Lucius (MMC) quickly becomes obsessed with her after spotting her in a book store, he will do whatever it takes to have her. Freya has been invited to Blackthorn and she goes, even with her grandmothers warnings, when she arrives both her and Lucius are in for a surprise as he’s now her professor and she’s his student. They shouldn’t be together but they can’t stay away. Yet, there is something more sinister lurking in the halls of Blackthorn, a nasty game is afoot and everyone has no choice but to play or pay. Will their love survive the game or will they be just another lesson learned? The way our MMC is obsessed with our FMC is so fucking good.

The world of blackthorn is nicely written and it’s very immersive. The characters are riveting and keep you hanging on every word. I highly suggest checking your triggers before reading this book as it is extremely dark. I would recommend this book to anyone who is familiar with this genre and knows their limits.

That ending, Jesus lord, did you have to do us like that with the ending? I’ll just be here waiting for book two

[Crystal Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to A. eM she knows how to write a book that will have you thinking you know what is going to happen and then something completely twist and turns and you have no clue all over again. This is a dark romance/psychological thriller and it was written so well.

The book is set at Blackburn Academy where Freya after learning she had a place reserved there for her. She thinks it will be a good place to start over and possibly escape her stalker. But she was so wrong and will soon realize he is one of her professors.

Lucius..you want to hate him, but I couldn’t. Yes he is a stalker and has some major issues, but his emotions were so raw and open. He was obsessed with Freya and would do anything to have her and take care of her.

The book bounced back and forth between present and the past, but it was not confusing and easy to shift between the two. It was written beautifully. And the spice…so good!

And that ending…I did not see that coming and the cliffhanger…WOW.

As always, check triggers, just in case.

5⭐️
3🌶️

[Shelbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I need to sit in a dark room and just... process everything I just read.

This book took me there—into the depths of obsession, desire, and the kind of love that shouldn’t exist but thrives in the shadows anyway. The gothic atmosphere wrapped around me like a fog, thick with secrets and tension, making it impossible to look away. Every moment between them felt like walking a knife’s edge—dangerous, forbidden, yet so intoxicating I didn’t want it to stop.

The masked stalker? Chillingly possessive in a way that had me questioning my own morals. The professor-student dynamic? So wrong yet so addictive. And that scorpion scene? Let’s just say it’s burned into my mind forever.

This isn’t just a dark romance—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of book that lingers, making you crave more even when you know you shouldn’t. If you love morally gray, dangerously obsessed heroes, forbidden tension that makes your heart race, and a gothic setting that pulls you under, read this immediately.

[Kate’s Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

In true A.eM style this book had it ALL! Forbidden Lust/Romance, (Student, Professor 🤭) Hidden identity/masked man, stalking, Very spicy scenes (frequently 🥵) - chases through the woods 😉 naughty scenes in the library 😏 A gothic setting with dark themes. Twists and turns you absolutely don’t see coming!! With characters that are truly unforgettable.
- Beautiful Naive freya Starts at blackthorn academy hoping to get answers to some unresolved questions and hopefully find someone to love her the way she’s always wanted she gets more than she’s looking for when she falls into the hands of Lucius Lockwood her new grumpy professor with hidden secrets of his own…. but they have met before 🤭
If you want a book that will have your head turning in every direction, keep you gripped all the way through and have you hot and steamy at the same time this is the book for you!!!

Although THAT ENDING!! 🤯🤯 A.eM we’re having words I NEED book 2 Immediately!!! 👀

Make sure you read the triggers this is a dark romance for a reason!!

[Katherine M · Rating 5 out of 5]

What. The. F¥ck. That’s all. The end.


J/k…. But seriously? I was not expecting that. And I didn’t know this was a cliffhanger so now I’m like “omg give me the next book asap.” This was my first book by this author and I’m hooked. I thought it was just a dark gothic academia with a little suspense. But, oh no, it starts like that, then turns into a psychological thriller which ends in a big mindfu€k.

I’m trying to think how to describe this without giving anything away. The basics? Freya moves from New York all the way to Scotland. Her grandmother lives there and she moves in with her and soon finds out she is accepted into Blackthorn Academy. But things aren’t what they seem, she has a stalker, and bad things start happening. Hm…. That’s all I’ll say so it will be more fun when you read this.

There were so many times where I thought it would end a certain way, but then the author would throw something else at you, change the storyline you thought was happening, plot twist, etc. Basically, this kept me on my toes and just when you think you got answers……surprise, you didn’t. This was really good!

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a crazy ride, and I loved every minute of it. I was trying to figure out what was going on the entire time, and it was so much fun. I loved the world building and character development. It was so easy to picture everything and there was a lot of detail.

There are so many twists and turns, I couldn't keep up. My theories kept changing and it really felt like I was in this game with them. I was even scared at one point. It was such a good time.

The stalker romance was divine. I want to trust Lucius because I do really like him but man, he's so crazy I just don't know if I can. A few of their spicy scenes had me drooling lol. The student/professor trope was hitting hard.

I also love the side characters. I would love to get more of them. Especially Cassius, that man had me shook. I need to understand him lol. Overall, this book was a blast to read, and I can't wait for more!

[Danielle Damron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Just wow!! From page one, I was hooked! This is such a good read! The plot, the characters, backstories, storyline.. every single part of this book was perfection! One of my top 3 reads of 2025 so far! The ending was its own rollercoaster and I was not ready to get off of the ride. Slight cliffhanger, and I am at the edge of my seat waiting for the next book in the series. A. eM, thank you for this masterpiece 🫶🏼

Lucius is a top tier MMC! He is the perfect mixture of protective and sweet. How he treats Freya 🥹 Obsessed with him!!

Some of my favorite quotes from the book:

“I’ve been chasing you, Little Star. Let me be the one to catch you.”

“I was his star, and I finally understood it. Stars shine brighter when in love.”

“You fell for my darkness, but I fell for your light. And I won’t lose you. I will never lose you.”